Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

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Space Nuts: The M87 Black Hole, a Vanishing Exoplanet and Dragonfly’s Journey to Titan
In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson revisit the Event Horizon Telescope’s landmark image of the black hole in galaxy M87 — and explain how a CSIRO team has now independently confirmed it using artificial intelligence. They then investigate an exoplanet that stopped transiting its star, apparently because the gravity of another planet has tilted its orbit out of view. Finally, Andrew and Fred Watson look ahead to NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan, where a flying rotorcraft will explore a moon with methane and ethane lakes. You can even send your name along for the ride. Join Andrew and Fred Watson for black holes, shifting planetary orbits and an extraordinary mission to Saturn’s largest moon.
Key topics
- How a CSIRO team used AI to independently validate the M87 black hole image.
- Why independent confirmation is an essential part of the scientific process.
- How gravitational interactions may have tilted exoplanet TOI 2535b’s orbit, making its transits disappear.
- Whether the planet may return to view, and if its unseen neighbour could transit its star.
- NASA’s Dragonfly mission, its planned exploration of Titan and how to send your name.
- Titan’s thick atmosphere, icy surface and lakes of liquid methane and ethane.
- How AI is helping scientists make new discoveries.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and the episode’s cosmic stories
01:30 - The 2028 total solar eclipse across Australia
04:30 - CSIRO independently confirms the M87 black hole image
10:00 - Why independent validation matters in science
13:30 - An exoplanet’s transits disappear from view
17:00 - How another planet’s gravity may be tilting its orbit
20:00 - Could the planet return, or might its neighbour become visible?
23:00 - Send your name to Titan aboard NASA’s Dragonfly mission
26:00 - Titan’s methane lakes and the search for unusual forms of life
29:00 - Can AI accelerate the pace of scientific discovery?
33:00 - Closing conversation and Space Nuts details

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Space Nuts: Vanishing Stars, White Holes, Earth’s Mass and Neutrinos
In this listener Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle four cosmic questions that stretch from distant stars to the nature of space-time. They explain why a star billions of light-years away would still appear in our sky long after it had gone out, and why looking across the universe means looking back through time. Next, they consider whether white holes are the opposite of black holes, then investigate whether dark matter could affect our measurements of Earth’s mass and gravity. Finally, they explore how neutrinos interact with gravity, whether black holes can capture them, and why space-time itself is not something a black hole can consume. Join Andrew and Fred Watson Watson for big ideas, listener curiosity and the occasional detour into the value of the Earth in dollars.
Key topics
- How light-travel time means we see distant stars as they were in the past.
- White holes as theoretical solutions to relativity, and how they differ from black holes.
- Whether dark matter contributes to Earth’s measured gravity and mass.
- The mass of the Earth and how astronomers determine it.
- Neutrinos, gravity, black holes and whether space-time can be consumed.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and listener questions
01:30 - If a distant star goes out, when would we see it happen?
06:30 - Looking back in time across the observable universe
10:00 - What are white holes, and are they the opposite of black holes?
15:30 - Could dark matter affect measurements of Earth’s gravity?
20:30 - How the mass of Earth is determined
23:30 - Do neutrinos interact with gravity, and can black holes capture them?
27:00 - Could a black hole feed on space-time itself?
30:00 - How to send questions to Space Nuts and closing remarks

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Space Nuts: A New Dwarf Planet, 3I/ATLAS, and Neptune’s Hidden Trojans
In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore three discoveries from across the Solar System and beyond. They begin with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s discovery of a distant, potentially large dwarf planet, and discuss what its unusual orbit could tell us about the hunt for the elusive Planet Nine. Next, they examine new James Webb Space Telescope observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, whose unusual chemistry may preserve clues to its origins in a very cold environment billions of years ago. Finally, the hosts turn to Neptune’s long-sought Trojan asteroids, discovered in data from the Rubin Observatory by a team in Belfast. Join Andrew and Fred Watson for distant worlds, ancient cosmic ice and asteroids hiding in the dark.
Key topics
- The Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s discovery of dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138.
- What makes an object a dwarf planet, and how its orbit could inform the Planet Nine debate.
- 3I/ATLAS’s unusual isotope ratios, methane and possible origins in an ancient, cold environment.
- The discovery of Neptune’s Trojan asteroids and why they have been so difficult to observe.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
01:20 - The Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovers a new distant dwarf planet
05:30 - What defines a dwarf planet and how it may eventually be named
09:00 - The object’s size, unusual orbit and possible relevance to Planet Nine
12:00 - 3I/ATLAS and its unusual chemistry revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope
16:00 - Isotope ratios, methane and clues to the comet’s age and origins
20:00 - Neptune’s Trojan asteroids are finally discovered
24:00 - How Trojan asteroids share a planet’s orbit and why Neptune’s were hard to find
27:00 - Closing remarks and where to follow Space Nuts

