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- 5 million downloads and counting - 90+% Five Star Reviews - Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley - 660 Episodes and counting -...
mostra di più- 5 million downloads and counting
- 90+% Five Star Reviews
- Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley
- 660 Episodes and counting
- Very active (and friendly) listener community
- Advertising Free options available.
Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries
Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries
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28 SET 2026 · Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN.. To check out special money saving deal, visit https://www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Space Nuts: Q&A on Radial Velocity, Dark Matter, and Angular Momentum
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions, ranging from the complexities of radial velocity in exoplanet detection to the mysteries of dark matter and angular momentum in black holes. Join them as they explore these cosmic conundrums with their characteristic wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Hussein from Yemen asks about the radial velocity method for detecting exoplanets, prompting a discussion on how astronomers can isolate individual planets from the combined gravitational effects of multiple bodies.
- Martin from Maryland raises a thought-provoking question on the potential to harness dark energy for space flight, leading to an exploration of the feasibility of accelerating spacecraft to near-light speeds.
- Peter from Sweden inquires about the angular momentum of matter falling into black holes, sparking a conversation on whether this matter retains its momentum or needs to shed some energy before crossing the event horizon.
- Andrew and Fred Watson also touch on the ongoing search for Planet Nine and the importance of surveying exoplanets for understanding the universe's structure and potential for life beyond Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener questions
01:20 - Hussein's question about radial velocity and exoplanets
10:30 - Martin's inquiry on harnessing dark energy for space travel
18:45 - Peter's question about angular momentum and black holes
26:00 - Discussion on the significance of ongoing exoplanet surveys
32:15 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
27 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on Radial Velocity, Dark Matter, and Angular Momentum
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions, ranging from the complexities of radial velocity in exoplanet detection to the mysteries of dark matter and angular momentum in black holes. Join them as they explore these cosmic conundrums with their characteristic wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Hussein from Yemen asks about the radial velocity method for detecting exoplanets, prompting a discussion on how astronomers can isolate individual planets from the combined gravitational effects of multiple bodies.
- Martin from Maryland raises a thought-provoking question on the potential to harness dark energy for space flight, leading to an exploration of the feasibility of accelerating spacecraft to near-light speeds.
- Peter from Sweden inquires about the angular momentum of matter falling into black holes, sparking a conversation on whether this matter retains its momentum or needs to shed some energy before crossing the event horizon.
- Andrew and Fred Watson also touch on the ongoing search for Planet Nine and the importance of surveying exoplanets for understanding the universe's structure and potential for life beyond Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener questions
01:20 - Hussein's question about radial velocity and exoplanets
10:30 - Martin's inquiry on harnessing dark energy for space travel
18:45 - Peter's question about angular momentum and black holes
26:00 - Discussion on the significance of ongoing exoplanet surveys
32:15 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Trascritto
24 SET 2026 · Perseverance drove to the edge of an ancient Martian lake expecting a beach and found the inside of a volcano — rock that water has been through at least three separate times. Europe's Jupiter probe comes home on Monday night and crosses Australia in a fully dark sky. Two teams, using two completely different techniques, both find something hiding inside the most famous planetary system we have ever photographed — and an Australian instrument is in the middle of one of them. Plus: heavy water in an interstellar comet, and what it says about the star that made it. In this episode · LEAD — Three floods at the crater's edge. Candice Bedford (Purdue) and colleagues publish in Communications Earth & Environment: the Margin Unit at Jezero is igneous, not sedimentary, and records at least three distinct episodes of water — CO₂-rich groundwater making carbonate ridges, then silica associated with the lake, then a later hot-water event leaving fluorite veins. Habitability context, not a biosignature. · Juice returns. ESA confirms the third Earth gravity assist for 28 September — closest approach 11:45 UTC over the Indian Ocean, bending the trajectory ~20° and adding ~3.5 km/s. The spacecraft crosses Australia north-east to north-west 15–30 minutes earlier, in full darkness. · HR 8799. Two preprints in two weeks point at a fifth, inner planet — one from archival JWST aperture-masking data (~7 au, a few Jupiter masses), one from Gaia astrometry (2–3 au, 10–14 Jupiter masses). They do not obviously describe the same object. Neither is peer-reviewed. · 3I/ATLAS. A modelling paper explains the high deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio measured in March as consistent with formation around a low-metallicity — meaning old — star. · Quick hit: Starship Flight 14 still targeting 28 September; Crew-13 still 'no earlier than early October' on NASA's own page; Albania signs the Artemis Accords as the 73rd country. · Skywatch: the equinox as an instant rather than a date, the Juice pass over Australia, Venus and Mercury for the south, Mars and Jupiter before dawn for the north, and Saturn heading into opposition. Sources and further reading · Bedford, C. C. et al., 'Lake- and groundwater-associated alteration of the olivine-rich Margin unit in Jezero crater, Mars', Communications Earth & Environment (2026). DOI 10.1038/s43247-026-03997-9 · NASA/JPL, 'NASA Discovery Reveals Complex Water Systems on Early Mars', 21 September 2026. · ESA, 'Juice to fly past Earth for third gravity assist', 21 September 2026. · Nguyen, J. S. et al., 'A Candidate Innermost Fifth Planet In the HR 8799 System Revealed By JWST NIRISS Aperture Masking Interferometry', arXiv:2609.10507. · Lagrange, A.-M. et al., 'A fifth companion in the HR 8799 system revealed by Gaia', arXiv:2609.20996 (submitted to Nature Astronomy). · Furuya, K., Cordiner, M., Bockelée-Morvan, D. et al., arXiv:2609.12370. · NASA OIIR, 'NASA Welcomes Albania as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory', 21 September 2026. Skywatch figures computed in-session with PyEphem 4.2.1 for Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and London. Times are local unless marked UTC. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
23 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Water on Mars, Moon Water Limits, and Hunting for Ocean Worlds
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson unpack three space science stories tied together by one big theme: water, and where it might be hiding in the solar system. They also answer audience questions on exoplanet detection, dark energy, black holes, and the role of AI in astronomy.
