Space Nuts Episode 488: Cosmic Curiosities - Primordial Black Holes, Ancient Galaxies, and the Ultimate Lagrange Point
Join Andrew Dunkley, Professor Fred Watson, and Professor Jonti Horner as they tackle intriguing questions from our listeners in this Q&A edition of Space Nuts. Dive into the mysteries of the universe with thought-provoking discussions on primordial black holes, ancient galaxies, and the concept of the ultimate Lagrange point.
Episode Highlights:
- Primordial Black Holes: Rusty from Donnybrook throws a cosmic curveball about the impact of a primordial black hole entering our solar system. Explore the fascinating scenarios and potential consequences with Fred and Jonti as they delve into gravitational dynamics and celestial mechanics.
- Ancient Galaxies: Marcel questions the age of the universe as the James Webb Space Telescope continues to uncover older galaxies. Fred and Jonti unravel the complexities of cosmic timelines and the implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
- The Ultimate Lagrange Point: Buddy from Oregon ponders whether the center of a galaxy could be the ultimate Lagrange point. Discover the intricacies of gravitational balance and stability as Jonti explains the concept of Lagrange points and their cosmic significance.
- Expansion of the Universe: Michael from Illinois raises questions about the accelerating expansion of the universe and its effects on our solar system. Fred and Jonti discuss the interplay between cosmic expansion and gravitational forces, offering insights into the future of our universe.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley answers questions from audience about primordial black holes
02:08 - Rusty asks a question about black holes in the solar system
06:39 - Science currently holds the belief that our universe is 13.8 billion years old
09:54 - Scientists say HD140283 is older than the edge of the universe
13:23 - Would the center of a galaxy be like the ultimate Lagrange point
14:11 - Would the center of the galaxy be the ultimate Lagrange point
19:30 - Fred Ferguson: An accelerating expansion means everything in the universe is moving apart
24:20 - Patrick Lukaf: There have been several versions of Planet X proposed
32:22 - Don't forget to send us your questions via our website
www.spacenutspodcast.com/ama 
✍️ Episode References
James Webb Space Telescope
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
Dark Sky Traveller
http://darkskytraveller.com.au/
Methuselah Star (HD 140283)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_140283
Great Attractor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Attractor
Planet Nine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Nine
Lagrange Points
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrange_point

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Space Nuts Episode 487: Rethinking the Universe - Dark Energy, Comet Atlas, and Pluto's Moon Mystery
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they welcome the newest member to the team and kick off the first episode of 2025 with groundbreaking discussions and cosmic revelations. This episode is packed with intriguing topics, including a revolutionary paper challenging our understanding of dark energy, a mesmerizing comet lighting up our skies, and a fresh perspective on how Pluto acquired its moon, Charon.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Energy Debate: Explore the bold new paper suggesting the universe might not have dark energy and isn't expanding as we thought. Fred Watson and guest Professor Jonti Horner delve into the implications of this paradigm-shifting research and what it means for the future of cosmology.
- Comet C/2024 G3 Atlas: Discover the celestial wonder of Comet Atlas, a once-in-160,000-year event. Learn about its journey close to the sun and how you can catch a glimpse of this spectacular comet in the night sky.
- Pluto's Moon Charon: Uncover the fascinating story behind Pluto's largest moon, Charon. Jonti Horner explains the new theory of a gentle collision that might have led to Charon's capture, providing fresh insights into the dynamics of our solar system.
- Astronomical Events of 2025: Get a sneak peek into the best celestial events to look forward to this year, including lunar eclipses and meteor showers.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley returns to Space Nuts with Professor Fred Watson
02:21 - Professor Jonti Horner is filling in for Fred for next month
04:38 - New research suggests the universe has no dark energy and isn't expanding
13:31 - Andrew Dunkley: The dark energy model fits the, uh, data better
16:21 - C 2024 G3 Atlas was discovered in 2024
22:51 - Fred says people should look out for comet in the evening sky next week
27:05 - This is an interesting story about how Pluto got its moon
34:02 - The encounter between Theia and Pluto lasted 10 hours, Fred says
36:43 - This year is absolutely terrible for eclipses of the sun
40:09 - Andrew Dunkley: Thanks to Professor Fred Watson and Professor Jonti Horner
✍️ Episode References
University of Southern Queensland
[https://www.usq.edu.au/](https://www.usq.edu.au/)
University of Canterbury
[https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/](https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/)
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
[https://academic.oup.com/mnras](https://academic.oup.com/mnras)
Dark Energy Survey
[https://www.darkenergysurvey.org/](https://www.darkenergysurvey.org/)
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
[https://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/](https://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/)
Space.com
[https://www.space.com/](https://www.space.com/)
Stellarium
[https://stellarium.org/](https://stellarium.org/)