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Space Nuts: The Great Attractor, What Makes a Moon, and Life Beneath the Rings
In this listener Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a curious collection of cosmic questions. They explain why a crescent Moon can appear alongside the Sun in the morning sky, then explore the Great Attractor: the enormous concentration of galaxy clusters influencing the motion of our Local Group. The conversation turns to a lingering classification puzzle — what exactly makes a moon a moon, and should it have to clear its orbit? Finally, they imagine the view from a rocky world with rings, considering how the rings might look through the seasons, how sunlight would filter through them and what spectacular shadows or eclipses might occur. Join Andrew and Fred Watson for astronomy, imagination and the occasional tractor joke.
Key topics
- Why the Sun and a crescent Moon can be visible together in the morning sky.
- The Great Attractor, the Zone of Avoidance and the Laniakea Supercluster.
- Whether moons need to be spherical or clear their orbits, and the case of Pluto and Charon.
- What a ringed planet might look like from its surface, including seasonal changes, shadows and eclipses.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Why the Sun and crescent Moon can appear together in the morning
06:00 - Moon phases and how sunlight illuminates the Moon
09:30 - Paul’s question about the Great Attractor
11:00 - The Zone of Avoidance and the Laniakea Supercluster
16:00 - What defines a moon, and should it clear its orbit?
20:00 - Binary planets, Pluto and Charon
23:00 - What it might look like to stand beneath a planet’s rings
26:00 - Seasonal ring illumination, shadows and possible eclipses
30:00 - Listener feedback, updates and closing remarks

