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
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Space Nuts: Spanish Eclipse, Nancy Grace Roman Launch, Cloud Nine, and Venus's Mysterious Clouds
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover four big astronomy stories in this episode, from Fred’s trip to view a sunset eclipse in Spain to the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. They also unpack a starless dwarf galaxy called Cloud Nine and a new way of thinking about the strange dark material in Venus’s clouds.
Guests and speakers
Andrew Dunkley - Host, frames the news, asks listener questions, and guides the discussion.
Professor Fred Watson - Astronomer at large, explains the eclipse, the Roman telescope, Cloud Nine, and Venus’s clouds.
Key topics
In this episode, Fred recounts the Spanish eclipse expedition
The eclipse was only 9 degrees above the western horizon at totality, making the viewing conditions unusually challenging.
He and Marnie led a 16-person tour through France, Spain, and Switzerland before settling near Santander in northern Spain.
They staked out a viewing site 2 kilometers from the hotel, set up a gazebo, and had to tie it down to a car to keep it from blowing away.
The weather looked threatening, but a hole opened in the cloud just before totality, giving them a clear view of the corona.
Fred described the yellowish corona, pink hydrogen clouds, and the crowd of around 2,000 people.
We discuss the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch
Andrew watched the launch live after being nudged by his own brain at the right moment.
Fred noted the launch was flawless, with 27 Merlin motors firing.
The telescope is headed for the L2 Lagrange point, about 1.5 million kilometers away.
Roman is a 2.4-meter Hubble-class telescope but with 100 times the field of view.
Its wide-angle infrared design should enable major surveys of dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets via its coronagraph.
Fred explains why Cloud Nine matters
Cloud Nine is described as a starless dwarf galaxy about 14 million light years away.
It lies near Messier 94 and was studied using the Gran Telescopio Canarias and its Hypercam instrument.
The deep exposure was 2.36 hours, yet the team found no convincing stellar population.
Fred says theory suggests the gas may be too hot to cool and collapse into stars because of the ultraviolet background radiation after reionization.
He says Cloud Nine may be the first strong example of a galaxy predicted by standard cosmology but never before clearly identified.
Venus’s clouds are still puzzling astronomers
Fred explains that Venus appears yellowish because we see the top of its cloud layer, especially in visible light.
In ultraviolet, Venus shows dramatic global cloud patterns caused by an as-yet unidentified absorber.
The new study uses radiative transfer modeling to constrain what the unknown absorber could be.
The team compares Venus’s cloud droplets to cigarette smoke, tiny particles that look light-colored when dispersed but could become dark sludge in bulk.
The result suggests the absorber must be very efficient, very concentrated, or both, but it is not being claimed as evidence of life.



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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 website

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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

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In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the intriguing phenomenon of planetary atmospheres that may rain diamonds and sapphires, to the complexities of satellite approvals and the possibility of planets forming without a star, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.
Key topics include:
- Nick from Perth asks about the science behind the claims of diamond and sapphire rain on distant planets, prompting a discussion on spectral analysis and the nature of scientific reporting.
- Sandy from Melbourne raises concerns about the recent FCC approval for Reflect Orbital's satellite, leading to an exploration of the regulatory landscape surrounding space launches and the implications for global cooperation.
- Rennie from California queries whether planets can form without a sun, which sparks a deep dive into the theories surrounding rogue planets and the role of dark matter in planetary formation.
Join Andrew and Jonty as they navigate these thought-provoking questions, shedding light on the mysteries of the universe and the ever-evolving field of astronomy.

