Space Nuts: Exploring the Cosmos

• Black Holes, Cosmic Questions & TRAPPIST Tales

  This episode is brought to you with the help of NORDVPN. To get your special Space Nuts discount and help support the show, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and Cosmic FluctuationsIn this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of listener questions that delve deep into the mysteries of the universe. From the nature of black holes and their gravitational effects to the intriguing dynamics of the TRAPPIST system, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and cosmic insights that will keep you captivated.Episode Highlights:- Black Hole Mysteries: Andrew and Fred explore whether objects entering a black hole, such as electrons or grains of sand, can be accelerated beyond the speed of light. They clarify the laws of physics that remain intact even within the event horizon and the implications of mass changes.- TRAPPIST System Insights: The duo discusses the absence of gas giants in the TRAPPIST system and the possible reasons behind this phenomenon, including the formation processes and the potential for undiscovered planets.- Star Collisions: Lloyd from Cairns asks whether everyday stars like our sun ever collide, leading to a discussion about the rarity of such events compared to black hole and neutron star collisions, especially during galaxy mergers.- Early Universe Fluctuations: Mark from Louisiana poses a thoughtful question about the energy density fluctuations observed in the WMAP image of the early universe, prompting a conversation about quantum fluctuations and their role in cosmic structure formation.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/aboutStay 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) This is a Q and A edition where we answer audience questions(01:02) Doug Stone: I had a question about Earthrise from last year(05:14) Question comes from somebody who didn't tell us their name(06:32) Picking the voice is picking it. Yes. It's picking it(06:46) Could anything entering a black hole be accelerated beyond the speed of light(09:05) Some solar systems do not contain gas or ice giants, says Dave(12:40) Is there any limit to how many planets a solar system can form(15:46) Do everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create(20:30) Mark Rabelais has a question about fluctuations in the early universe(27:08) New research suggests distant galaxies have a preferred direction of rotation(28:47) Andrew Dunkley: Thank you to everybody who sent, uh, in questionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.

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• Alien Objects, Seismic Signals & Mars Missions: Investigating Cosmic Curiosities

  This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...and as Andrew says in this episode...the best in the business. To get our special Space Nuts savings, visit www.nordvpn.spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 504: Alien Objects, Exoplanets, and Mars MissionsIn this episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by astronomer Fred Watson and special guest Heidi Campo as they dive into the latest cosmic discoveries and ambitious space missions. From the intriguing tale of an alien object that may not be so alien after all to the confirmation of planets orbiting Barnard's Star, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and lively discussions that will pique your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Alien Object Mystery: Andrew and Fred explore the story of an object that entered Earth's atmosphere, initially thought to be extraterrestrial, but later revealed to have a more terrestrial explanation involving a truck's seismic signal. The duo discusses the implications of this finding and the ongoing investigation led by Professor Avi Loeb.- Discovery of Exoplanets: The conversation shifts to the confirmation of four sub-Earth-sized planets orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest star system to us. Andrew and Fred discuss the challenges of observing these planets and what their discovery means for the search for extraterrestrial life.- Elon Musk and Mars Missions: The episode wraps up with an update on Elon Musk's ambitious plans for Mars colonization, including a timeline for robotic missions and the development of the humanoid robot, Optimus. Andrew and Fred discuss the feasibility of these plans and the technological advancements needed to make them a reality.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/aboutStay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction and welcome(01:30) Discussion on the alien object and its true nature(10:15) Confirmation of planets around Barnard's Star(20:45) Elon Musk's plans for Mars colonization(30:00) Closing thoughts and listener engagementBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.

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• Nebulae and Time - Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: #504

  In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson tackle intriguing questions from listeners about bright nebulae, the nature of light, and the mysteries of time. They discuss whether one could see the vibrant colors of nebulae from within, delve into the implications of two arrows of time emerging from quantum systems, and explore the feasibility of life on moons orbiting brown dwarf stars. Join us for a fascinating journey through the cosmos as we unravel these cosmic queries!Chapters:(00:00) This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts(01:34) Dan from the Gold Coast asks about color effects of telescopes in nebula(06:28) Stan Vanning: Which nebula is the brightest and most colorful(09:38) New study suggests opposing arrows of time can theoretically emerge from certain quantum systems(15:59) Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson discuss the arrows of time(16:30) Andrew and Fred answer a question from Rusty in Donnybrook(16:51) If moon was orbiting the sun without the Earth, they'd be stable(18:57) Is the sun moon Lagrange point a good place for a habitat(23:32) Martin Berman Gorvine has a question about brown dwarf stars(26:49) Could Earth sized moon orbiting brown dwarf star sustain life as we know itFor more Space Nuts, visit www.spacenutspodcast.comTo help support the Space Nuts and get rid of the commercials, vist www.spacenutspodcast.com/aboutBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.

