20 MAR 2025 · Space Nuts Episode #505-506: Alien Objects, Barnard's Star Planets, and Mars Missions
Join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson in this exciting episode of Space Nuts as they explore recent developments in the cosmos. From the intriguing tale of an alien object that turned out to be less extraterrestrial than initially thought, to the discovery of new planets orbiting Barnard's Star, and the ambitious plans for Mars missions, this episode is packed with fascinating discussions that will expand your understanding of the universe.
Episode Highlights:
- Alien Object Mystery: The episode kicks off with a look back at a mysterious object that entered Earth's atmosphere years ago, initially thought to be of alien origin. Andrew and Fred discuss new findings that suggest it might have been misidentified due to a seismic event caused by a truck instead of an interstellar traveler.
- Planets Around Barnard's Star: The duo dives into the confirmation of four new planets discovered orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest star to our solar system. They discuss the significance of these findings and what they mean for our understanding of exoplanets.
- Elon Musk's Mars Ambitions: The conversation shifts to Elon Musk's plans for Mars colonization, including the timeline for robotic missions and the development of the humanoid robot, Optimus, to assist in future endeavors.
- Sphere X Telescope Launch: Andrew shares updates on the newly launched Sphere X telescope, which aims to map the universe and provide insights into the early stages of cosmic inflation.
- Listener Questions: The episode wraps up with a Q&A segment where Andrew and Fred tackle listener questions about black holes, the TRAPPIST system, and the dynamics of star collisions.
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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) Andrew Dunkley: Coming up on space nuts is astronomer Fred Watson
(01:41) Heidi Campo takes over hosting duties because Fred is going away
(03:10) Fred Skeets: Two recent stories suggest extraterrestrials may have landed
(10:22) Fred: How did they mix up a truck with an incoming signal
(13:04) Scientists have thought for some time that there's planets orbiting a certain star
(18:43) Elon Musk, SpaceX founder, headed Ah, for Mars
(19:37) SpaceX Starship 8 had mixed success with its first launch
(21:26) Elon Musk wants to send a starship to Mars by 2026
(29:18) Sphere X telescope is now up and running or ready to get off planet
(30:57) Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson discussing Sphere X project
(33:12) Doug Stone: I had a question about Bill Anders from Boise, Idaho
(37:23) Question comes from somebody who didn't tell us their name
(38:56) Could anything entering a black hole be accelerated beyond the speed of light
(41:17) Some solar systems do not contain gas or ice giants
(44:50) Is there any limit to how many planets a solar system can form
(47:44) Do everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
(52:32) Mark Rabelais has a question about the early universe
(59:10) New research suggests distant galaxies have a preferred direction of rotation
(01:00:49) Andrew Dunkley: Thank you to everybody who sent in questions