In this episode, Andrew hosts and Fred Watson explains the science across a wide-ranging Q and A format, with contributions from listeners Hussein, Martin, Peter, Dave, James, and others in the live audience. The main topics are Mars gullies, lunar water supply for future settlements, and methods for spotting ocean worlds around distant stars.
Key topics
In this episode: new research suggests Martian gullies may be shaped by dry ice, not liquid water, through a process Fred likens to an air hockey effect.
The Mars discussion explains why older water-based theories struggle, especially in polar regions where temperatures and pressure make liquid water impossible.
The team compares two dry-ice mechanisms for Mars gullies, including a geyser-like burst model and a slower sliding sheet model, with the latter favored.
In this episode: a lunar water study raises doubts about whether there is enough usable water at the Moon’s south pole to support large permanent cities.
Fred explains why the south polar craters are so important for Artemis-style exploration, but also why the terrain is difficult and the water supply may be limited.
The conversation notes that a village-scale lunar base may be feasible, but a city of tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands looks unrealistic on current estimates.
In this episode: the show turns to exoplanets and a new way to look for ocean worlds using glint, the same reflection effect that helped reveal liquid seas on Titan.
Fred describes how coronagraphs and direct imaging could help identify Hycean worlds, though the method only works under strict geometric and observational conditions.
Audience questions cover radial velocity detection, including how astronomers separate multiple planets in a star’s wobble using precise measurements and Fourier analysis.
Another listener asks about dark energy as a propulsion source, and Fred argues the energy density is far too small on any practical scale to power spacecraft.
Peter’s black hole question leads to a discussion of angular momentum, with Fred confirming later that accreted material does add angular momentum to a black hole.
A final discussion touches on AI in astronomy and SETI, including data analysis, paper marking, and the idea that extraterrestrial intelligence itself might be AI.
Timestamps
00:00 - Opening banter and setup for a water-themed episode
01:22 - Mars gullies and the question of whether water is really responsible
04:40 - Why Mars gullies are tricky to explain with Earth-like assumptions
05:23 - Early water-based theories for Martian gullies
06:44 - Why polar gullies rule out liquid water
08:11 - Dry ice on Mars and the shift to carbon dioxide mechanisms
09:07 - Geyser-like dry ice bursts and why the idea was rejected
11:31 - The favored sliding dry-ice sheet model
13:05 - The air hockey analogy for Martian gullies
14:30 - Lunar water and the challenge of building settlements on the Moon
16:03 - Shackleton Crater and the south polar water-ice theory
17:30 - Why the Moon may not have enough water for a large city
19:29 - The Chang’e 7 hopper and future lunar prospecting
22:20 - Recycling, imported water, and using lunar water as rocket fuel
24:07 - Looking for ocean worlds beyond the solar system
25:50 - How Cassini detected Titan’s liquid lakes by sun glint
27:09 - What counts as a Hycean world
28:08 - The University of Arizona study on glint geometry
29:35 - Why direct imaging and coronagraphs matter
30:32 - How the Habitable Worlds Observatory could use the technique Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Trascritto
21 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on BepiColombo, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation
In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a series of intriguing listener questions that span topics from the nuances of orbital velocity to the enigmatic world of neutrinos and the complexities of time dilation. Join them as they unravel these cosmic queries with their signature blend of insight and humour.
Key topics
- Larry from Nebraska asks about the BepiColombo mission and the relationship between gravitational assists and orbital velocity, prompting a discussion on how spacecraft navigate the solar system.
- Eduardo explores the nature of neutrinos, questioning whether they are affected by gravity and whether they can be trapped by black holes.
