Light Pollution, Space Parasols, and Salvaging Satellites
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a range of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the effects of light pollution on stargazing to the intriguing concept of a space parasol for climate control, this episode is packed with cosmic curiosities and insightful discussions that will leave you contemplating the future of humanity in space.
Episode Highlights:
- Light Pollution and Night Sky Visibility: Mark from Connecticut wonders how quickly the night sky would become visible if all electric lights suddenly went out. Andrew and Jonti discuss the immediate effects of light pollution and the importance of dark adaptation for optimal stargazing, emphasizing the impact of atmospheric conditions on visibility.
- Geoengineering and Space Parasols: Doug raises the question of whether a parasol at Lagrange Point 1 could help mitigate climate change. The hosts explore the feasibility of such a project, discussing the challenges of scale, technology, and the implications of geoengineering on the Earth's climate system.
- Salvage Rights in Space: A listener inquires about the ownership of defunct satellites and the potential for salvage rights in space. Andrew and Jonti explain the current legal landscape surrounding space debris, the challenges of recovery, and the evolving nature of space law as commercial interests grow.
- Searching for Extraterrestrial Life: Robert from the Netherlands asks about the role of radio waves in searching for alien civilizations. The hosts delve into the efforts of the SETI program, the challenges of detecting signals, and the potential of the Square Kilometer Array to listen for extraterrestrial communications.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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Meteorite Myths, Fireballs, and the Enigmatic 3I Atlas
In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into a variety of fascinating cosmic topics, from the truth behind a supposed meteorite impact on a car to the latest developments surrounding the comet 3I Atlas. This episode is packed with intriguing insights and lively discussions that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.
Episode Highlights:
- Meteorite or Not? Andrew and Jonti examine a peculiar incident involving a car in South Australia that was thought to have been struck by a meteorite. They explore the evidence, including an impressive impact crater on the windscreen, and discuss the likelihood that it was merely debris from a passing truck instead.
- Daylight Fireball: The hosts report on a recent fireball sighting over southeastern Australia that captivated witnesses in broad daylight. They analyze the characteristics of this event and the implications it might have for potential meteorite recovery.
- Updates on 3I Atlas: The episode features an update on the comet 3I Atlas, which recently passed perihelion. Andrew and Jonti discuss its unusual behavior, including rapid brightening and the theories behind its activity as it travels through the solar system.
- Supermassive Black Holes in Tiny Galaxies: The discovery of a supermassive black hole in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Segue One raises intriguing questions about galaxy formation and evolution. The hosts delve into the implications of this finding and what it reveals about the nature of dark matter and galaxy interactions.
- Life After Asteroid Impacts: A fascinating study from Finland sheds light on how life can rebound after an asteroid impact. The research team investigates the timeline of microbial recolonization in a crater formed 78 million years ago, revealing insights into the resilience of life on Earth.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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Q&A Edition: Spaghettification, Neutron Stars, and the Mysteries of Wormholes
In this mind-bending episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle fascinating questions from listeners that delve into the depths of cosmic phenomena. From the peculiar concept of spaghettification to the nature of black holes and the theoretical existence of wormholes, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights and engaging dialogue.
Episode Highlights:
- Understanding Spaghettification: Buddy from Oregon asks if spaghettification is real or merely an illusion. Andrew and Jonti break down the science behind this phenomenon, explaining how the immense gravitational forces near a black hole stretch objects into long, thin shapes, much like spaghetti.
- Neutron Stars vs. Black Holes: Istok from Slovenia inquires about the density of neutron stars and what happens to matter inside black holes. The hosts explore the fascinating properties of neutron stars and the limits of our understanding regarding black holes and the nature of singularities.
- Theoretical Wormholes: Foster from Norway poses a question about the parameters needed for wormholes to exist, inspired by the film Interstellar. Andrew and Jonti discuss the theoretical framework of wormholes, their implications for space travel, and the challenges of proving their existence.
- Pre-Big Bang Theories: Rob's thought-provoking question leads to a discussion about singularities and the potential existence of black holes before the Big Bang. The hosts explore the philosophical implications of what may have existed before time and space as we know them.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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Jupiter's Influence, Hungry White Dwarfs, and Chiron's Rings
In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore the dynamic forces shaping our solar system and beyond. From the pivotal role of Jupiter in planetary formation to the intriguing behaviors of white dwarfs and the rapid evolution of Chiron's ring system, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations and scientific insights.
