Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive...
Ruby Rains, Scientific Skepticism & Space Surprises: #483
Space Nuts Episode: Gemstone Rain on Exoplanets and the Reliability of Research Papers #483Join 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/aboutStay 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 science01:41 - Andrew Bennett: There's an exoplanet that rains gemstones05:08 - You observe the star's light throughout the orbital period of the planet12:09 - You can help support the Space Nuts podcast through Patreon or Supercast13:47 - Bob from North Carolina has two questions for Professor Watson about scientific accuracy22:12 - A metal object plummeted from space and landed in a Kenyan village on Tuesday23:34 - Scientists have developed a new technique called optical spring tracking to detect gravitational waves✍️ Episode ReferencesWASP-121bhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WASP-121bMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)https://www.mit.edu/Johns Hopkins Universityhttps://www.jhu.edu/Caltechhttps://www.caltech.edu/Hubble Space Telescopehttps://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.htmlphys.orghttps://phys.org/Astronomy Dailyhttps://astronomydaily.io/Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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26:16
Cosmic Mysteries, Lost Civilizations & Solar Probes: #482
Space Nuts Episode: Dark Energy Discoveries, Ancient Peruvian Observatories, and Solar Proximity #482Join 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/aboutStay 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 moment01:30 - University of Cambridge scientists looking for detection of dark energy using Italian telescope08:07 - Peruvian observatory that was discovered in 2005 has hit the news again14:26 - NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest ever approach to the Sun17:29 - NASA is getting ready to announce major changes to its Mars sample return mission18:56 - From record breaking solar encounters to the evolving plans for Mars✍️ Episode ReferencesUniversity 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)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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19:52
Lunar Tides, Galactic Twins & Holiday Cheer: #481
Space Nuts: Lunar Cycles, Coastal Flooding, and Cosmic Celebrations #481Join 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/aboutStay 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 show01:25 - NASA warns that when combined with climate change, high tides could reach flooding thresholds09:22 - I find the influence of the moon on our waterways fascinating10:21 - Anna news update: The International Space Station is celebrating the holidays with a festive video message11:52 - The James Webb Space Telescope has just discovered an ancient galaxy called Firefly sparkle14:59 - Anna shares stories about holiday celebrations in space and ancient galaxy discoveries✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA[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)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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15:59
Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter Mysteries & Time Twists: #480 Q&A
Space Nuts Episode: Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter, and Time Distortions #480Join 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/aboutStay 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 year01:45 - If a Dyson sphere surrounds a star, how does the planet get light09:00 - Andrew Dunkley: Can dark matter be thrown out of a galaxy12:38 - Fred from Sweden has yet another question about black holes14:35 - There's a nice question on um, the physics stack exchange16:23 - Buddy from Oregon asks question about time distortion and gravity21:36 - Fred did a search on Google about the biggest astronomy stories of 202423:45 - We'll be digging up stories from the archives over the next few weeks24:54 - Andrew Dunkley thanks Professor Fred Watson✍️ Episode ReferencesDyson 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/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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27:50
Space Station Smells, Sombrero Galaxy & Dark Energy Dilemmas: #479
This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni...the best way to cleanup your privacy online and remain that way. To get our special 60% off offer, visit www.incogni.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode: Stink in Space, Sombrero Galaxy, and Dark Energy Revelations #479Join 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/aboutStay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.For our special NordVPN deal, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn00:00 - Andrew Dunkley hosts Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science01:08 - Professor Fred Watson will be doing archival episodes over the Christmas New Year period03:02 - Bad smell coming from Russian spacecraft docking with International Space Station09:01 - Arthur Dent. What a name. Only Douglas Adams could think up a name like that09:24 - Andrew Dunkley says odour on International Space Station could be anything11:09 - Incogni is a way of cleaning up your online presence13:17 - James Webb telescope has taken a marvellous mid infrared image of galaxy18:32 - The James Webb Space Telescope is seeking 78,000 hours of observing time24:54 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss the accelerating expansion of the universe32:25 - Fred Watson: This could indicate new physics that we don't yet understand✍️ Episode ReferencesSpace.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)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.