Space Nuts | Exploring the Cosmos

Written by: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • 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.
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Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
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Episodes
  • 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 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.
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    37 mins
  • Earth's Core, Hypervelocity Stars & Cosmic Dandruff: #497 - Unraveling the Mysteries Below and Beyond

    Earth's Core, Hypervelocity Stars & Cosmic Dandruff: #497 - Unraveling the Mysteries Below and Beyond
    Feb 20 2025
    This episode is brought to you with help of NordVPN. To get the special birthday deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you'll be glad you did.

    Space Nuts Episode 497: Earth's Core Dynamics, Hypervelocity Stars, and Cosmic Dust
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the intriguing dynamics of our planet's core, the discovery of a hyperactive star with a planet, and the fascinating phenomenon of cosmic dust. From the slowing of Earth's inner core to the implications of interstellar objects entering our solar system, this episode is filled with insights that will ignite your curiosity about the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Earth's Core Dynamics: Andrew and Jonti discuss the recent findings regarding the Earth's inner core, revealing that it has been slowing down. They explore how researchers used data from repeating earthquakes to uncover the complexities of the core's rotation and its implications for our understanding of Earth's geology.
    - Hypervelocity Stars: The duo introduces the concept of hypervelocity stars and highlights a newly discovered star that is moving at an astonishing speed of nearly 2 million kilometers per hour. They discuss the significance of this find and its connection to the planet orbiting this remarkable star.
    - Cosmic Dust from Neighboring Systems: Andrew and Jonti explore the idea of "space dandruff," where neighboring solar systems contribute to the influx of cosmic dust in our own. They discuss simulations that suggest a million objects from the Alpha Centauri system are currently passing through our solar system, and the potential for detecting these interstellar visitors.
    - Debate on Planetary Classification: The episode wraps up with a discussion on a newly discovered object that challenges the boundaries between planets and brown dwarfs. Jonti explains the ongoing debate regarding the definitions of these celestial bodies and how new discoveries are prompting scientists to reconsider traditional classifications.
    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 Earth's core dynamics and slowing rotation
    10:30 - Exploration of hypervelocity stars and their implications
    18:00 - The phenomenon of cosmic dust from neighboring systems
    26:45 - Debate on planetary classification and the discovery of Gaia 4B
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    Earth's Inner Core Research
    https://www.nature.com/articles
    Hypervelocity Stars and Planet Discovery
    https://www.space.com/hypervelocity-stars
    Cosmic Dust Studies
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019103519302003

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Alien Signals, Bone Density & Cosmic Disks: #496 - The Great Space Q&A Returns

    Alien Signals, Bone Density & Cosmic Disks: #496 - The Great Space Q&A Returns
    Feb 17 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 496: Life on Other Planets, Centrifugal Forces, and Bone Density in Space
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle some of the most intriguing questions from our listeners. From the possibility of detecting life on distant planets to the fascinating dynamics of centrifugal force, and the effects of zero gravity on bone density, this episode is brimming with scientific insights that will spark your curiosity about the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Detecting Life on Distant Planets: Ron's compelling question leads the discussion on whether scientists in other solar systems could identify life on Earth using current technology, and vice versa. Jonti elaborates on the challenges and potential methods for detecting life beyond our planet.
    - Spheres vs. Disks: Dean asks why celestial objects form as spheres while others appear as disks. Jonti explains the physical processes at play, including hydrostatic equilibrium and angular momentum, shedding light on the fascinating shapes of stars, planets, and galaxies.
    - Bone Density in Space: Ann's insightful question about calcium loss in astronauts prompts a deep dive into the effects of microgravity on bone health. Jonti shares findings from recent studies and discusses the implications for long-term space missions.
    - Centrifugal Force Explained: Aussie Dean's inquiry about the nature of centrifugal force and its measurement leads to a discussion on reference frames and how they relate to our understanding of gravity and motion on Earth.
    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 detecting life on other planets
    10:30 - Exploring the shapes of celestial objects
    18:00 - Insights into bone density loss in space
    26:45 - Understanding centrifugal force and reference frames
    30:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA's Studies on Bone Density
    https://www.nasa.gov/spaceflight
    Hydrostatic Equilibrium in Celestial Bodies
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrostatic_equilibrium
    Centrifugal Force and Gravity
    https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circles/Lesson-2/Centrifugal-Force

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins

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