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Space Nuts Episode 486: James Webb's First Image and Cosmic Mysteries Unveiled
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the latest astronomical marvels in this exciting episode of Space Nuts. From the groundbreaking first image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope to intriguing listener questions about galaxy sizes and cosmic mysteries, this episode is packed with stellar insights.
Episode Highlights:
- James Webb's First Image: Discover the breathtaking first image from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing a cluster of galaxies in stunning detail. Learn how this new tool surpasses the Hubble Telescope's capabilities and what it means for the future of space exploration.
- Galaxy Size Anomalies: Explore the fascinating question from Alex in New South Wales about why galaxies appear to change size at different distances. Fred Watson Watson explains the peculiar properties of our expanding universe that lead to this phenomenon.
- Dark Matter Discoveries: Anna from Astronomy Daily shares groundbreaking research into the GD1 Stellar Stream, suggesting a new understanding of dark matter involving self-interacting subhalos. Discover how this could revolutionise our knowledge of the universe's fundamental structure.
- China's Rocket Advancements: Learn about China's impressive technological strides with successful tests of multiple rocket engines in a single day. Understand how these developments could impact future lunar and Mars missions.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
02:53 - The James Webb Space Telescope has released its first deep field image
10:32 - Fred and Andrew welcome Alex from Bellingen, New South Wales
11:00 - It's common understanding that distance reduces apparent size of galaxies
15:31 - Astronomers may have finally cracked a long standing cosmic mystery about GD1
17:57 - China conducted tests of five different rocket engines in a single day
✍️ Episode References
James Webb Space Telescope
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
Hubble Space Telescope
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
SMACS 0723
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMACS_J0723.3%E2%80%937327
Abel clusters
https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Abell/frames.html
Astronomy Daily
https://astronomydaily.io/
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
http://www.spacechina.com/n25/n2014789/English/index.html


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Space Nuts Episode 485: Imaging the Unimaginable - Sagittarius A*, Dark Matter Theories, and Astronomy's Bright Future
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the latest astronomical breakthroughs and thought-provoking listener questions. From capturing the elusive image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, to exploring intriguing theories about dark matter and energy, this episode promises to expand your cosmic horizons.
Episode Highlights:
- First Image of Sagittarius A*: Discover the groundbreaking achievement of imaging the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way. Learn about the challenges faced by astronomers and the significance of this monumental discovery.
- Dark Matter and Energy Theories: Dive into a listener's speculative question about the nature of dark matter and energy. Explore the possibilities of anti-gravity and the mysteries that continue to baffle scientists.
- The Future of Astronomy: Hear from a listener in India contemplating a career in astronomy versus physics. Fred Watson Watson shares insights into the promising future of astronomy and the diverse opportunities available within the field.
- Space News with Anna: Get the latest updates on the private space sector, including Toyota's investment in Interstellar Technologies and NASA's revamped Mars Sample Return mission. Learn how these developments could shape the future of space exploration.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
Become a supporter of this podcast in 2025 for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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.
00:00 - Space Nuts is taking a bit of a break at the moment
00:21 - Professor Fred Watson joins us to talk astronomy and space science on Space Nuts
02:26 - Scientists have finally released an image of a black hole in our Milky Way galaxy
09:36 - Professor Fred Watson answers Space Nuts' question and answer segment
10:14 - Mike: Gravity in the lack of mass may explain Voyager slowing down
16:05 - Should I go for pure physics or astronomy after graduation? Kabir asks
21:24 - Andrew: Kabir, find something you love and turn it into a career
23:34 - Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies has secured major investment from Toyota
25:34 - NASA has unveiled a major overhaul of their Mars sample return mission
27:32 - Anna shares latest developments in space science with the SpaceNuts podcast

