Space Nuts

Space Nuts Episode 471: HERA's Journey and the Light of Healing
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the latest developments in Space exploration and the fascinating role of light in both astronomy and human healing.
Episode Highlights:
- HERA Mission Milestones: Discover the latest updates on the HERA mission, including critical trajectory corrections and its upcoming Mars gravity assist. Learn about its objectives, including a close encounter with Mars' moon Deimos, and its ultimate goal of orbiting the asteroid Didymos.
- Black Hole Light Echoes: Delve into the intriguing concept of black hole light echoes and how light can be bent by gravity to create multiple observations of the same event. Understand the potential of using Very Long Baseline Interferometry to study these phenomena and what it could reveal about accretion discs.
- Healing with Light: Explore the historical and modern uses of light in medicine, from ancient sun worship to contemporary phototherapy treatments. Hear Andrew's personal experience with radiation therapy and the importance of regular health checks.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
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: Coming up on Space Nuts is the HERA mission
02:11 - I'm interested in two different stories about light about the hero mission
02:59 - ESA's HERA mission will make a close approach to Mars next year
11:07 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss light echoes in Space Nuts
13:17 - Measuring Black Hole Light Echoes with Very Long Baseline Interferometry
21:42 - Measuring black hole light echoes with very long baseline interferometry
22:39 - Even since ancient times, we've used light for medical purposes
27:55 - Fred has been receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer for five weeks now
34:16 - Professor Fred Watson: Believe me, I'll be around for next episode
✍️ Episode References
European Space Agency
https://www.esa.int
Phys.org
https://www.phys.org
Universe Today
https://www.universetoday.com
Astrophysical Journal Letters
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/
8205
5--- The Conversation
https://theconversation.com
Cancer Council New South Wales
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au

Space Nuts Q&A Edition #470 - Universe Enigmas and Titan's Mysteries
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the cosmic questions posed by our curious audience. From the mysteries of a universe without black holes to the peculiar atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan, this episode is brimming with fascinating insights and astronomical discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Universe Without Dark Matter and Energy: Delve into the possibilities of a universe devoid of dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. Explore the implications for galaxy formation and the cosmic web, and ponder the nature of dark energy's role in the universe's expansion.
- Energy Loss and the Universe's Age: Investigate the concept of energy loss in the universe and the methods used to calculate its age. Discover why uranium's half-life isn't the key to unlocking the universe's timeline and how the Hubble constant plays a role.
- Early Universe Surprises: Question the surprises of finding ancient cosmic structures in the early universe. Examine how galaxy formation models are continually refined and the potential revelations from the Square Kilometre Array.
- Titan's Unique Atmosphere: Unravel the mystery of Titan's dense atmosphere and compare it to Mars' inability to retain one. Consider the possible factors contributing to Titan's atmospheric retention and the role of cryovolcanism.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
00:00 - This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts
01:53 - Dark matter and dark energy are at the forefront of modern day cosmology
09:10 - How much of the universe's energy is kind of like gone
12:30 - Uranium was created in supernova explosions after the universe was formed
13:33 - Using half life of uranium or lithium to calculate age of the universe is sinful
15:33 - Ben Harding asks: Should we be surprised that galaxies formed so quickly
21:39 - How did Saturn's moon Titan accumulate its thick nitrogen atmosphere
26:45 - Andrew Dunkley: Thanks to everyone who's sending questions for Space Nuts

Space Nuts Episode 469: Ryugu Revelations and Celestial Mysteries
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enthralling episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and cosmic stories. From the secrets of asteroid Ryugu to the mysterious demise of the Arecibo Observatory, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and stellar discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Ryugu's Magnetic Mysteries: Uncover new findings from the Ryugu asteroid samples, revealing insights into the magnetic fields of the outer solar system. Explore how these discoveries might reshape our understanding of planetary formation and the solar nebula.
- Arecibo's Tragic End: Learn about the sad fate of the iconic Arecibo Observatory and the invisible issues that led to its collapse. Discover the plans for transforming this historic site into an education centre for future generations.
- Venusian Impact Crater Discovery: Dive into the intriguing discovery of a massive impact crater on Venus, revealing unexpected similarities with ice moons like Callisto and Europa. Delve into the theories that suggest a past where Venus had a lava-covered surface.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
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. Thank you for joining us
00:35 - Professor Fred Watson discusses Venus on this episode of space nuts
02:45 - Russia put 53 satellites into orbit in one launch the other day
05:17 - Scientists have found no sign of a preserved magnetic field in Ryugu samples
14:36 - Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson studying Ryugu asteroid sample
15:21 - The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico collapsed in 2020
23:13 - National Science foundation says the building will be turned into an education centre
24:37 - Fred Call says Venus' craters are much younger than similar craters elsewhere
32:53 - Yes. Isn't that amazing? That's really big pickup. Indeed. Um, Fred mentioned it. Yeah.
33:03 - Please leave a review if you listen to us through whatever platform
33:56 - All right, so, yeah, Fred Watson, astronomer at large