Episode Highlights:
- Jupiter's Role in the Solar System: Andrew and Jonti discuss a recent study that sheds light on how Jupiter's formation influenced the architecture of our solar system, potentially determining the locations and characteristics of the terrestrial planets. They delve into the gravitational effects Jupiter has on the inner solar system and how it may have created conditions favorable for planet formation.
- White Dwarf Devours Planetary Material: The hosts examine a fascinating case of a white dwarf star that has been observed consuming heavy elements from a planetesimal. They explain the implications of this discovery, including the potential for ongoing planetary activity around aging stars and what it suggests about the fate of planetary systems.
- Chiron's Evolving Ring System: The episode features a discussion about Chiron, the icy centaur that has recently been found to have a developing ring system. Andrew and Jonti explore the significance of this discovery, the potential origins of the rings, and what this tells us about the dynamic processes at play in the outer solar system.
- Exoplanet Life Candidates: The hosts wrap up with a critical look at claims surrounding a newly discovered exoplanet that is being touted as a potential candidate for life. They discuss the importance of scientific accuracy in media reporting and the implications of misrepresenting findings in the search for extraterrestrial life.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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Q&A Edition: Sun-Moon Coincidences, Cosmic Event Horizons, and Hoag's Object
In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle intriguing questions from listeners that explore the wonders of the cosmos. From the fascinating similarities between the Sun and the Moon to the mysterious nature of Hoag's Object, this episode is filled with scientific insights and engaging discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Sun and Moon Coincidences: Andrew and Jonti delve into the remarkable coincidences between the Sun and the Moon, including their similar apparent sizes and rotation rates. They discuss the implications of these coincidences for future lunar habitation and solar radiation protection.
- Speeding Through Space: Trevor’s question leads to an exploration of how fast comets and spacecraft can travel. The hosts discuss gravitational assists and the potential for achieving incredible speeds, as well as the limits imposed by the physics of motion and the expansion of the universe.
- Hoag's Object Unveiled: Austin's inquiry about Hoag's Object prompts a discussion about this unique ring galaxy. Andrew and Jonti analyze its stunning symmetry and the theories surrounding its formation, including the possibility of a high-speed collision between galaxies.
- Understanding Cosmic Event Horizons: Dan's question about cosmic event horizons sparks a deep dive into the boundaries of the observable universe. The hosts clarify the concepts of event horizons, including the limitations of what we can see due to the expansion of the universe.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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SpaceX Innovations, Low-Cost Telescopes, and the Mystery of Super-Puff Planets
In this exhilarating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into the latest advancements in space exploration and the mysteries of the cosmos. With updates from SpaceX's recent successful launches to groundbreaking developments in low-cost space telescopes, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic revelations.
Episode Highlights:
- SpaceX's Bold New Plans: Andrew and Jonti discuss SpaceX's recent achievements, including the successful landing of their Starship and their ambitious plans for future missions to the Moon and Mars. They explore how rapid testing and innovation are changing the landscape of space travel.
- Low-Cost Space Telescopes: Learn about the innovative Minerva Australis facility at the University of Southern Queensland and how it is revolutionizing the search for exoplanets. The hosts discuss the exciting new projects like Twinkl and Mauv, which aim to make space telescopes more accessible and affordable.
- Discovering Super-Puff Planets: The episode delves into the discovery of TOI 4507B, a unique super-puff planet with an unusually low density and a highly tilted orbit. Andrew and Jonti examine the implications of this finding for our understanding of planetary formation and the diversity of exoplanets.
- Earth's Magnetic Field Anomalies: The hosts wrap up with a discussion on the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region where Earth's magnetic field is unexpectedly weak. They explore its significance for satellite operations and its implications for our understanding of Earth's interior dynamics.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

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Q&A Edition: Dark Matter, Betelgeuse, and Lagrange Points
In this fascinating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of listener questions that delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. From the enigmatic nature of dark matter and its interactions with black holes to the potential explosion of Betelgeuse and the intriguing concept of Lagrange points, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and scientific discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Matter vs. Black Holes: Andrew and Jonti explore the relationship between dark matter and black holes, discussing whether dark matter can be 'eaten' by black holes and the implications of such interactions for our understanding of the universe.
- Betelgeuse's Fate: The hosts address a listener's question about the distance of Betelgeuse and what it means for us if it were to explode. They explain how light travel time affects our perception of cosmic events and the philosophical implications of observing the universe.