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Space Nuts: Mars’ Moons, Martian Quakes, and the Search for ET
In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore two mysteries from Mars, along with a new effort to listen for signs of life beyond Earth. First, they unpack Japan’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which will study Phobos and Deimos, attempt a landing on Phobos and bring samples back to Earth. The discussion turns to a Marsquake traced to the immense Valles Marineris canyon, offering fresh clues that the Red Planet may still be geologically active. Finally, Andrew and Fred Watson examine Saudi Arabia’s plans for a major astronomical observatory, including a site for Laser SETI detectors searching for brief flashes of possible extraterrestrial communication. Join them for a cosmic tour filled with planetary puzzles, ambitious missions and a little speculation about how aliens might get in touch.
Key topics
- Japan’s MMX mission to investigate Mars’ moons and return samples from Phobos.
- The possible origins of Phobos and Deimos, and the challenges of landing on a world with almost no gravity.
- A Marsquake linked to Valles Marineris and what it suggests about the planet’s geological activity.
- Saudi Arabia’s planned observatory and the use of optical Laser SETI detectors in the search for extraterrestrial signals.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
01:20 - Japan’s MMX mission and the mysteries of Phobos and Deimos
06:00 - How the mission will study Phobos and attempt to collect samples
12:00 - The challenges of landing on Phobos and the planned sample return to Earth
15:45 - A Marsquake traced to Valles Marineris
19:30 - What the quake reveals about Mars’ geological activity
22:00 - Saudi Arabia’s new observatory and the Laser SETI search
26:00 - How optical detectors could look for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence
29:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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Space Nuts: Ejected Stars, Black Hole Deaths, and Astronomy Resources
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. The episode kicks off with Clark from Auckland, who wonders about the possibility of stars and planets being ejected from galaxies, and what that means for rogue celestial bodies. Next, Scott from Hobart delves into the life cycle of black holes, asking what happens when they can no longer hold back light and how they ultimately meet their end. Rusty from Brooklyn poses a thought-provoking hypothetical scenario about the sun disappearing and its effects on Earth's gravitational tether. Finally, Bea from Sydney seeks advice on resources for beginners in astronomy, prompting a discussion on apps, books, and equipment to kickstart a cosmic journey. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these cosmic curiosities with their signature blend of wit and insight.
Key topics
- The mechanics of stars and planets being ejected from galaxies and the existence of rogue celestial bodies.
- Understanding the final stages of black holes, including Hawking radiation and potential explosive endings.
- The implications of the sun's sudden disappearance on Earth's gravitational stability.
- Resources and tips for beginners looking to dive into the world of astronomy.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Clark’s question about ejected stars and planets from galaxies
15:30 - Scott’s inquiry on the life cycle and death of black holes
25:00 - Rusty’s hypothetical scenario about the sun disappearing
35:15 - Bea’s request for beginner astronomy resources
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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00:00 - Introduction to Space Nuts and Listener Questions About Ejected Planets and Black Holes
01:56 - Can Planets and Stars Be Ejected From a Galaxy and the Nature of Intergalactic Space
04:24 - Understanding Stellar Ejection Mechanisms and Measuring Galactic Escape Velocity
07:37 - Comparing Earth's Escape Velocity to Our Galaxy's and the Impact of Galactic Mergers
09:04 - Analogy of Bank Mergers to Galactic Mergers and Universe Dynamics
09:50 - Exploring Black Hole Evaporation Through Hawking Radiation and the Final Violent Burst
11:17 - The Inverse Relationship Between Black Hole Mass and Temperature Leading to Evaporation
14:09 - Theoretical End States of Black Holes Including Gravitational Shockwaves and Information Release
15:13 - Summarizing Black Hole Endings and Thanking Listeners for Thought-Provoking Questions
15:44 - What Happens if the Sun Instantly Disappears and the Speed of Gravity
19:56 - Writing a Prequel and Speculating on Threats to Earth and Solar System Stability
21:11 - Concluding Questions and Addressing Beginner Astronomy Resources
21:43 - Recommended Astronomy Resources Including Podcasts, Websites, and Sky Apps
23:06 - Using Binoculars and Telescopes for Sky Observation and Visiting Astronomy Optics Stores
24:30 - The Value of Planispheres and Considering a Smart Telescope for Modern Astronomy
26:07 - Smart Telescopes with Built-in Filters and AI Image Enhancement Capabilities
27:26 - Enhancing Astronomical Images with AI Software and Affordable Smart Telescope Options
29:04 - Concluding the Episode and Discussing Time Dilation and Future Episodes
30:11 - A Humorous Ejection Analogy and Farewell from Space Nuts Hosts
30:42 - Podcast Availability and Production Credits for Space Nuts

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Space Nuts: NASA's Starliner, Retrograde Exoplanets, and the Square Kilometre Array
In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some of the latest developments in space exploration. They kick off with NASA's recent decision to stick with Boeing's Starliner for additional crewed missions, despite its rocky history. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing discovery of the exoplanet GJ 3090B, which is orbiting its star in the opposite direction, raising questions about planet formation and dynamics. Finally, they explore the innovative designs behind the Square Kilometre Array, examining how nature-inspired layouts may enhance its functionality while addressing technical challenges. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic stories with their signature blend of wit and insight.
Key topics
- NASA's ongoing collaboration with Boeing for the Starliner missions and its implications for future space travel.
- The unusual retrograde orbit of exoplanet GJ 3090B and what it reveals about planetary systems.
- The design and challenges of the Square Kilometre Array and its nature-inspired antenna layout.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
01:20 - Discussion on NASA's partnership with Boeing and the Starliner missions
15:30 - Exploration of the retrograde orbit of exoplanet GJ 3090B
25:00 - Insights into the Square Kilometre Array and its innovative designs
35:15 - Final thoughts and listener engagement