✍️ Episode References
Interstellar Technologies
[Interstellar Technologies](https://www.istellartech.com/)
Event Horizon Telescope
[Event Horizon Telescope](https://eventhorizontelescope.org/)
James Webb Space Telescope
[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)
NASA Mars Sample Return Mission
[NASA Mars Sample Return Mission](https://mars.nasa.gov/msr/)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io/)
Woven By Toyota
[Woven By Toyota](https://woven.toyota/en/)

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Space Nuts Episode 484: Unveiling Moon Mysteries, Fermi Paradox Insights, and Mars Terraforming Challenges - A Holiday Special Episode
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the fascinating realms of lunar exploration, the enigmatic Fermi Paradox, and the challenges of terraforming Mars in this captivating episode of Space Nuts. Packed with scientific insights and thought-provoking discussions, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.
Episode Highlights:
- Unsealing Apollo's Secrets: Discover the intriguing story behind the recently opened lunar sample from the Apollo 17 mission. Learn why scientists waited 50 years to examine this precious material and what it could reveal about landslides on the Moon and its geological mysteries.
- Fermi Paradox Explored: Dive into the Fermi Paradox with a listener's question about the formation of life and elements beyond iron. Explore the possibilities of why we haven't encountered extraterrestrial civilizations and the implications for our place in the universe.
- Terraforming Mars: Engage in a speculative discussion about the feasibility of reactivating Mars' core to sustain an atmosphere. Explore the challenges of creating a habitable environment on the Red Planet and the limitations posed by its size and magnetic field.
- Space News with Anna: Get the latest updates on SpaceX's upcoming Starship test flight and Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket debut. Learn about the exciting advancements in satellite deployment and the future of heavy-lift launch vehicles.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
02:13 - Apollo astronauts brought back 2,196 samples from the moon in 1960s
09:41 - The Moon is once again drawing a lot of attention with ambitious plans
12:38 - If you want to become a patron of our podcast, you can do so online
13:59 - Question comes from Simon from Newcastle about the formation of elements and Fermi paradox
15:33 - The Fermi paradox is about where is everybody in the universe
22:16 - Without an active core Mars will not be able to sustain an atmosphere
28:26 - SpaceX is gearing up for their seventh Starship test flight on January 10
30:17 - Blue Origin preparing to launch their first New Glenn rocket on January 6th
32:38 - Space Nuts is a twice weekly podcast from Bitesz. com
✍️ Episode References
NASA
https://www.nasa.gov
Apollo 17 mission
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_17
Artemis mission
https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/
SpaceX Starship
https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/
Blue Origin New Glenn
https://www.blueorigin.com/new-glenn/
James Webb Space Telescope
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov
Enrico Fermi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrico_Fermi
Galileo's experiment
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo%27s_Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa_experiment
Astronomy Daily
https://www.astronomydaily.io
Bitesz.com
https://www.bitesz.com


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Space Nuts Episode: Gemstone Rain on Exoplanets and the Reliability of Research Papers #483
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the wonders of the cosmos in another intriguing episode of Space Nuts. This week, dive into the fascinating world of exoplanets with gemstone rain and discuss the reliability of research papers with insightful audience questions.
Episode Highlights:
- Gemstone Rain on Exoplanet WASP-121b: Discover the extraordinary exoplanet where it rains gemstones. Learn about the unique atmospheric conditions that lead to such exotic precipitation and the incredible journey of water and other materials across this tidally locked world.
- Reliability of Research Papers: Delve into a thought-provoking discussion about the accuracy of scientific research papers. Explore how often published findings might be influenced by bias or statistical errors and what this means for fields like astronomy.
- Space Debris in Kenya: Hear about the unexpected arrival of a massive metal object in a Kenyan village, identified as a separation ring from a rocket launch. Understand the implications of such events and the protocols followed under International Space Law.
- Gravitational Wave Detection Breakthrough: Learn about a new technique called optical spring tracking that could significantly enhance our ability to detect gravitational waves. Discover how this advancement could provide insights into cosmic events from the earliest moments of the universe.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - This is Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
01:41 - Andrew Bennett: There's an exoplanet that rains gemstones
05:08 - You observe the star's light throughout the orbital period of the planet
12:09 - You can help support the Space Nuts podcast through Patreon or Supercast
13:47 - Bob from North Carolina has two questions for Professor Watson about scientific accuracy
22:12 - A metal object plummeted from space and landed in a Kenyan village on Tuesday
23:34 - Scientists have developed a new technique called optical spring tracking to detect gravitational waves
✍️ Episode References
WASP-121b
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WASP-121b
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
https://www.mit.edu/
Johns Hopkins University
https://www.jhu.edu/
Caltech
https://www.caltech.edu/
Hubble Space Telescope
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
phys.org
https://phys.org/
Astronomy Daily
https://astronomydaily.io/
Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/