- Shumo presents a thought-provoking idea about using high-energy gamma rays or neutrinos as interstellar beacons, leading to a discussion on the potential for advanced civilisations to communicate through unconventional means.
- Colin from Adelaide raises questions about time dilation effects as depicted in the science fiction movie "Project Hail Mary," specifically the implications of travelling close to the speed of light and the resulting age differences upon return to Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Larry's question about BepiColombo and gravitational assists
10:30 - Eduardo's inquiry on neutrinos and black holes
18:45 - Shumo's question about interstellar beacons using gamma rays or neutrinos
26:00 - Colin's confusion about time dilation in "Project Hail Mary"
32:15 - Discussion on the implications of time dilation and relativity Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
20 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on BepiColombo, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation
In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a series of intriguing listener questions that span topics from the nuances of orbital velocity to the enigmatic world of neutrinos and the complexities of time dilation. Join them as they unravel these cosmic queries with their signature blend of insight and humour.
Key topics
- Larry from Nebraska asks about the BepiColombo mission and the relationship between gravitational assists and orbital velocity, prompting a discussion on how spacecraft navigate the solar system.
- Eduardo explores the nature of neutrinos, questioning whether they are affected by gravity and whether they can be trapped by black holes.
- Shumo presents a thought-provoking idea about using high-energy gamma rays or neutrinos as interstellar beacons, leading to a discussion on the potential for advanced civilisations to communicate through unconventional means.
- Colin from Adelaide raises questions about time dilation effects as depicted in the science fiction movie "Project Hail Mary," specifically the implications of travelling close to the speed of light and the resulting age differences upon return to Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Larry's question about BepiColombo and gravitational assists
10:30 - Eduardo's inquiry on neutrinos and black holes
18:45 - Shumo's question about interstellar beacons using gamma rays or neutrinos
26:00 - Colin's confusion about time dilation in "Project Hail Mary"
32:15 - Discussion on the implications of time dilation and relativity Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Trascritto
17 SET 2026 · Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. your first stop for online privavcy. To check out our special offer with a 30 day money back guarantee, visit https://https//www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controversy
Space Nuts covers three very different space stories in this episode, ranging from planetary science to the consequences of satellite reentry and a controversial military uniform design. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson also field listener questions on orbital mechanics, neutrinos, alien communication, and time dilation.
The discussion is broad, but the main thread is clear: how real-world physics shapes everything from Venus’s history to the future of spaceflight and even the look of space-age uniforms.
Key topics
Venus is Earth-like in size, mass, and gravity, but unlike Earth it has no moon, and the episode explores whether it may once have had one.
Fred explains a modeling study led by Stephen Kane suggesting a Venus moon could have spiraled inward, crossed the Roche limit, and been torn apart by tidal forces.
The team discusses what evidence might remain if Venus once consumed a moon, including possible chemical fingerprints in the atmosphere or surface.
Satellite pollution is examined through the lens of reentering spacecraft, especially the growing number of Starlink reentries and their impact on the upper atmosphere.
The European Space Agency’s jet-based chase of two reentering Cluster spacecraft, Tango and Samba, is described as an effort to measure reentry byproducts directly.
The conversation raises concerns about aluminium oxides, atmospheric chemistry, and whether repeated reentries could have broader consequences such as ozone depletion.
The final main story looks at proposed United States Space Force uniforms and why the design drew immediate comparisons to World War II-era fascist aesthetics and Starship Troopers.
Andrew and Fred note how uniform design can shape perception, and why the new concept feels divisive rather than inspiring.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro and setup for the episode
00:41 - Venus, satellite pollution, and Space Force uniforms preview
04:40 - Venus as Earth’s twin and why it has no moon
08:21 - Modeling a missing Venusian moon
09:20 - Gravitational tug-of-war and moon migration toward Venus
11:44 - Conditions for a moon to survive around Venus
12:43 - Possible traces of an ancient moon impact
16:06 - Satellite pollution from reentering spacecraft
17:16 - Starlink reentries and atmospheric contamination
18:14 - ESA’s jet chase of reentering Cluster spacecraft
20:06 - Observing Tango and Samba during controlled reentry
21:45 - Why the atmospheric consequences could become controversial
23:12 - Wood as a potentially more benign spacecraft material
24:16 - Space Force uniforms and the first visual reaction
25:34 - Starship Troopers and deliberate fascist design cues
27:29 - Why the proposed uniforms feel unsettling Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
17 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controversy
Space Nuts covers three very different space stories in this episode, ranging from planetary science to the consequences of satellite reentry and a controversial military uniform design. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson also field listener questions on orbital mechanics, neutrinos, alien communication, and time dilation.
The discussion is broad, but the main thread is clear: how real-world physics shapes everything from Venus’s history to the future of spaceflight and even the look of space-age uniforms.
