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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Written by: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community!

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-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.Copyright bitesz.com Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • The Black Hole Discovery Revealing the Loudest Gravitational Wave Ever Recorded

    The Black Hole Discovery Revealing the Loudest Gravitational Wave Ever Recorded
    Jul 16 2026
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    Revealing the Secrets of Space and the Cosmos: Insights from Space Nuts
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the fascinating universe—from a historic telescope in Melbourne to the latest discoveries in black hole physics and our own solar system. This episode offers a blend of awe-inspiring science, historical stories, and future possibilities that make astronomy accessible and thrilling.
    In this episode:
    The extraordinary history and restoration of the Melbourne Telescope, crafted in 1869, and its cultural significance.
    The record-breaking detection of the loudest gravitational wave from colliding black holes and what it reveals about event horizons.
    China's ambitious plans to expand its space station, including new modules and a cutting-edge space telescope.
    Recent insights into a star passing close to our solar system, potentially disturbing comet orbits and shaping our cosmic history.
    Upcoming solar observatories, including the ESA's Solar Orbiter and the Chinese Shun Tian telescope.
    The incredible speed of the Parker Solar Probe and future missions to study the Sun's atmosphere.
    How scientists analyze lunar impacts and cosmic rays using imagery and human eye observations.
    The long-standing mystery of Earth's atmosphere and the role of tectonic cycles in its stability.
    Resources & Links:
    The Melbourne Telescope's History and Restoration (Note: Placeholder, search for Melbourne Telescope history)
    LIGO and Virgo Gravitational Wave Observatory
    NASA's Parker Solar Probe
    ESA's Solar Orbiter
    Chinese Space Station and Modules
    The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
    Fiz.org Physics Articles on Black Holes and Gravitational Waves
    The Gaia Mission and Star Orbits
    Preprint Article on Black Hole Gravitational Waves
    Connect with Fred Watson:
    LinkedIn
    Twitter
    Feel inspired by space science's latest breakthroughs and historic stories, knowing that curiosity drives understanding. With a confident yet approachable tone, this episode pushes the boundaries of knowledge while making complex ideas understandable and engaging for all.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    41 mins
  • From Stopping Light to Space Junk — Your Questions Answered

    From Stopping Light to Space Junk — Your Questions Answered
    Jul 13 2026
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    In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing audience questions ranging from the possibility of stopping a photon to the complexities of intertwining electromagnetic fields. They also discuss the speeds of colliding particles in the Large Hadron Collider and the growing issue of excess satellites in space. Join us for a fascinating exploration of these cosmic queries!
    Chapters:
    (00:00) Space Nuts aims to answer audience questions in a Q and A edition(01:04) Professor Fred Watson answers an audio question from Andrew Chunk(02:03) Kevin asks question regarding whether we have stopped a photon from moving(10:30) Fred: The fabric of space time consists of different fields(14:30) Stay safe online with our sponsor, NordVPN Space Nuts(16:28) Question comes from Andy from Cheshire, UK(22:52) There is growing problem of excess satellites in space and what to do(30:10) Mark: Everything you said, um, is possible(30:38) If you have questions for Space Nuts, send them in

    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
  • How SpaceX Breaks Satellite Records and What It Means for Earth Orbit Safety

    How SpaceX Breaks Satellite Records and What It Means for Earth Orbit Safety
    Jul 9 2026
    Space Nuts Episode 641: Exploring SpaceX Milestones, Lunar Realities, and Particle Physics
    In this episode, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into recent breakthroughs in space technology, lunar surface understanding, and the physics of light and matter. From SpaceX's record-breaking satellite launches to the complexities of stopping photons and the intriguing origins of interstellar objects, this episode covers some of the most fascinating topics in space science today.
    In this episode:
    SpaceX has launched over 15,000 satellites, more than all other space launches combined since 1957
    The successful reuse of Falcon 9 boosters, setting a new milestone in spaceflight
    The ambitious plans for orbital data systems using Starship and their impact on space traffic
    Challenges faced by lunar explorers, including dust, terrain tilt, and small craters, highlighted by NASA’s expert critique
    Comet 3i Atlas offers clues about the early universe, potentially 10-12 billion years old
    The physics behind slowing down—then stopping and reviving—photons in Bose-Einstein condensates
    How relativistic effects prevent particles in colliders from exceeding the speed of light during high-energy collisions
    Innovative ideas for managing space debris, including repositioning defunct satellites into graveyard orbits
    The questions about how different cosmic fields may intertwine, forming superpositions in fundamental physics
    A humorous sci-fi joke about neutrinos and a reminder to ask questions about our universe
    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Introduction and overview of topics
    02:00 – SpaceX's satellite launch record and starlink constellation
    05:00 – Reusability of Falcon 9 boosters and future launch plans
    08:00 – SpaceX’s enhanced satellite megaconstellation and artificial intelligence systems
    12:00 – Challenges for lunar surface exploration: dust, terrain tilt, and small craters
    16:00 – NASA’s critique of lunar surface imagery and exploration preparedness
    20:00 – Comet 3i Atlas: what it reveals about the early universe
    25:00 – Isotopic analysis of interstellar objects and their origins
    30:00 – Physics of stopping and reviving light in Bose-Einstein condensates
    40:00 – Relativistic collision velocities and Einstein's effects at particle accelerators
    55:00 – Managing space debris and satellite orbits through action-reaction principles
    61:00 – Fields and superpositions in fundamental physics
    66:00 – Fun question: neutrino jokes and questions viewers sent in
    70:00 – Wrap-up and upcoming episodes
    Resources & Links:
    SpaceX’s Satellite Missions & Starlink
    NASA Artemis Program
    NASA's Space Resources Roundtable
    Comet 3i Atlas Discoveries in Nature Astronomy
    NASA Webb Telescope Science
    Physics World article on Stopping Light
    Connect with Fred Watson:
    Professor Fred Watson - LinkedIn
    Fred Watson - Official Site
    Note:
    Stay curious, ask questions, and look up the references for more in-depth understanding of these fascinating topics. The universe is vast and full of surprises—adventure awaits.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
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