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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • 5 million downloads and counting
  • 90+% Five Star Reviews
  • Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley
  • 660 Episodes and counting
  • Very active (and friendly) listener community
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.Copyright bitesz.com Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Lunar Magnetism & Cosmic Signals: Insights into Moon Mysteries and Radio Discoveries

    Lunar Magnetism & Cosmic Signals: Insights into Moon Mysteries and Radio Discoveries
    Oct 17 2026
    Space Nuts: Lunar Magnetism, Exoplanet Signals, and the Evolution of Spacecraft Windows
    In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of fascinating astronomical topics. The episode kicks off with an exploration of lunar magnetism, as they discuss new findings suggesting that the Moon may have once possessed a primordial magnetic field, stemming from solidified magma beneath its surface. The duo then shifts gears to a groundbreaking discovery of radio signals originating from the exoplanet Beta Pictoris B, revealing the presence of auroras on this distant gas giant. Finally, they examine the evolution of spacecraft windows, highlighting the importance of visibility for astronauts and the advancements in window technology over the decades. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic mysteries with their signature blend of humour and insight.
    Key topics
    - The Moon's magnetic history and the implications of recent research on its geological structure.
    - Detection of auroras on exoplanets through radio signals and what it means for our understanding of planetary atmospheres.
    - The evolution of spacecraft windows: from early designs to modern innovations and safety considerations.
    Timestamps
    00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
    01:20 - Discussion on lunar magnetism and the Moon's geological history
    15:30 - Discovery of radio signals from exoplanet Beta Pictoris B and the significance of auroras
    25:00 - Evolution of spacecraft windows and their importance for astronauts
    35:15 - A unique photo capturing the International Space Station and a plane against the sun
    45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    33 mins
  • Time Dilation & Cosmic Mysteries: Unpacking Your Space Queries

    Time Dilation & Cosmic Mysteries: Unpacking Your Space Queries
    Oct 13 2026
    Sponsor Link:
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    Space Nuts: Fast-Moving Planets, Photon Pressure, and the Nature of Moons
    In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing listener questions. Kicking off with Ron's query about the implications of living on a super fast-moving planet orbiting Sagittarius A*, they delve into the fascinating world of time dilation and its effects on scientific observations. Next, Jeff from Colorado poses a thought-provoking question regarding photon pressure and its potential influence on the universe's expansion, leading to a discussion on dark energy and cosmic mysteries. Brian from the Gold Coast wonders about the visibility of cosmic microwave background radiation behind black holes, while Bob rounds off the episode with a query on the characteristics that define a moon. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these cosmic curiosities with their trademark wit and insight.
    Key topics
    - The effects of high-speed planetary motion near a black hole on time and observational science.
    - Exploring photon pressure and its relationship to the universe's expansion and dark energy.
    - The cosmic microwave background radiation and its interaction with black holes.
    - Defining moons: How small and irregular can they be while still being classified as moons?
    Timestamps
    00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
    01:20 - Ron’s question about living on a fast-moving planet and time dilation effects
    15:30 - Jeff’s inquiry into photon pressure and its impact on cosmic expansion
    25:00 - Brian’s question regarding cosmic microwave background radiation and black holes
    35:15 - Bob’s exploration of what constitutes a moon
    45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    27 mins
  • Strange Spins and Cosmic Rings: Exploring NGC 4698 and Chariklo's Secrets

    Strange Spins and Cosmic Rings: Exploring NGC 4698 and Chariklo's Secrets
    Oct 12 2026
    Sponsor Link:
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To check out our special money-saving deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts: Unraveling the Mysteries of NGC 4698 and Chariklo's Rings
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore some truly peculiar cosmic phenomena. They kick off with a deep dive into the strange behaviour of the galaxy NGC 4698, known for its unusual rotational patterns and mysterious bulge, leading to discussions about possible galactic mergers. Next, the duo ventures into the intriguing world of Chariklo, a centaur object with changing rings, as they discuss the latest observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and the implications of its unique ring structure. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these captivating astronomical tales with their signature blend of humour and insight.
    Key topics
    - The peculiar characteristics of NGC 4698: What makes this galaxy behave strangely?
    - Insights into the dynamics of galaxy mergers and their effects on structure.
    - Chariklo's rings: How have they changed since their discovery, and what does this mean for our understanding of ring systems?
    - The potential existence of a hidden moon influencing the structure of Chariklo's rings.
    Timestamps
    00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
    01:20 - Discussion on the peculiar galaxy NGC 4698 and its unusual features
    15:30 - Exploring Chariklo and the changes in its ring system
    25:00 - Insights from the James Webb Space Telescope and the hidden moon hypothesis
    35:15 - Final thoughts and listener engagement

    Wanting a commercial free option of Space Nuts? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
Listened for years now. Simply the best of there is in space podcasts. Nice one

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