Key topics
Venus is Earth-like in size, mass, and gravity, but unlike Earth it has no moon, and the episode explores whether it may once have had one.
Fred explains a modeling study led by Stephen Kane suggesting a Venus moon could have spiraled inward, crossed the Roche limit, and been torn apart by tidal forces.
The team discusses what evidence might remain if Venus once consumed a moon, including possible chemical fingerprints in the atmosphere or surface.
Satellite pollution is examined through the lens of reentering spacecraft, especially the growing number of Starlink reentries and their impact on the upper atmosphere.
The European Space Agency’s jet-based chase of two reentering Cluster spacecraft, Tango and Samba, is described as an effort to measure reentry byproducts directly.
The conversation raises concerns about aluminium oxides, atmospheric chemistry, and whether repeated reentries could have broader consequences such as ozone depletion.
The final main story looks at proposed United States Space Force uniforms and why the design drew immediate comparisons to World War II-era fascist aesthetics and Starship Troopers.
Andrew and Fred note how uniform design can shape perception, and why the new concept feels divisive rather than inspiring. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Trascritto
14 SET 2026 · Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to with the support of NordVPN. To grab our special NordVPN deal, simply visit https://www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts ....take control of your online privacy because no-one else is going to do it for you!
Space Nuts: Q&A on Mitsubishi's Role in Telescope Manufacturing, Jupiter's Storms, and Gravitational Waves
In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions, from the involvement of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in telescope manufacturing to the mysteries of Jupiter’s storms and the nature of gravitational waves. Join them as they delve into these cosmic queries with their signature wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Thomas from Canberra asks about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and their role in the manufacturing of telescope hardware at Siding Spring Observatory. Fred Watson explains the engineering behind the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the significance of its construction.
- Young listener Emily poses a question about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, prompting a discussion on the dynamics of storms and atmospheric patterns on the gas giant.
- Butch from the UK inquires about the Parker Solar Probe and its mission to study the sun, as well as the advancements in solar observation technology.
- Trent from North Georgia wonders if gravitational waves are slowed down by passing through matter, leading to an insightful explanation of how these waves interact with the fabric of spacetime.
- The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in astronomy and its implications for the future of scientific research.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Thomas's question about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Siding Spring Observatory
10:30 - Emily's question about storms on Jupiter
18:45 - Butch's inquiry on the Parker Solar Probe and solar missions
26:00 - Trent's question about gravitational waves and their speed
32:15 - Discussion on artificial intelligence in astronomy and its impact
40:00 - Closing remarks and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
14 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on Mitsubishi's Role in Telescope Manufacturing, Jupiter's Storms, and Gravitational Waves
In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions, from the involvement of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in telescope manufacturing to the mysteries of Jupiter’s storms and the nature of gravitational waves. Join them as they delve into these cosmic queries with their signature wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Thomas from Canberra asks about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and their role in the manufacturing of telescope hardware at Siding Spring Observatory. Fred Watson explains the engineering behind the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the significance of its construction.
- Young listener Emily poses a question about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, prompting a discussion on the dynamics of storms and atmospheric patterns on the gas giant.
- Butch from the UK inquires about the Parker Solar Probe and its mission to study the sun, as well as the advancements in solar observation technology.
- Trent from North Georgia wonders if gravitational waves are slowed down by passing through matter, leading to an insightful explanation of how these waves interact with the fabric of spacetime.
- The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in astronomy and its implications for the future of scientific research.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Thomas's question about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Siding Spring Observatory
10:30 - Emily's question about storms on Jupiter
18:45 - Butch's inquiry on the Parker Solar Probe and solar missions
26:00 - Trent's question about gravitational waves and their speed
32:15 - Discussion on artificial intelligence in astronomy and its impact
40:00 - Closing remarks and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
27 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on Radial Velocity, Dark Matter, and Angular Momentum
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions, ranging from the complexities of radial velocity in exoplanet detection to the mysteries of dark matter and angular momentum in black holes. Join them as they explore these cosmic conundrums with their characteristic wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Hussein from Yemen asks about the radial velocity method for detecting exoplanets, prompting a discussion on how astronomers can isolate individual planets from the combined gravitational effects of multiple bodies.
- Martin from Maryland raises a thought-provoking question on the potential to harness dark energy for space flight, leading to an exploration of the feasibility of accelerating spacecraft to near-light speeds.
- Peter from Sweden inquires about the angular momentum of matter falling into black holes, sparking a conversation on whether this matter retains its momentum or needs to shed some energy before crossing the event horizon.