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• Dark Matter Stars, Ancient Craters & Lunar Missions: #503 - Unpacking the Latest Discoveries in Space

  Space Nuts Episode 503: Dark Matter Stars, Australia's Oldest Impact Crater, and Mission UpdatesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore the latest discoveries and updates from the cosmos. From the intriguing possibility of dark matter stars to the revelation of the oldest impact crater on Earth, this episode is filled with exciting insights and engaging discussions that will spark your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Dark Matter Stars: The episode kicks off with a discussion about the potential discovery of dark matter stars by the James Webb Space Telescope. Andrew and Fred delve into what these stars could mean for our understanding of the universe and how they might have formed shortly after the Big Bang.- Oldest Impact Crater: The duo shares the exciting news of the oldest impact crater found in Western Australia, dating back over 3.5 billion years. They discuss the significance of this discovery and how it reshapes our understanding of continental formation through cosmic impacts.- Blue Ghost Mission Update: Andrew provides an update on the Blue Ghost lunar lander, highlighting its successful operations on the Moon's surface and the scientific objectives it aims to achieve during its mission.- Athena Mission Challenges: The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by the Athena mission, which unfortunately has been declared a failure after its lander tipped over on the lunar surface, preventing it from completing its objectives.- Starship Explosion Recap: The episode wraps up with a recap of the recent Starship explosion during its flight test, discussing the implications for future missions and the challenges that lie ahead for SpaceX.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/aboutStay 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 dark matter stars02:15 - Discussion on the oldest impact crater10:30 - Blue Ghost mission update18:00 - Athena mission challenges26:45 - Starship explosion recap30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement✍️ Episode ReferencesJames Webb Space Telescope Discoverieshttps://www.nasa.gov/webbOldest Impact Crater Researchhttps://www.theconversation.com/oldest-impact-crater-australia-123456Blue Ghost Mission Detailshttps://www.firefly.com/blueghostStarship Updateshttps://www.spacex.com/starshipBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.

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• Quantum Light, Expanding Universes & Black Hole Mysteries: #502 - Answering Your Most Intriguing Questions

  Space Nuts Episode 502: Q&A on Black Holes, Cosmic Temperatures, and Starshot MissionsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the mysteries of black holes to the minimum temperature of space and the ambitious Starshot mission, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and lively discussions.Episode Highlights:- Black Hole Plasma Beams: Listener James from New Orleans sparks a fascinating discussion about plasma beams emanating from the M87 black hole and the recycling of matter in the universe. Andrew and Fred explore the implications of cooling plasma and its potential to change states.- Minimum Temperature of Space: Buddy from Morgan raises a thought-provoking question about whether the minimum temperature of space will continue to drop as the universe expands. The duo dives into cosmic background radiation and its effects on the elements in the universe.- Light and Gas Pressure: Jacob from Western Australia asks whether gas pressure can affect light. Andrew and Fred clarify the relationship between light, pressure, and the fascinating phenomenon of light refraction.- Starshot Mission Hypotheticals: Ash from Brisbane presents a mind-bending hypothetical about launching a micro spacecraft to Alpha Centauri at a right angle to the galactic plane. The team calculates the time it would take to observe our galaxy from the outside, revealing the vastness of space travel.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/aboutStay 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 audience questions02:15 - Discussion on black hole plasma beams10:30 - Minimum temperature of space and its implications18:00 - Light behavior under gas pressure26:45 - Starshot mission hypothetical and calculations30:00 - Listener Ash engagement and closing thoughts✍️ Episode ReferencesHubble Telescope Observations of M87https://www.nasa.gov/hubbleCosmic Background Radiation Studieshttps://www.nasa.gov/cosmic-background-radiationStarshot Mission Overviewhttps://www.breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiatives/starshotBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.

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