Space Nuts

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • Summary

  • Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.

    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--2631155/support.
    Copyright bitesz.com
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Astronomy Nature & Ecology Science
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Episodes
  • Megastructures, Exoplanet Myths & Satellite Showers: #495 - The Quipu Conundrum and More

    Megastructures, Exoplanet Myths & Satellite Showers: #495 - The Quipu Conundrum and More
    Feb 14 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 495: The Megastructure Quipu, Exoplanet Myths, and SpaceX Satellites
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the cosmos' latest discoveries and debunk popular misconceptions. From the astonishing natural megastructure known as Quipu to the reality behind potentially habitable exoplanets, and the implications of SpaceX satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere, this episode is packed with fascinating insights that will expand your understanding of our universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Discovery of Quipu: Andrew and Jonti discuss the recently discovered megastructure, Quipu, which is a colossal natural formation in the universe. They delve into its size, significance, and the implications it has for our understanding of cosmic structures.
    - Exoplanet Misconceptions: Jonti shares his frustrations regarding the overselling of exoplanet discoveries and the potential for life. They dissect the media's portrayal of newly found planets and emphasize the complexities involved in determining habitability.
    - Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: The duo provides an update on the asteroid's trajectory and the fluctuating odds of it impacting Earth. They explain how ongoing observations refine our understanding of its orbit and potential risks.
    - SpaceX Satellites and Atmospheric Concerns: Andrew and Jonti examine the increasing number of SpaceX satellites re-entering the atmosphere and the environmental implications of this phenomenon. They discuss the balance between technological advancements and potential ecological impacts.
    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, 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 the discovery of Quipu and its implications
    10:30 - Debunking myths around exoplanets and habitability
    18:00 - Update on asteroid 2024 YR4 and its potential impact
    26:45 - The environmental impact of SpaceX satellites re-entering
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    Quipu Discovery Article
    https://www.astronomy.com/news
    Exoplanet Research
    https://www.nasa.gov/exoplanets
    SpaceX Satellite Updates
    https://www.spacex.com/launches/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    44 mins
  • Cosmic Queries, Jovian Mysteries & Martian Quakes: #494 - The Great Space Q&A

    Cosmic Queries, Jovian Mysteries & Martian Quakes: #494 - The Great Space Q&A
    Feb 10 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 494: Radiation Around Jupiter, Light Refraction, and Brown Dwarfs
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from our listeners. From the complexities of radiation surrounding Jupiter to the effects of light refraction in space, and the mysteries of brown dwarfs, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your understanding of the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Radiation Around Jupiter: Fenton from Minnesota dives deep into the types of radiation emitted by Jupiter and the charged particles from its volcanic moon Io. Jonti explains the implications for spacecraft navigating this hazardous environment and how these particles interact with Jupiter's magnetic field.
    - Light Refraction and Redshift: Kerry from Mount Gambier wonders about the impact of gas clouds on light refraction and redshift. Jonti clarifies how light behaves when passing through these clouds and reassures listeners that the redshift measurements remain largely unaffected.
    - Brown Dwarfs and Binary Systems: Nigel from Brisbane asks whether binary brown dwarfs are destined to collide. Jonti discusses the dynamics of binary systems and the various factors that could lead to such an event, while also exploring the potential for merging to create a star.
    - Marsquakes and Planetary Structure: Buddy poses a fascinating question about the origins of marsquakes and whether Mars could eventually break apart. Jonti unpacks the geological processes at play on Mars and the role of Jupiter in shaping the asteroid belt.
    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 radiation around Jupiter and its implications
    10:30 - Light refraction and its impact on redshift
    18:00 - Insights into binary brown dwarfs and potential collisions
    26:45 - Marsquakes and the internal structure of Mars
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    Jupiter's Magnetosphere
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetosphere_of_Jupiter
    Marsquakes Research
    https://mars.nasa.gov/marsquake/
    Brown Dwarfs and Binary Systems
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_dwarf

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    35 mins
  • Asteroid Alerts, Cosmic Rocks & Life's Building Blocks: #493 - The Great Space Rock Roundup

    Asteroid Alerts, Cosmic Rocks & Life's Building Blocks: #493 - The Great Space Rock Roundup
    Feb 7 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...a must for when online privacy matters. Check out our great New Years deal by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    Space Nuts Episode 493: Asteroids, Cosmic Debris, and the Origins of Life
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this action-packed episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the fascinating world of asteroids and their implications for life on Earth. From the potential threat of asteroid 2024 YR4 to the surprising discovery of a Tesla Roadster masquerading as a space rock, this episode is filled with intriguing stories and scientific insights that will captivate your imagination.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Asteroid 2024 YR4: Discover the latest findings on asteroid 2024 YR4, which could come perilously close to Earth in 2032. Jonti explains the ongoing observations and calculations that are helping astronomers refine its orbit and assess the potential threat it poses.
    - Not an Asteroid: A new discovery reveals that a supposed asteroid was actually Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster launched into space. Andrew and Jonti discuss the implications of misidentifying space debris and the need for better tracking of objects in our solar system.
    - Osiris Rex Mission Insights: Learn about the groundbreaking results from NASA's Osiris Rex mission, which brought back samples from the asteroid Bennu. The findings suggest that asteroids like Bennu could have delivered essential building blocks for life on Earth, including amino acids and nucleobases.
    - Solar System Dynamics: Jonti discusses a new study exploring how a rogue planet may have disrupted the orbits of our solar system's planets, providing insight into the unique characteristics of our planetary system compared to others.
    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 asteroid 2024 YR4 and its potential threat
    10:30 - The Tesla Roadster misidentified as an asteroid
    18:00 - Insights from the Osiris Rex mission and its findings
    26:45 - Richie planets and solar system dynamics
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA's Osiris Rex Mission
    https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex
    Asteroid 2024 YR4 Tracking
    https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/
    Tesla Roadster in Space
    https://www.space.com/tesla-roadster-asteroid
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    45 mins

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