- Andrew and Fred Watson also touch on the ongoing search for Planet Nine and the importance of surveying exoplanets for understanding the universe's structure and potential for life beyond Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener questions
01:20 - Hussein's question about radial velocity and exoplanets
10:30 - Martin's inquiry on harnessing dark energy for space travel
18:45 - Peter's question about angular momentum and black holes
26:00 - Discussion on the significance of ongoing exoplanet surveys
32:15 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
23 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Water on Mars, Moon Water Limits, and Hunting for Ocean Worlds
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson unpack three space science stories tied together by one big theme: water, and where it might be hiding in the solar system. They also answer audience questions on exoplanet detection, dark energy, black holes, and the role of AI in astronomy.
In this episode, Andrew hosts and Fred Watson explains the science across a wide-ranging Q and A format, with contributions from listeners Hussein, Martin, Peter, Dave, James, and others in the live audience. The main topics are Mars gullies, lunar water supply for future settlements, and methods for spotting ocean worlds around distant stars.
Key topics
In this episode: new research suggests Martian gullies may be shaped by dry ice, not liquid water, through a process Fred likens to an air hockey effect.
The Mars discussion explains why older water-based theories struggle, especially in polar regions where temperatures and pressure make liquid water impossible.
The team compares two dry-ice mechanisms for Mars gullies, including a geyser-like burst model and a slower sliding sheet model, with the latter favored.
In this episode: a lunar water study raises doubts about whether there is enough usable water at the Moon’s south pole to support large permanent cities.
Fred explains why the south polar craters are so important for Artemis-style exploration, but also why the terrain is difficult and the water supply may be limited.
The conversation notes that a village-scale lunar base may be feasible, but a city of tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands looks unrealistic on current estimates.
In this episode: the show turns to exoplanets and a new way to look for ocean worlds using glint, the same reflection effect that helped reveal liquid seas on Titan.
Fred describes how coronagraphs and direct imaging could help identify Hycean worlds, though the method only works under strict geometric and observational conditions.
Audience questions cover radial velocity detection, including how astronomers separate multiple planets in a star’s wobble using precise measurements and Fourier analysis.
Another listener asks about dark energy as a propulsion source, and Fred argues the energy density is far too small on any practical scale to power spacecraft.
Peter’s black hole question leads to a discussion of angular momentum, with Fred confirming later that accreted material does add angular momentum to a black hole.
A final discussion touches on AI in astronomy and SETI, including data analysis, paper marking, and the idea that extraterrestrial intelligence itself might be AI.
Timestamps
00:00 - Opening banter and setup for a water-themed episode
01:22 - Mars gullies and the question of whether water is really responsible
04:40 - Why Mars gullies are tricky to explain with Earth-like assumptions
05:23 - Early water-based theories for Martian gullies
06:44 - Why polar gullies rule out liquid water
08:11 - Dry ice on Mars and the shift to carbon dioxide mechanisms
09:07 - Geyser-like dry ice bursts and why the idea was rejected
11:31 - The favored sliding dry-ice sheet model
13:05 - The air hockey analogy for Martian gullies
14:30 - Lunar water and the challenge of building settlements on the Moon
16:03 - Shackleton Crater and the south polar water-ice theory
17:30 - Why the Moon may not have enough water for a large city
19:29 - The Chang’e 7 hopper and future lunar prospecting
22:20 - Recycling, imported water, and using lunar water as rocket fuel
24:07 - Looking for ocean worlds beyond the solar system
25:50 - How Cassini detected Titan’s liquid lakes by sun glint
27:09 - What counts as a Hycean world
28:08 - The University of Arizona study on glint geometry
29:35 - Why direct imaging and coronagraphs matter
30:32 - How the Habitable Worlds Observatory could use the technique Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
20 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on BepiColombo, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation
In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a series of intriguing listener questions that span topics from the nuances of orbital velocity to the enigmatic world of neutrinos and the complexities of time dilation. Join them as they unravel these cosmic queries with their signature blend of insight and humour.
Key topics
- Larry from Nebraska asks about the BepiColombo mission and the relationship between gravitational assists and orbital velocity, prompting a discussion on how spacecraft navigate the solar system.
- Eduardo explores the nature of neutrinos, questioning whether they are affected by gravity and whether they can be trapped by black holes.
- Shumo presents a thought-provoking idea about using high-energy gamma rays or neutrinos as interstellar beacons, leading to a discussion on the potential for advanced civilisations to communicate through unconventional means.
- Colin from Adelaide raises questions about time dilation effects as depicted in the science fiction movie "Project Hail Mary," specifically the implications of travelling close to the speed of light and the resulting age differences upon return to Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Larry's question about BepiColombo and gravitational assists
10:30 - Eduardo's inquiry on neutrinos and black holes
18:45 - Shumo's question about interstellar beacons using gamma rays or neutrinos
26:00 - Colin's confusion about time dilation in "Project Hail Mary"
32:15 - Discussion on the implications of time dilation and relativity Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
17 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controversy
Space Nuts covers three very different space stories in this episode, ranging from planetary science to the consequences of satellite reentry and a controversial military uniform design. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson also field listener questions on orbital mechanics, neutrinos, alien communication, and time dilation.