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Space Nuts Episode: Dark Energy Discoveries, Ancient Peruvian Observatories, and Solar Proximity #482
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore groundbreaking discoveries in this fascinating episode of Space Nuts. From potential evidence of dark energy to the mysteries of an ancient Peruvian observatory, and the record-breaking feats of NASA's Parker Solar Probe, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and historical wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Energy Detection: Dive into the latest research from the University of Cambridge, where scientists may have accidentally stumbled upon evidence of dark energy. Explore the significance of this potential discovery and its implications for the future of physics.
- Ancient Peruvian Observatory: Discover the story behind a 2,200-year-old observatory in Peru, recently granted World Heritage status. Learn about its role in ancient civilization and the remarkable precision of its astronomical alignments.
- Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Mission: Marvel at NASA's Parker Solar Probe as it makes its closest-ever approach to the Sun, achieving unprecedented speeds and providing new insights into solar physics. Understand how this mission is reshaping our knowledge of the Sun's mysterious processes.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
Become a supporter of this podcast for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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.
00:00 - Space Nuts is taking a bit of a break at the moment
01:30 - University of Cambridge scientists looking for detection of dark energy using Italian telescope
08:07 - Peruvian observatory that was discovered in 2005 has hit the news again
14:26 - NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest ever approach to the Sun
17:29 - NASA is getting ready to announce major changes to its Mars sample return mission
18:56 - From record breaking solar encounters to the evolving plans for Mars
✍️ Episode References
University of Cambridge
[University of Cambridge](https://www.cam.ac.uk/)
Gran Sasso National Laboratory
[Gran Sasso National Laboratory](https://www.lngs.infn.it/en)
University of Leicester
[University of Leicester](https://le.ac.uk/)
NASA Parker Solar Probe
[NASA Parker Solar Probe](https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe)
NASA Mars Sample Return Mission
[NASA Mars Sample Return Mission](https://mars.nasa.gov/msr/)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io)


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Space Nuts: Lunar Cycles, Coastal Flooding, and Cosmic Celebrations #481
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the intriguing intersection of lunar cycles and climate change, and special guest Anna, the host of Astronomy Daily the Podcast, pops in with heartwarming holiday celebrations aboard the International Space Station, part of a quick news update. This episode promises a mix of scientific insights and festive cheer from the cosmos.
Episode Highlights:
- Lunar Cycle and Coastal Flooding: Discover how the Moon's 18.6-year cycle, combined with climate change, may lead to increased coastal flooding by the mid-2030s. Understand the astronomical and environmental factors contributing to this phenomenon and the potential impact on low-lying regions.
- Holiday Spirit in Space: Experience the festive atmosphere aboard the International Space Station as astronauts share their unique holiday celebrations, complete with floating candy canes and a creatively crafted snowman.
- Ancient Galactic Twin: Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery of a galaxy that mirrors the Milky Way in its infancy. This "Firefly Sparkle" galaxy offers unprecedented insights into our cosmic past and the formation of star clusters.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, YouTube 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.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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.
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley welcomes astronomer at large Professor Fred Watson to the show
01:25 - NASA warns that when combined with climate change, high tides could reach flooding thresholds
09:22 - I find the influence of the moon on our waterways fascinating
10:21 - Anna news update: The International Space Station is celebrating the holidays with a festive video message
11:52 - The James Webb Space Telescope has just discovered an ancient galaxy called Firefly sparkle
14:59 - Anna shares stories about holiday celebrations in space and ancient galaxy discoveries
✍️ Episode References
NASA
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)
International Space Station
[International Space Station](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html)
James Webb Space Telescope
[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)
University of Hawaii
[University of Hawaii](https://www.hawaii.edu/)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io)
Wellesley College
[Wellesley College](https://www.wellesley.edu/)
Space Nuts Podcast
[Space Nuts Podcast](https://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/)
Astronomy Daily Podcast
[Astronomy Daily Podcast](https://astronomydaily.io)