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Space Nuts: The Oort Cloud, Dwarf Planets, and Innovative Lander Designs
In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. Kicking off with Gerwin from Wales, they delve into the mysteries of the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt, discussing the potential mass of these distant regions and their influence on our solar system. Bob from Utah presents a unique perspective on dwarf planets, sparking a lively debate on definitions and classifications. Shumo from Oxford challenges the design of lunar landers, proposing a more insect-like approach to enhance stability on uneven terrain. Finally, Steve from the UK poses a fascinating hypothetical about gathering historical scientific greats to solve modern mysteries like dark matter and dark energy. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these cosmic curiosities with their signature blend of humour and insight.
Key topics
- The mass and significance of the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt in the solar system.
- Redefining dwarf planets: A discussion on classifications and implications.
- Innovative lunar lander designs inspired by nature's solutions to stability.
- The potential of historical scientists collaborating on contemporary scientific challenges.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Gerwin’s question about the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt
15:30 - Bob’s thoughts on the definition of dwarf planets
25:00 - Shumo’s proposal for insect-inspired lunar landers
35:15 - Steve’s hypothetical scenario of historical scientists solving modern mysteries
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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00:00 - Introduction to Space Nuts Q&A Edition and Topics for Today's Episode
00:17 - Discussion of Listener Questions Including Oort Cloud, Kuiper Belt, and Dwarf Planet Theory
01:46 - Addressing a Question from Wales About the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt's Potential Planetary Mass
03:52 - Analyzing the Mass of Trans-Neptunian Objects and Oort Cloud Bodies in Relation to Planetary Formation
07:20 - Speculating on Planet Nine and the Hypothetical Mass of the Oort Cloud's Influence
08:53 - Debating Dwarf Planet Theory and the Definition of a Planet with Historical Context
13:29 - Exploring Biometric Approaches for Lunar Landers Versus Traditional Designs and Recent Mission Failures
23:54 - Humorous Discussion on Simple Solutions for Landing Stability and Future Lunar Missions
25:11 - Hypothetical Collaboration of Past and Present Scientists to Solve Cosmic Mysteries Like Dark Matter
32:01 - Concluding Thoughts on Unsolvable Mysteries and the Limits of Science.

Space Nuts: Lunar Magnetism, Exoplanet Signals, and the Evolution of Spacecraft Windows
In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of fascinating astronomical topics. The episode kicks off with an exploration of lunar magnetism, as they discuss new findings suggesting that the Moon may have once possessed a primordial magnetic field, stemming from solidified magma beneath its surface. The duo then shifts gears to a groundbreaking discovery of radio signals originating from the exoplanet Beta Pictoris B, revealing the presence of auroras on this distant gas giant. Finally, they examine the evolution of spacecraft windows, highlighting the importance of visibility for astronauts and the advancements in window technology over the decades. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic mysteries with their signature blend of humour and insight.
Key topics
- The Moon's magnetic history and the implications of recent research on its geological structure.
- Detection of auroras on exoplanets through radio signals and what it means for our understanding of planetary atmospheres.
- The evolution of spacecraft windows: from early designs to modern innovations and safety considerations.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
01:20 - Discussion on lunar magnetism and the Moon's geological history
15:30 - Discovery of radio signals from exoplanet Beta Pictoris B and the significance of auroras
25:00 - Evolution of spacecraft windows and their importance for astronauts
35:15 - A unique photo capturing the International Space Station and a plane against the sun
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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Space Nuts: Fast-Moving Planets, Photon Pressure, and the Nature of Moons
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing listener questions. Kicking off with Ron's query about the implications of living on a super fast-moving planet orbiting Sagittarius A*, they delve into the fascinating world of time dilation and its effects on scientific observations. Next, Jeff from Colorado poses a thought-provoking question regarding photon pressure and its potential influence on the universe's expansion, leading to a discussion on dark energy and cosmic mysteries. Brian from the Gold Coast wonders about the visibility of cosmic microwave background radiation behind black holes, while Bob rounds off the episode with a query on the characteristics that define a moon. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these cosmic curiosities with their trademark wit and insight.
Key topics
- The effects of high-speed planetary motion near a black hole on time and observational science.
- Exploring photon pressure and its relationship to the universe's expansion and dark energy.
- The cosmic microwave background radiation and its interaction with black holes.
- Defining moons: How small and irregular can they be while still being classified as moons?
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Ron’s question about living on a fast-moving planet and time dilation effects
15:30 - Jeff’s inquiry into photon pressure and its impact on cosmic expansion
25:00 - Brian’s question regarding cosmic microwave background radiation and black holes
35:15 - Bob’s exploration of what constitutes a moon
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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