The discussion is broad, but the main thread is clear: how real-world physics shapes everything from Venus’s history to the future of spaceflight and even the look of space-age uniforms.
Key topics
Venus is Earth-like in size, mass, and gravity, but unlike Earth it has no moon, and the episode explores whether it may once have had one.
Fred explains a modeling study led by Stephen Kane suggesting a Venus moon could have spiraled inward, crossed the Roche limit, and been torn apart by tidal forces.
The team discusses what evidence might remain if Venus once consumed a moon, including possible chemical fingerprints in the atmosphere or surface.
Satellite pollution is examined through the lens of reentering spacecraft, especially the growing number of Starlink reentries and their impact on the upper atmosphere.
The European Space Agency’s jet-based chase of two reentering Cluster spacecraft, Tango and Samba, is described as an effort to measure reentry byproducts directly.
The conversation raises concerns about aluminium oxides, atmospheric chemistry, and whether repeated reentries could have broader consequences such as ozone depletion.
The final main story looks at proposed United States Space Force uniforms and why the design drew immediate comparisons to World War II-era fascist aesthetics and Starship Troopers.
Andrew and Fred note how uniform design can shape perception, and why the new concept feels divisive rather than inspiring. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
14 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on Mitsubishi's Role in Telescope Manufacturing, Jupiter's Storms, and Gravitational Waves
In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions, from the involvement of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in telescope manufacturing to the mysteries of Jupiter’s storms and the nature of gravitational waves. Join them as they delve into these cosmic queries with their signature wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Thomas from Canberra asks about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and their role in the manufacturing of telescope hardware at Siding Spring Observatory. Fred Watson explains the engineering behind the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the significance of its construction.
- Young listener Emily poses a question about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, prompting a discussion on the dynamics of storms and atmospheric patterns on the gas giant.
- Butch from the UK inquires about the Parker Solar Probe and its mission to study the sun, as well as the advancements in solar observation technology.
- Trent from North Georgia wonders if gravitational waves are slowed down by passing through matter, leading to an insightful explanation of how these waves interact with the fabric of spacetime.
- The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in astronomy and its implications for the future of scientific research.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Thomas's question about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Siding Spring Observatory
10:30 - Emily's question about storms on Jupiter
18:45 - Butch's inquiry on the Parker Solar Probe and solar missions
26:00 - Trent's question about gravitational waves and their speed
32:15 - Discussion on artificial intelligence in astronomy and its impact
40:00 - Closing remarks and listener engagement Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
10 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Dark matter clues, Saturn’s new decagon, Mars and Titan missions, and listener Q&A
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover a packed astronomy episode that moves from a tentative dark matter signal to a newly spotted ten sided storm pattern on Saturn. They also dig into two upcoming sample return style missions, one to Mars and one to Titan, before finishing with listener questions about Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, solar missions, gravitational waves, and AI in astronomy.
Key topics
In this episode, Andrew and Fred discuss the Lux-Zeppelin underground detector result, where researchers saw a low-energy flash that might be consistent with dark matter, though the signal is still far short of discovery level.
Fred explains why dark matter is inferred from galaxy rotation and gravitational lensing, and why direct detection experiments need to be buried deep underground and shielded from background noise.
The discussion covers Fred’s own migraine aura experience, including the zigzag visual pattern he describes as a brain-based phenomenon that affects both eyes.
In this episode, they celebrate an outback astronomy success story involving Trevor Barry of Broken Hill, whose long-term Saturn observations helped connect amateur and professional work on planetary atmospheres.
Fred explains Saturn’s famous north polar hexagon and the newly reported south polar decagon, noting that the southern feature appears to have formed only since 2023.
They cover China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample return plans, including the narrowing of candidate landing sites from 86 to 12 and the mission’s focus on clay-rich terrain that may preserve signs of ancient life.
Fred and Andrew also discuss NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan, including the chosen region near Selk crater, the expected 3.3-year primary mission, and why Titan’s dense atmosphere makes rotorcraft flight more practical there than on Mars.
Listener Emily asks why Jupiter has a storm, leading Fred to explain the Great Red Spot as a long-lived atmospheric vortex formed by wind shear between Jupiter’s cloud belts.
Butch’s question about solar missions prompts a discussion of the Parker Solar Probe, the Sun’s extreme corona temperatures, and newer solar observatories and missions such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Solar Orbiter style work, and future space weather missions.
Trent’s question about gravitational waves leads to a clear explanation that gravitational waves travel at light speed but are not slowed by planets, water, or matter the way light is.
A live audience question about AI leads Fred to note that artificial intelligence is already useful in astronomy for handling complex statistical analysis and extracting patterns from large data sets.
