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Space Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and Cosmic Fluctuations
In 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.
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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) 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 questions

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