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Space Nuts Q&A Edition - Episode 468
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this lively Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they dive into a variety of intriguing questions from our audience. From the mysteries of lunar lava tubes to the wonders of black holes and gravitational waves, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Lunar Lava Tubes: Discuss the potential hazards that lunar lava tubes might pose for future moon missions. Explore the implications for astronauts traversing the moon's surface and how NASA might mitigate these risks.
- Black Hole Conundrums: Tackle a thought-provoking question about the behaviour of light within a black hole. Discover the complexities of singularities and the fascinating concept of frame dragging in rotating black holes.
- Gravitational Waves and Cosmic Expansion: Delve into the nature of gravitational waves and their impact on our understanding of the universe. Learn whether these waves could influence cosmic phenomena like gravitational lensing and the expansion of the universe.
- Instatravel Pod Adventure: Imagine a journey to any location in the universe with a hypothetical instatravel pod. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they share where they would go and why, from viewing the Milky Way from afar to discovering intelligent life on another planet.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
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 audience questions on this edition of Space Nuts
03:54 - Mikey from Illinois ponders about possible lava tubes on the moon
10:02 - Jake from Australia has a question about Black holes
14:48 - Would gravitational waves help explain the expansion of the universe
17:49 - Do gravitational waves travel as a sphere or do they affect space time
22:15 - Fred asks two questions about a unique opportunity to travel in a space pod
25:17 - Andrew was asked where he would like to go in the universe
31:37 - Andrew Dunkley: Thank you for listening to the Space Nuts podcast

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Space Nuts Episode: Mars Mysteries and Cosmic Feasts
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing episode of Space Nuts, where they dive into the latest discoveries and discussions in the realm of astronomy and Space exploration. From mysterious messages from Mars to the insatiable appetite of black holes, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- Mars Message Decoded: Explore the story behind a mysterious message sent from Mars in 2023, now decoded by a father-daughter Timms. Discover the artistic and scientific collaboration that led to this unique project and its implications for extraterrestrial communication.
- Ancient Mars' Climate Conundrum: Delve into a new study that challenges our understanding of Mars' history. Learn about the planet's carbon dioxide cycle and the possibility of ancient lakes and rivers hidden beneath layers of ice and CO2.
- Black Hole's Cosmic Feast: Uncover the staggering discovery of a black hole consuming matter at an unprecedented rate. Understand the implications of this finding for our knowledge of black hole growth in the early 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, 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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