Timestamps
00:00 - Pre-show timing and getting ready to go live
00:49 - Welcome to Space Nuts and what’s coming up
02:23 - Fred joins the show and mentions recovering from knee surgery
03:17 - First story: a possible dark matter detection at Lux-Zeppelin
05:28 - Why dark matter is hard to detect directly
06:56 - Underground detectors and the LZ experiment in South Dakota
08:50 - The flash event and why it is only a hint, not a discovery
11:44 - The 2.6 sigma result and what that means statistically
13:55 - Trevor Barry and the discovery of Saturn’s south polar decagon
16:23 - Saturn’s north polar hexagon and why the south is unusual
17:49 - The decagon’s possible recent formation and what comes next
21:26 - China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission
23:40 - Candidate landing sites narrowed down and why clays matter
25:20 - NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan
26:03 - Why the Titan landing region near Selk crater is scientifically interesting
27:31 - Dragonfly’s three point three year primary mission and Titan’s chemistry
29:09 - Listener shout-outs and wrapping the first half Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
7 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Q&A on the Swift Satellite, Redshift, and Hypothetical White Holes
In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a myriad of intriguing questions posed by listeners. From the fate of the Swift satellite to the mysteries of redshift and the speculative nature of white holes, this episode covers a wide range of cosmic curiosities.
Key topics include:
- The fate of the Swift satellite and the challenges faced by the Link mission meant to boost its orbit.
- An exploration of redshift and the implications of energy loss in distant light.
- Insights into the temperature variations on the Moon and the potential for human habitation beneath its surface.
- A thought-provoking discussion on the hypothetical merger of black holes and white holes, and what that could mean for our understanding of the universe.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they tackle these questions with their signature blend of humour and expertise, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
00:00 - This is where the audience asks us questions, we scratch our heads
01:20 - Do you always record on the same day and time
02:56 - What are your thoughts on the red dots as seen by James Webb Telescope
06:33 - A spacecraft called Link will boost the decaying orbit of the Swift satellite
14:08 - Is distant light redshifted? What happens to the lost energy
16:18 - Professor Fred Watson discusses Apollo 13 problems in Q and A edition
17:19 - Fenton from Minnesota has a question about the temperature on the moon
23:13 - European astrobiologist working on Roslyn Franklin rover on Mars
26:03 - Fred Watson asks what would happen if a white hole merged with a black hole
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss.
Supporters Club
3 SET 2026 · Space Nuts: Eclipse Tales, Nancy Grace Roman, Starless Galaxy Cloud Nine, Venus Clouds, and Q&A
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover a mix of astronomy news and listener questions in this episode. The discussion ranges from a memorable Spanish eclipse and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch to a puzzling starless galaxy, Venus’s mysterious cloud chemistry, and several audience questions about redshift, lunar temperatures, and black holes.
Key topics
In this episode: Fred recounts the Spanish eclipse expedition, where totality arrived low on the western horizon at just nine degrees above it.
The eclipse story includes the logistics of setting up a viewing spot in northern Spain, complete with a gazebo tied down to a car before the crowds arrived.
They discuss how the cloud bank nearly ruined the view, then cleared just before totality, revealing a bright corona and unusually vivid pink hydrogen clouds.
Fred and Andrew talk through the successful launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and what makes it different from Hubble.
Roman’s wide field of view, infrared capability, and coronagraph are highlighted as key tools for surveying dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets.
The pair turn to Cloud Nine, a nearby dwarf galaxy candidate about 14 million light years away that appears to contain little or no star formation.
Fred explains the likely physics behind a starless galaxy, including hot gas, dark matter halos, and ultraviolet background radiation preventing collapse into stars.
Timestamps
00:00 - Rolling tape and episode setup
01:32 - Fred returns after knee replacement surgery
04:04 - Spanish eclipse preview and why the horizon angle mattered
05:19 - Choosing the viewing site and securing the gazebo
06:32 - Crowd builds, cloud bank approaches, and totality saves the day
09:09 - Why a sunset eclipse feels different from a midday eclipse
10:55 - Nancy Grace Roman launch watched live from the lounge
12:06 - Roman’s L2 destination and wide-field infrared design
13:55 - Why Roman matters for dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets
15:22 - Hubble’s early commissioning problems and what Roman may avoid
16:27 - Introducing Cloud Nine, the starless galaxy candidate
18:05 - How the Gran Telescopio Canarias helped study it
19:01 - Deep imaging, no stars, and the theory behind the failure to form them
20:56 - Why Cloud Nine may be the first strong example of a starless galaxy
23:03 - Fred’s binoculars get stolen in Bilbao, then recovered by police
26:14 - How big is a dwarf galaxy compared with the Milky Way?
