Space Nuts Episode 294 with Professor Fred Watson & Andrew Dunkley •Asteroids – One that hit China some 50,000 years ago. So why are we talking about it today? Fred has the answers.•Plus a potential asteroid strike on planet earth narrowly averted…but not because of anything clever we did. Fred has details.•A strange black hole that’s spinning on its side.•Listener text questions – about the speed of light; whether or not we’re all living in a simulation; when will we finally set foot on Mars and could we live on Io and Titan. Fred has answers.Sponsor Links:NordVPN – the fast and best way of securing your data. Get our special price, plus one month free by visiting https://nordvpn.com/spacenuts Magic Mind…the scientifically developed tonic for your brain. For our special offer so you can join Andrew in his challenge, just visit https://magicmind.co/spacenutsFor more Space Nuts, visit our websites. Links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ New: Listen to Space Nuts on your favorite app with the Universal listen link: https://link.chtbl.com/NAwvL_XP New link: https://spacenuts.io New Link: https://spacenutsshop.com to go directly to our shop.Send us a message, ask a question…whatever. We love hearing from you: https://www.speakpipe.com/spacenutsFind all our show links at https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ New: Take the Space Nuts Listener Feedback survey. We need to know how you think the show is going. Take the 1-minute survey at https://spacenutspodcast.com/feedback  - thank you.If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…For more podcast listening, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.

Asteroids

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.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

Astronomy

Journey through the cosmic conundrums and celestial curiosities in this riveting Q&A; edition of Space Nuts. Join host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-enlightening Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a smorgasbord of listener questions that will leave you contemplating the vastness of the universe.First on the docket, Jose from California stirs the space-time pot with a heady question about the nature of black holes and their role in birthing universes. Could the Big Bang have been a supernova from another realm? Is our universe expanding within the event horizon of a colossal black hole? Fred weighs in on these tantalizing theories, sharing insights that may just expand your mind faster than the universe itself.Next, Alan probes the cosmic forge, wondering how the chaos of supernovae could lead to the concentrated caches of gold and other heavy metals we find on Earth. Fred demystifies the process, explaining how gravity and planet formation turn stellar detritus into the precious lodes we treasure.Then, Justin from Brisbane ponders the uniqueness of Earth amidst the ever-growing catalog of exoplanets. As we discover more worlds, each more bizarre than the last, could it be that our pale blue dot is truly one of a kind? The discussion delves into the Fermi Paradox and the rarity of life's complex leap from single cells to sentient beings.Lastly, James presents a duo of hypotheticals that challenge the limits of science fiction and science fact. Can we reverse gravity by reversing time? And could we engineer a magnetosphere on an asteroid like Psyche? Fred's responses to these queries are sure to electrify your imagination.From the theoretical to the astronomical, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic buffet of brain food. Remember to send your own stargazing stumpers and interstellar inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and keep your ears tuned for more galactic greatness. Until next time, let the universe inspire wonder, and keep looking up!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass...the password manger that will uncomplicate part of your life. Check out our special deal at www.bitesz.com/nordpass 

#410: Stellar Puzzles & Galactic Gold: Space Nuts Unpacks the Universe's Riddles

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To get our very special deal simply visit https://www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you'll be glad you did.Prepare for liftoff with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this thrilling installment of Space Nuts, as they recount Fred's astronomical escapades across the US, complete with eclipses, rocket launches, and the unexpected excitement of space junk crashing through a Floridian roof. Fred's journey is a celestial enthusiast's dream, featuring a spectacular total solar eclipse in Texas, a snowy adventure in Canada, and a close encounter with the northern lights.But the cosmic wonders don't stop there. The duo dives into the discovery of the most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy, a behemoth 33 times the mass of our sun, a mere 2,000 light-years away. This revelation challenges our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of black holes, leaving astronomers pondering the mysteries of our cosmic backyard.From the awe-inspiring vastness of black holes to the personal tales of stargazing and aurora hunting, this episode offers a universe of discovery. Don't miss out on the latest astronomical insights and Fred's interstellar journey that's sure to leave you starstruck.Remember to subscribe and follow Space Nuts for more deep space tales and intergalactic insights. Until next time, keep your eyes on the cosmos and your mind open to the endless possibilities of the universe.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. or Patreon, Supercast or Apple Podcasts. Details on our website - Supporters Page. Episode Chapters(00:00) Professor Fred Watson returns from trip to North America fully jet lagged(02:40) Fred Watson uses his iPhone to take photographs of aurora in Canada(06:32) Fred Watson went to Houston for the total solar eclipse in 1970(11:27) Andrew Gannadar watched SpaceX Falcon nine rocket launch from Orlando hotel(15:34) A gentleman in Florida had something come through his roof(17:51) Talking about the ISS brings back memories of our 1960s trip to Kennedy(18:33) Life size replica of Hubble space telescope at Kennedy Space Centre(22:52) Most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy(24:27) Scientists detect massive black hole in sky using Gaia mission(30:29) Andrew Dunkley welcomes Fred Watson back to the Space Nuts podcast