00:00 - This is a Q and A episode and in this particular show we're answering audience questions
01:00 - Professor Jonty Horner joins us to discuss astrophysics
01:29 - The heat stays a bit longer than summer and the cold stays too much past winter
02:55 - Nick in Perth has a question regarding planetary atmospheres
11:29 - Scientists are extrapolating from what they know about planets' interior
12:49 - Andrew Dunkley: Question comes from Sandy in Melbourne, Australia
14:51 - FAA proposing to circumvent environmental laws for commercial launches and spacecraft reentries
21:54 - Fast developing industry with no regulation developed around it
25:20 - Space Nuts Q and A edition with Andrew Dunkley and Jonty Horner
25:38 - Can planets form without a sun because dark matter would be the gravity
33:41 - You can send in your Space Nuts questions via our website

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Asteroid or comet, dinosaur impact firestorms, crater discovery, and Q&A on exoplanets and satellites
Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland for two tightly related Space Nuts conversations. The first explores how astronomy keeps blurring the lines between asteroids and comets, what new research says about the dinosaur-killing impact, and a surprising crater found by an amateur astronomer planning a trip. The second is a listener Q&A covering exotic exoplanet weather, space regulation, and whether planets can form without a star.
Key topics
In this episode, Andrew and Jonti explain why astronomy often uses tidy labels for objects that sit on a continuum, especially when the line between asteroid and comet gets blurry.
They discuss near-Earth object 1998 SH2, which appears to have comet-like activity despite looking asteroid-like for decades.
Jonti breaks down how outgassing can nudge a small body off its predicted path, revealing non-gravitational forces.
The dinosaur-killing impact is revisited with new modelling suggesting the first hours after impact may have included global firestorms, not just long-term climate collapse.
The show covers the terminology debate around meteor, meteorite, fireball, bolide, asteroid, and comet impact.
A Canadian amateur astronomer, Joel LePointe, is credited with spotting a likely impact crater while planning a camping and hiking trip using satellite imagery.
The newly identified crater near Lake Marcel in northern Quebec is described as about 390 million years old and roughly 25 kilometers wide.

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In this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a captivating Q&A session, tackling a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the possibility of moons having atmospheres to the mysteries surrounding hot Jupiters and the fascinating realm of black holes, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.
Key topics include:
- Chris from Exmouth wonders if moons can have atmospheres and if they can share these with their parent planets, leading to a discussion on Titan and Pluto's unique characteristics.
- An anonymous listener poses a thought-provoking question about 'secret astronomy' and the potential for military satellite technology to advance our understanding of the universe.
- Fenton from Minnesota asks about the likelihood of rocky planets existing in solar systems with hot Jupiters, prompting a discussion on planetary migration and the diversity of solar systems.
- Ed raises a classic black hole question regarding the merger of black holes and the concept of mass escaping, leading to an exploration of gravitational waves and their implications.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these fascinating topics, providing insights and sparking further exploration into the wonders of space.
00:00 01:18 04:13 05:37 11:35 16:34 20:35 27:11 31:31

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This episode covers three very different astronomy stories and then moves into a lively Q&A with listener questions. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson discuss a possible sugary molecule in the center of the Milky Way, the risk lunar landers may contaminate ice that could preserve clues to life’s origins, and a new way to track lost dogs using satellite connectivity. The second half of the episode answers questions about moons with atmospheres, secret astronomy, hot Jupiters, and black hole mergers.
Key topics
In this episode, Fred Watson explains an update from Peter Verweyen on MOND, now referred to as Aether Scalar Tensor Theory, and how it relates to dark matter and dark energy debates.
We discuss the detection of erythrulose, a sugar molecule found in interstellar gas clouds near the center of the Milky Way, and why this matters for prebiotic chemistry.
Fred describes how molecules like sugar can form in cold molecular clouds before stars and planets exist, making some ingredients for life surprisingly common.
We discuss a new study warning that rocket exhaust from future lunar landings could contaminate ice in permanently shadowed craters at the Moon’s south pole.
The Moon’s polar ice may contain ancient prebiotic molecules delivered by comets, asteroids, and dust, making it a possible time capsule for the chemistry that led to life.
We discuss the practical and ethical problem that landers have to use rocket engines, and those exhaust plumes may spread methane and other organics across the lunar surface very quickly.
Fred shares how satellite-based direct-to-cell or direct-to-mobile systems could help locate lost dogs in remote places without cell coverage.
We discuss how this kind of tracking builds on existing GPS pet trackers, and how it could be useful in wilderness areas, while also noting the limits and concerns in national parks.
Timestamps
(00:00) Start of the episode and what’s coming up
(03:12) MOND update and the new AEST name
(07:10) A sugary molecule in the center of our galaxy
(09:51) Why sugar can form in deep space before stars exist
(12:24) Why lunar landings could contaminate the Moon’s ice
(14:54) The Moon as a time capsule for prebiotic molecules
(16:24) Methane exhaust and rapid contamination risk
(18:37) Should the Moon be protected like a national park?
(20:28) Satellite tracking for lost dogs in remote areas
(24:52) Direct-to-mobile satellite technology explained
(25:44) The Judas goat program and invasive species control