27:11 - Venus shines bright in the evening sky
28:23 - Ultraviolet patterns in Venus’s cloud tops
29:20 - The mysterious unknown absorber and why it matters
30:39 - Modeling Venus droplets as if they were collected in a flask
33:27 - Radiative transfer and multiple scattering in Venus’s clouds
35:21 - Why the result does not point to life, but to an unknown chemistry Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Supporters Club
31 AGO 2026 · In this intriguing Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of cosmic queries from listeners. Join them as they explore the fascinating world of radio telescopes and how they produce images from radio waves, delve into the complexities of gravitational waves, and ponder the sounds and smells of space.
Key topics include:
- How photographic images are generated from radio telescopes, despite only receiving radio waves, and the fundamental principles behind this technology.
- A deep dive into gravitational waves, their impact on space, and how LIGO detects these minute disturbances in the fabric of spacetime.
- An imaginative discussion on what sounds might exist in space and the potential smells one could encounter beyond Earth’s atmosphere, including the curious idea of cosmic fragrances.
Join Andrew and Jonty as they demystify these concepts, providing clarity and insights into the wonders of astronomy and space science.
00:00 - Space Nuts aims to answer questions from the audience about astronomy and space science
01:37 - Were the pyramids built by aliens or were they built by humans
04:26 - How is a photographic image produced from a radio telescope and not an optical telescope
12:36 - Dean: I often hear about gravity waves and I have a hard time visualising
20:15 - Andrew Dunkley: I think ideas become easier to explain over time
22:45 - Our next question comes from David from Port Washington, New York
30:37 - Several volcanoes have blown up since we've been to them
32:08 - The metropolitan area of Auckland contains 53 volcanoes
35:02 - If you could take a big inhale, what would space smell like
36:22 - If you would like to send us some questions, please do through our websiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss.
Supporters Club
27 AGO 2026 · Space Nuts: Moon impact, Roman Observatory launch, and Neptune’s odd moons
Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Southern Queensland, for a wide-ranging astronomy update. They cover SpaceX’s out-of-control rocket body hitting the Moon, the imminent launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Observatory, and a new result that may explain the strange origin of some of Neptune’s moons.
We discuss why lunar impacts matter far beyond the Moon itself, how Roman will study exoplanets and dark energy, and why clay minerals on Neptune’s small moons are such a big clue about a violent early solar system.
Key topics
SpaceX’s rocket body impacted the Moon after being left in a long, uncontrolled orbit
Why lunar impacts are a real concern for future habitats, infrastructure, and Apollo heritage sites
The sheer scale of human-made objects that have already hit or landed on the Moon
Elon Musk’s vision for lunar factories, rail-gun launches, and large-scale off-Earth manufacturing
Why the same company could end up both creating the risk and needing to solve it
The Nancy Grace Roman Observatory launching around 9 months ahead of schedule
Roman’s 2.4 metre mirror, 300 megapixel wide-field camera, and hydrazine-fueled journey to L2
How Roman will study dark energy, gravitational lensing, exoplanets, and free-floating planets
New James Webb observations of Neptune’s moons showing clay-type minerals on Larissa and Galatea
Why those clays suggest a much older, more violent system shaped by Triton’s capture and moon-to-moon collisions
Timestamps:
00:00 - Studio prep, muting phones, and getting ready to record
01:53 - Episode intro: SpaceX lunar impact, Roman Observatory, and Neptune moons
03:00 - Jonti Horner joins the show
04:26 - SpaceX rocket body crashes into the Moon
07:03 - Predicted impact plume and expected crater size
08:54 - Korean spacecraft Danuri captures post-impact images
10:19 - Why Moon impacts matter for future lunar bases
11:47 - Protecting Apollo landing sites and lunar archaeology
12:15 - More than 3,000 human-made objects have hit the Moon
14:32 - Law, responsibility, and the problem of cleanup beyond Earth
16:07 - Musk’s plans for Moon factories and Starlink-style expansion
18:12 - Rail guns, Optimus robots, and scaling lunar industry
19:34 - SpaceX’s own industry could be threatened by its own debris
21:24 - Balancing commercial benefits and environmental costs
23:46 - The Nancy Grace Roman Observatory launch approaches
26:03 - Roman’s orbit, hydrazine fuel, and five-year mission plan
27:57 - From WFIRST to Roman: how the telescope evolved
29:23 - Roman’s mirror, 300 megapixel camera, and survey power
30:14 - Exoplanets, microlensing, and the coronagraph
33:29 - Roman’s launch status and the excitement ahead
34:17 - Neptune’s moons and the role of Triton Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
- 5 million downloads and counting - 90+% Five Star Reviews - Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley - 660 Episodes and counting -...
mostra di più- 5 million downloads and counting
- 90+% Five Star Reviews
- Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley
- 660 Episodes and counting
- Very active (and friendly) listener community
- Advertising Free options available.
Informazioni
| Autore | bitesz.com |
| Organizzazione | bitesz.com |
| Categorie | Astronomia , Scienze naturali , Scienze |
| Sito | www.spacenutspodcast.com |
| spacenuts@bitesz.com |
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