Space Nuts: Exploring the Cosmos

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community!

    Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Copyright bitesz.com
    Show More Show Less
Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
Show More Show Less
Episodes
  • Big Bang Theories & Andromeda Collisions: #500 - Your Questions Answered in Our Milestone Episode

    Big Bang Theories & Andromeda Collisions: #500 - Your Questions Answered in Our Milestone Episode
    Mar 3 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 500: Celebrating 500 Episodes with a Q&A Extravaganza
    Join Andrew Dunkley, Professor Jonti Horner, and Professor Fred Watson in this monumental 500th episode of Space Nuts! In a special Q&A format, the team tackles a range of audience questions that span the cosmos, including the mysteries of the Big Bang, the impending collision of Andromeda with the Milky Way, and the fascinating phenomenon of cold welding in space. With humor and insight, they reflect on the journey of the podcast and share their thoughts on exciting upcoming missions that could redefine our understanding of the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Big Bang and the Universe: A listener's question about whether the Big Bang occurred in an already existing universe sparks a deep discussion about time, space, and the nature of our cosmos. Andrew, Jonti, and Fred explore the complexities of cosmological theories and the philosophical implications behind them.
    - Andromeda's Approach: The team dives into the future collision between the Andromeda galaxy and the Milky Way, discussing how gravitational forces will start to influence each galaxy long before they physically collide. They clarify the likelihood of solar systems colliding and the dramatic cosmic events that will unfold.
    - Understanding Cold Welding: A curious listener asks about cold welding in the vacuum of space, leading to an exploration of how metals can fuse together and its implications for planet formation and spacecraft design. The experts share their insights on this unique process and its significance.
    - Favorite Upcoming Missions: In a heartfelt segment, Andrew, Jonti, and Fred reveal their favorite upcoming space missions, including the Europa Clipper and Dragonfly missions, discussing their potential to uncover extraterrestrial life and explore alien worlds.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
    00:00 - Introduction and celebration of 500 episodes
    02:15 - Discussion on the Big Bang and existing universes
    10:30 - Insights into the Andromeda-Milky Way collision
    18:00 - Cold welding in space and its implications
    26:45 - Exciting upcoming missions in space exploration
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and appreciation for listeners
    ✍️ Episode References
    Understanding the Big Bang Theory
    https://www.nasa.gov/bigbang
    Andromeda and Milky Way Collision Studies
    https://www.space.com/andromeda-milky-way-collision
    Cold Welding in Space
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013468618301234

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Asteroids, Alien Signals & Icy Moons: #499 - Unpacking the Latest in Cosmic Discoveries

    Asteroids, Alien Signals & Icy Moons: #499 - Unpacking the Latest in Cosmic Discoveries
    Feb 27 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 499: Asteroid Updates, Life in the Cosmos, and SpaceX Mishaps
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this exciting episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest developments in asteroid research, the ongoing quest for extraterrestrial life, and some recent SpaceX controversies. From the fate of asteroid 2024 YR4 to the intriguing possibilities of subsurface oceans on icy moons, this episode is packed with information that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: Andrew and Jonti discuss the latest findings regarding asteroid 2024 YR4, which was initially deemed a potential threat. They clarify the current low probability of impact and explore the implications for both Earth and the Moon, including what would happen if it were to collide with the lunar surface.
    - Are We Alone in the Universe? The duo tackles the age-old question of extraterrestrial life, discussing new data and the challenges scientists face in searching for evidence of life beyond Earth. They consider the likelihood of finding simple versus complex life forms in the cosmos and the significance of ongoing missions aimed at detecting signs of life within our solar system.
    - SpaceX's Recent Challenges: The conversation shifts to SpaceX, where Andrew and Jonti analyze the recent mishaps involving their rockets, including uncontrolled reentries and debris falling over populated areas. They discuss the implications of these events for space safety and the future of space exploration.
    - Callisto's Hidden Ocean: The episode concludes with an exciting revelation about Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons, which may harbor a subsurface ocean. Jonti explains how new analysis techniques have strengthened the case for liquid water beneath its icy surface, further expanding the possibilities for life in our solar system.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
    00:00 - Introduction and asteroid update
    02:15 - Current status of asteroid 2024 YR4
    10:30 - Discussion on extraterrestrial life
    18:00 - SpaceX mishaps and debris concerns
    26:45 - Callisto's potential subsurface ocean
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    Asteroid Impact Probability Analysis
    https://www.nasa.gov/asteroid-impact
    SETI Research and Extraterrestrial Life
    https://www.seti.org/
    Callisto's Subsurface Ocean Study
    https://www.universetoday.com/callisto-ocean

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Black Holes, Light Speed & Oceanic Exoplanets: #498 - Diving Deep into Your Space Queries

    Black Holes, Light Speed & Oceanic Exoplanets: #498 - Diving Deep into Your Space Queries
    Feb 24 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Incogni. If online privacy matters to you, then you need Incogni. To take advantage of our special 60% off special offer for the Space Nuts family, simply visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts
    Space Nuts Episode 498: Reflections in Space, Holographic Theories, and Liquid Planets
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle some of the most thought-provoking questions from our listeners. From the possibility of seeing our own reflection in space to the intriguing theory of a holographic universe, and the concept of entirely liquid exoplanets, this episode is packed with fascinating insights that will expand your understanding of the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Seeing Our Reflection in Space: Tony's question sparks a discussion on the challenges of capturing a reflected image of the Milky Way galaxy. Jonti explains the complexities of gravitational lensing and how light behaves in the presence of massive objects, revealing why a clear reflection is beyond reach.
    - The Holographic Universe: Charles asks about the theory that suggests we might live in a holographic universe. Andrew and Jonti delve into the philosophical implications of this theory, touching on string theory and the nature of reality, while pondering the boundaries between science and philosophy.
    - Black Holes and Light: David's inquiry leads to an exploration of light's behavior around black holes. The duo discusses whether a black hole can accelerate light beyond its speed, clarifying the fundamental principles of light speed and gravitational effects.
    - Liquid Exoplanets: Duncan raises the intriguing possibility of an entirely liquid exoplanet. Jonti shares insights into the conditions necessary for such a planet to exist, the role of atmospheric pressure, and how it relates to the formation of planets in our universe.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
    00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topics
    02:15 - Discussion on seeing our reflection in space
    10:30 - Exploring the holographic universe theory
    18:00 - Insights into black holes and light behavior
    26:45 - The concept of entirely liquid exoplanets
    30:00 - Closing thoughts
    ✍️ Episode References
    Gravitational Lensing Explained
    https://www.space.com/gravitational-lensing
    Holographic Universe Theory
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370157317303410
    Liquid Exoplanets Research
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-020-1170-5

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins

What listeners say about Space Nuts: Exploring the Cosmos

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available