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Space Nuts Episode: Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter, and Time Distortions #480
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the final fresh episode of the year as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the mysteries of Dyson spheres to the enigmatic effects of dark matter and the curious nature of time distortion, this Q&A edition is packed with cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Dyson Spheres and Stellar Light: Explore the concept of Dyson spheres and their impact on planetary light and life. Uncover the truth about these megastructures and how they might affect solar systems.
- Dark Matter's Gravitational Pull: Delve into the hypothetical scenario of encountering a glob of dark matter in space. Understand the gravitational effects and whether a spaceship could be ensnared by dark matter's invisible clutches.
- Black Holes and Time-Space Switch: Investigate the theory that space and time swap roles beyond a black hole's event horizon. Consider the implications of this switch on the nature of escape and time travel.
- Time Distortion Without Gravity: Contemplate the possibility of time distortion occurring independently of gravity. Examine the connection between time, gravity, and acceleration as proposed by Einstein's theories.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
Become a supporter of this podcast for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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.
00:00 - This is our final regular Space Nuts episode of the year
01:45 - If a Dyson sphere surrounds a star, how does the planet get light
09:00 - Andrew Dunkley: Can dark matter be thrown out of a galaxy
12:38 - Fred from Sweden has yet another question about black holes
14:35 - There's a nice question on um, the physics stack exchange
16:23 - Buddy from Oregon asks question about time distortion and gravity
21:36 - Fred did a search on Google about the biggest astronomy stories of 2024
23:45 - We'll be digging up stories from the archives over the next few weeks
24:54 - Andrew Dunkley thanks Professor Fred Watson
✍️ Episode References
Dyson Sphere
[Dyson Sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyson_sphere)
Science Magazine
[Science Magazine](https://www.sciencemag.org/)
Square Kilometre Array
[Square Kilometre Array](https://www.skatelescope.org/)
Contact (Movie)
[Contact (1997)](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/)
RAVE Project
[RAVE Project](https://www.rave-survey.org/)

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Space Nuts Episode: Stink in Space, Sombrero Galaxy, and Dark Energy Revelations #479
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest cosmic events in this entertaining episode of Space Nuts. From a mysterious odour aboard the International Space Station to stunning images of the Sombrero Galaxy and groundbreaking theories on dark energy, this episode is packed with stellar insights and astronomical wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- International Space Station's Stinky Situation: Discover the unexpected odour that caused astronauts to temporarily seal off a recently docked Russian supply ship. Explore the potential causes and the measures taken to ensure the crew's safety.
- Sombrero Galaxy's New Look: Marvel at the breathtaking mid-infrared images of the Sombrero Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn about the intricate details revealed in the galaxy's dusty rings and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Dark Energy's New Twist: Delve into the latest research suggesting that dark energy might not be constant, challenging our understanding of the universe's expansion. Consider the implications of this potential paradigm shift in cosmology.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a review, message or comment on your favourite platform.
For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
Become a supporter of this podcast for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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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00:00 - Andrew Dunkley hosts Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
01:08 - Professor Fred Watson will be doing archival episodes over the Christmas New Year period
03:02 - Bad smell coming from Russian spacecraft docking with International Space Station
09:01 - Arthur Dent. What a name. Only Douglas Adams could think up a name like that
09:24 - Andrew Dunkley says odour on International Space Station could be anything
11:09 - Incogni is a way of cleaning up your online presence
13:17 - James Webb telescope has taken a marvellous mid infrared image of galaxy
18:32 - The James Webb Space Telescope is seeking 78,000 hours of observing time
24:54 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss the accelerating expansion of the universe
32:25 - Fred Watson: This could indicate new physics that we don't yet understand
✍️ Episode References
Space.com
[https://www.space.com](https://www.space.com)
Phys.org
[https://www.phys.org](https://www.phys.org)
Incogni
[https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts](https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts)
Bytes.com
[https://www.bytes.com](https://www.bytes.com)


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