This episode is brought to you by Saily. Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily eSIM
data plans! Download Saily app and use code 'spacenuts' at checkout.
Space Nuts Q&A Edition - Episode 466
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts, where they address intriguing questions from our audience. From unexplained spacecraft noises to the mysteries of the Big Bang, this episode is filled with fascinating insights and cosmic discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Unexplained Spacecraft Noises: Dive into the mystery of strange noises reported on various spacecraft, including the Boeing Starliner and historical incidents on Space Shuttle Discovery and Shenzhou 5. Explore potential explanations and the quirks of space acoustics.
- Challenging the Big Bang Theory: Join the debate as listener Binny shares his scepticism about the Big Bang and proposes an alternative theory involving a massive rotating black hole. Delve into the evidence for the Big Bang and the cosmic microwave background radiation.
- Planetary Gyroscopes: Discover what happens if a planet is tilted off its axis and whether it could behave like a giant gyroscope. Learn about gravitational forces and the dynamics of planetary rings, with insights into Saturn and Uranus.
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum in Astronomy: Explore the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and their significance in scientific discoveries. Professor Fred Watson shares his insights on the most interesting and impactful wavelengths, from visible light to the 22-centimetre line of hydrogen.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Space Nuts #464
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in an engaging episode of Space Nuts as they explore significant developments in the world of astronomy and Space exploration. From Fred Watson Watson's career transition to groundbreaking lunar missions, this episode is packed with stellar discussions and intriguing insights.
Episode Highlights:
- The Future of Fred Watson: Discover the next chapter in Fred Watson Watson's illustrious career as he transitions from his role as Australia's Astronomer at Large to a new position in academia. Learn how this change could amplify his influence in advocating for Australian astronomy.
- Artemis 3 Landing Sites Announced: NASA has unveiled potential landing sites for the Artemis 3 mission, marking humanity's return to the Moon since 1972. Explore the challenges and scientific potential of these lunar south pole sites.
- New Insights from Ryugu: Delve into the latest findings from the asteroid Ryugu, which may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth. Uncover how these samples could reshape our understanding of planetary formation and life's emergence.
- Titan's Mysteries Unveiled: Recent studies suggest that Saturn's moon Titan could rewrite planetary science. Learn about the unique features of Titan's surface and what they reveal about its geological history and potential for life.
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, Instagram, Tumblr, 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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
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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Space Nuts Q&A Edition
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle fascinating questions from our audience. From the cosmic mysteries of dark matter to the practicalities of Space communication, this episode is filled with intriguing insights and stellar discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Matter and the Cosmic Web: Explore how dark matter interacts with the cosmic web and the gravitational forces that shape our universe. Fred Watson Watson unravels the complex relationship between galaxies and dark matter, shedding light on this cosmic conundrum.
- Synchronising Spacecraft Communication: Discover how we maintain communication with distant spacecraft as they traverse the cosmos. Learn about the challenges of signal delays, gravitational influences, and the ingenious solutions that keep us connected to our spacefarers.
- Asteroid Belts Beyond Mars: Uncover the mysteries of asteroid belts beyond the familiar one between Mars and Jupiter. Delve into the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, exploring their significance and the icy bodies that inhabit these distant regions.
- The Future of Space Wheels: Contemplate the possibility of building a Von Braun wheel or a space station with artificial gravity. Fred Watson Watson discusses the engineering challenges and potential benefits of these futuristic structures.
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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Space Nuts #463
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest cosmic discoveries and Space industry updates. From the origins of meteorites to the mysteries of brown dwarfs, and the environmental impact of SpaceX's prolific launches, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and stellar discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Meteorite Origins Uncovered: Discover how scientists have traced the origins of 70% of known meteorites to just three significant events in recent history. Explore the detective work that led to these revelations and what it tells us about our solar system.
- Brown Dwarfs Mystery Solved: Delve into the 30-year mystery of a brown dwarf that turned out to be two. Learn how this discovery reshapes our understanding of these celestial objects and their place in the universe.
- SpaceX's Environmental Impact: Unpack the good news and the challenges facing SpaceX, from their record-breaking launch schedule to the environmental concerns raised by satellite re-entry and rocket emissions.
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, Instagram, Tumblr 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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
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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Space Nuts #462 Q&A Edition
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in another enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the perplexing nature of dark matter and dark energy to the possibility of interferometry using Space and ground-based telescopes, this episode is packed with cosmic curiosities and insightful discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Solar System: Trent from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, questions why dark matter and dark energy, which comprise 96% of the universe, are not factored into the movements of our solar system. Fred Watson Watson explains the scale and influence of these mysterious forces.
- Interferometry with Space Telescopes: Bo from Victoria wonders if it's theoretically possible to perform interferometry using Space telescopes like Hubble and James Webb, combined with ground-based telescopes. Explore the current limitations and future possibilities of this technology.
- The Mystery of Gravitons: Vincent questions the existence of gravitons and their potential to form self-propagating waves. Delve into the intersection of quantum theory and relativity as Fred Watson Watson discusses this theoretical particle.
- Biblical Floods and Astronomical Events: Christopher from Bayville, North Carolina, inquires about the possibility of biblical floods being linked to astronomical events. Discover the fascinating connections between historical events and cosmic phenomena.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website at www.spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube, 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: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.