- Lagrange Points Explained: Mark's inquiry leads to a detailed explanation of Lagrange points, their stability, and how they function within the gravitational dynamics of celestial bodies. Jonti provides a compelling analogy to help visualize these unique gravitational wells.
- Kordeski Plasma Clouds: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the Kordeski clouds, two large dust clouds located at the Earth-Moon Lagrange points. The hosts delve into their transient nature and the challenges faced in confirming their existence.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.
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ontroversial Concepts: Sunlight Services, Near-Earth Asteroids, and the 6,000th Exoplanet
In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into a variety of cosmic topics that challenge our understanding of space and its implications for life on Earth. From a bold proposal for a satellite-based sunlight service to a near miss with an asteroid and the discovery of the 6,000th exoplanet, this episode is filled with intriguing discussions and scientific insights.
Episode Highlights:
- Sunlight Services Proposal: Andrew and Jonti explore the controversial idea of launching satellites to reflect sunlight back to Earth, discussing the practical challenges and potential environmental impacts of such a scheme. They raise critical questions about the feasibility and safety of this ambitious project.
- Asteroid Near Miss: The hosts analyze the recent close encounter with asteroid 2025 TF, emphasizing the importance of early detection in planetary defense and how light pollution from artificial satellites could hinder our ability to spot these potential threats in the future.
- Milestone in Exoplanet Discovery: Celebrating the discovery of the 6,000th exoplanet, Andrew and Jonti reflect on the journey of exoplanet research over the past three decades and the implications of finding planets beyond our solar system. They discuss the criteria for confirming these distant worlds and what the future holds for exoplanet exploration.
- Mimas and Subsurface Oceans: The episode concludes with a fascinating look at Saturn's moon Mimas, which may harbor a subsurface ocean. The discussion highlights the ongoing research into the moon's geological history and the potential for life beyond Earth in unexpected places.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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 favourite 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.

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Q&A Edition: Snowball Earth, and Cosmic Neutrinos
In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a range of intriguing listener questions. From the complexities of climate change and its effects on Earth’s axis to the mysteries of snowball Earth and the record-breaking neutrino KM M3230213A, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and scientific discussion.
Episode Highlights:
- Climate Change Explained: Andrew and Jonti address Peter's question on how CO2, despite being heavier than air, contributes to global warming. They discuss the greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide in trapping heat, along with the challenges of public perception regarding climate science.
- Snowball Earth Insights: Paul’s inquiry leads to an exploration of the snowball Earth hypothesis, examining how such extreme climate conditions could affect oxygen levels and what triggers these dramatic shifts in Earth’s climate.
- Cosmic Neutrinos Unveiled: Casey’s question about the record-breaking KM M3230213A neutrino sparks a fascinating discussion on its origins, possible sources, and the implications of detecting such high-energy particles from the early universe.
- Understanding MWC349A: Henrique asks about the mysterious object MWC349A and its unique emissions. The hosts delve into the science of masers and the significance of this object in understanding stellar evolution and mass loss.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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 favourite 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.

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Comets, Meteor Showers, and Mysteries of Uranus
In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore the latest cosmic happenings, from the intriguing updates on interstellar comet 3I Atlas to the meteor showers lighting up our skies. They also delve into the fascinating story of Uranus's moon Ariel, which hints at a hidden ocean in its past, and the potential threat posed by asteroids influenced by Venus.
Episode Highlights:
- 3I Atlas Update: Andrew and Jonti discuss the latest observations of comet 3I Atlas, the third interstellar object observed, and its rapid journey through our solar system. With a close approach to the sun and Mars, the comet presents unique opportunities for data collection, despite being temporarily out of view from Earth.
- Exciting Comet Discoveries: The hosts share news about other comets, including C 2025 R2 Swan and A6 Lemon, highlighting their visibility and potential for amateur astronomers. They discuss the thrill of unexpected comet appearances and the importance of ongoing observation.
- Meteor Showers in Focus: Andrew and Jonti provide insights into the upcoming Orionid and Draconid meteor showers, including optimal viewing times and conditions. They discuss the rarity of meteor storms and the impact of moonlight on visibility.
- Ariel and Its Hidden Ocean: The episode takes a deeper look at Uranus's moon Ariel, revealing new findings that suggest the presence of a subsurface ocean in its past due to tidal heating. The discussion emphasizes the implications for understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.
- Venus and Asteroid Dynamics: The hosts conclude with a thought-provoking discussion about near-Earth asteroids that may be influenced by Venus's gravity, exploring how these objects could pose a long-term threat to Earth in the future.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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 favourite 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.
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