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In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the peculiarities of Martian days to the mysteries of black holes and the galactic centre, this episode is filled with enlightening discussions that are sure to spark curiosity about the cosmos.
In this episode:
- John asks about the implications of Mars' longer day length on human biology and potential adaptations for future colonists.
- Dan inquires about the growth of black holes, exploring how quickly they can develop into supermassive entities and what happens when there’s nothing left to consume.
- Young Thomas, just 11 years old, poses several intriguing questions about the galactic centre, including whether it can swallow all stars and planets in the galaxy, and the limits of a black hole's gravitational reach.
- Paul reflects on historical discoveries in astronomy, specifically how Harlow Shapley determined our Sun's position within the Milky Way, challenging the long-held belief that it was at the centre.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these thought-provoking questions and more, encouraging listeners to continue their journey of exploration and discovery in the universe.
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(00:00) This is a Q and A edition where we take audience questions
(02:16) When and if Mars is populated with humans, how would we work with longer day
(08:50) Andrew: How astronauts deal with gravity when they land on Earth
(11:47) Dan from the Gold coast has some questions about black holes
(12:51) Fred: How fast do black holes grow? Dan asks fundamental astrophysics question
(18:17) Fred asks five questions about black holes from Thomas Reid, 11
(22:03) Thomas asks if black holes can swallow up all stars and planets
(24:31) Final question comes from Paul from Las Vegas
(26:42) It was actually 1919 when that discovery was made
(34:24) We continue to receive great questions from great listeners and long may it continue

Landslides on Pluto and China's SpaceX-like Rocket Recovery Success
Discover the intriguing discovery of landslides on Pluto, explained through recent image analysis from the New Horizons spacecraft, and learn how these features provide clues about the dwarf planet's geological activity. Plus, explore China's recent achievement in rocket recovery, mimicking SpaceX's successful landing techniques with innovative net capture technology, signaling a significant step forward in space debris management and reusability.
Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley discuss recent scientific findings on landslides around Sputnik Planitia on Pluto
How climate change on Earth is increasing landslide activity, and how similar processes might be happening on other worlds
The significance of the 2015 flyby of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft and what it revealed about planetary geology
Details of China's recent successful rocket booster recovery using a net and its potential impact on space launch economics
Comparison between China's new net capture method and SpaceX's chopsticks system for booster recovery
The rapid advancement of Chinese space capabilities, including lunar and space station missions
The broader context of international space race dynamics and the race to return humans to the Moon
UAP Study Group Led by Avi Loeb and the Search for Extraterrestrial Phenomena
Get an inside look at the White House-formed UAP science advisory council led by Harvard's Avi Loeb, emphasizing scientific rigor in studying unidentified anomalous phenomena. The discussion covers the composition of the council, the importance of unbiased research, and the challenges of interpreting mysterious aerial objects observed over the years.
The formation and purpose of the UAP Science Advisory Council, chaired by Avi Loeb
The diverse backgrounds of experts involved, including physicists, military personnel, computer scientists, and psychologists
How modern technology and data are transforming the study of UAPs, with government and military reports analyzed over decades
The debate over the nature of UAPs: natural phenomena, advanced human technology, or potential extraterrestrial origins
The cultural and political implications of gaps in understanding these phenomena and the importance of scientific methodology
Reader comments reflecting skepticism and intrigue about the investigations and the sensationalism surrounding UAP research

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