#409: Eclipse Escapades & Stellar Shadows: Fred's Cosmic Journey & The Heaviest Black Hole Discovery

In this episode of Space Nuts Q&A;, Andrew and Fred answer questions about supernovae, 3D printed telescopes, the Voyager space probe missions, and the possibility of using particle collision in space. They discuss how supernovae explosions do not blow away the gravitational field and how neutron stars develop as a result. They also provide insights into 3D printed telescopes and suggest that beginners may find it easier to start with an off-the-shelf telescope. They talk about the trajectory and potential fate of the Voyager spacecraft and discuss the challenges of building particle colliders in space. Overall, they provide informative and engaging answers to the audience's questions. Takeaways   Supernovae explosions do not blow away the gravitational field because gravity is associated with mass. The explosion only affects the outer envelope of the star, while the core collapses to become a neutron star. 3D printed telescopes can be a good option for beginners, but it may be easier to start with an off-the-shelf telescope. 3D printed telescopes require more components and may involve more fiddling around. The Voyager spacecraft will continue on their current trajectories and are not expected to pass near any star systems within human lifetimes. However, if they were near enough to Earth, they could be detectable by extraterrestrial intelligence. Building particle colliders in space is challenging due to the need for precise guidance and the high velocities of the particles. It may be more cost-effective and realistic to continue building particle colliders on Earth. The fate of the Voyager spacecraft is uncertain, but they could potentially be captured into orbit around another star or collide with other objects. They will likely outlast our species and continue on their trajectories away from the solar system. Chapters   00:00 Volcanic Features and Pyroclastic Deposits 00:28 Q&A;: Supernovas and Neutron Stars 07:03 Q&A;: 3D Printable Telescopes 11:07 Q&A;: Voyager Space Probe Missions 15:12 Q&A;: Particle Collisions and Voyager's FateBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.

#408: Supernovae Secrets & 3D-Printed Telescopes

Embark on a cosmic odyssey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they unravel the mysteries of the universe's expansion and unearth a colossal Martian secret in this episode of Space Nuts. Dive into the perplexing debate over the universe's expansion rate, as new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope reignite the Hubble tension. With precision cosmology at our fingertips, discover why the universe's growth spurs more questions than answers, leaving us to ponder the potential for undiscovered physics that could reshape our cosmic understanding.Then, join the expedition to Mars where a hidden giant lay dormant until now. The discovery of a monstrous volcano, nestled in the labyrinthine Noctis Labyrinthus, has scientists buzzing with excitement. Towering over 9,000 meters with a footprint spanning 450 kilometers, this Martian marvel could hold vital clues to the planet's fiery past and icy secrets beneath its surface. As explorers eye this volcanic behemoth as a future landing site, the prospects of unlocking Mars' ancient mysteries have never been more alluring.From the enigmatic expansion of the cosmos to the volcanic vistas of Mars, this episode is a treasure trove for space enthusiasts and cosmic detectives. Tune in and let your imagination soar to new interstellar heights with Space Nuts. Remember to subscribe and follow us for more celestial tales and astronomical adventures. Until our next galactic gathering, keep your eyes to the skies and your heart in the stars.

#407: Unraveling the Universe's Expansion Enigma & Mars' Hidden Volcano

The eposode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordPass....the password manager that will make your life so much eaier for not very much money. Check out our special offer at www.bitesz.com/nordpass - you'll be glad you did.Strap in for an astronomical journey as Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson return to answer your burning cosmic questions in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts. Beam up to the cosmos as we tackle the challenges of snapping photos at supersonic speeds with the Breakthrough Starshot project. Viano from Florence brings into focus the hurdles of capturing clear images of distant planets when traveling at a third the speed of light. Could the blur of speed and the distortion of space-time leave us with just a glimpse of Proxima Centauri's secrets?Next, we delve into the cosmic dance of celestial bodies. Brady from Florida, with a front-row seat to rocket launches, ponders the possibility of a moon having its own moon. Could a satellite's satellite exist, or are the gravitational tugs within our solar system too much for such a delicate balance? Professor Watson explains the intricate gravitational ballet that determines these cosmic relationships.Then, Scott from Oregon opens a window into the fascinating world of triple star systems with a question about HD 110067. How can stars so far apart still be considered gravitationally bound? Discover the cosmic ties that bind these stellar companions across vast distances.And for a bonus, we tackle an impromptu query from Dean about the Hubble Space Telescope's remarkable ability to maintain steady images while orbiting Earth. The secret lies in the dance of gyroscopes, but how long can this celestial photography session last?From interstellar photography to the gravitational waltz of moons and stars, this episode is packed with insights into the mechanics of our universe. Remember to send us your space-related questions, and join us on this voyage of cosmic discovery. Subscribe to Space Nuts on your favorite podcast platform, and until our next stellar encounter, keep gazing at the stars and wondering about the wonders above. 

Asteroids

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