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.
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    36 mins
  • Cosmic Queries Unleashed: Gravitons, Expanding Universes & the Weight of Space Travel

    Cosmic Queries Unleashed: Gravitons, Expanding Universes & the Weight of Space Travel
    Jul 6 2026
    Universe, and WeightlessnessIn this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the implications of an expanding universe to the elusive graviton and the experience of transitioning from weightlessness back to Earth's gravity, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics:
    • The potential for a future black void in our night sky as the universe continues to expand.
    • Understanding the graviton: Why do some physicists believe in its existence despite its elusive nature?
    • Exploring the properties of photons and their wave-particle duality.
    • The impact of long-term weightlessness on astronauts and their return to normal gravity.
    • Listener feedback and inspiring stories about engaging younger generations in astronomy.
    Timestamps:
    • 00:00 - Introduction to today's Q&A session and listener engagement
    • 02:30 - Clint's question about the future of the night sky and cosmic expansion
    • 12:45 - Alan's deep dive into gravitons and their connection to gravity
    • 28:00 - Misty's inquiry about the wave function of particles and photons
    • 40:15 - Casey's question on the effects of returning to gravity after weightlessness
    • 50:30 - Final thoughts and encouragement for listener questions
    Resources & Links:
    • Support Space Nuts
    Join Andrew and Fred Watson for another fascinating exploration of the cosmos, and don't forget to send in your questions for future episodes. Keep your curiosity alive and continue to look up!
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    33 mins
  • The Pink, Salty Exoplanet — Could Humanity Travel to the Galaxy’s Most Colorful World?

    The Pink, Salty Exoplanet — Could Humanity Travel to the Galaxy’s Most Colorful World?
    Jul 2 2026
    Space Nuts Episode 369: Exploring Phobos, Pink Exoplanets, and Saving the SWIFT Observatory
    This episode dives into some of the most intriguing space stories, from the mysterious Martian moon Phobos and its peculiar orbit to the bizarre, salt-colored exoplanet GJ 504b—possibly a pink dwarf. Plus, learn about a swift rescue mission to save the vital SWIFT space observatory.
    In this episode:
    The unique orbit and origin hypotheses of Phobos, including upcoming JAXA mission MMX
    How Phobos's orbit might decay within millions of years and its potential internal structure
    The discovery and characteristics of the pink, salty exoplanet GJ 504b
    The debate over whether GJ 504b is a planet, brown dwarf, or star
    The challenges faced by the aging SWIFT observatory and innovative plans for its rescue
    Listener questions about universe expansion, gravitons, particles, and effects of space travel on humans
    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Overview of today's space stories and why they matter
    00:40 - Insights on Phobos, Mars's close-in moon with unusual orbit
    03:01 - How Phobos's orbit is unstable and upcoming JAXA's MMX mission
    04:37 - Theories about Phobos's origin: collision vs. capture
    07:05 - Surface features and internal structure of Phobos
    09:24 - The future of Phobos and its potential collision with Mars
    14:00 - Discovery of the pink, salty exoplanet GJ 504b
    15:09 - Why GJ 504b is unique: direct imaging, color, and spectral analysis
    16:07 - Is GJ 504b a planet, brown dwarf, or a star?
    17:37 - The temperature of GJ 504b and implications for its classification
    19:45 - How James Webb observations reveal salt clouds in GJ 504b's atmosphere
    21:03 - Could GJ 504b be a pink dwarf? The classification debate
    22:38 - Comparing planetary colors: Jupiter, Saturn, and the implications
    23:05 - Fun cultural tidbits: Pink salt, salt coffee, and other salty things
    24:44 - Urgency in the SWIFT space observatory rescue mission
    26:08 - The history and importance of SWIFT since 2004
    28:53 - The evolving orbit of SWIFT and innovative launch plans by Catalyst Space Technologies
    31:42 - Challenges in orbital correction and the future of space observatories
    34:34 - Final thoughts from Fred and the excitement of upcoming space missions
    35:11 - Wrap-up and call for listener questions on space, particles, and the universe
    Resources & Links:
    Japanese Martian Moons Explorer (MMX)
    GJ 504b Details and Discovery
    James Webb Space Telescope
    Catalyst Space Technologies
    Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices
    Connect with the Guests & Hosts:
    Andrew Dunkley - Twitter
    Professor Fred Watson - Twitter
    Note: This episode combines deep space science, recent breakthroughs, and listener engagement, making complex topics approachable and fascinating. Stay tuned for upcoming missions, scientific debates, and space trivia that make our universe endlessly intriguing.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    35 mins
  • Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: Big Rips, Neutron Collisions & Lunar Sunsets

    Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: Big Rips, Neutron Collisions & Lunar Sunsets
    Jun 29 2026
    In this episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they dive into a myriad of listener questions, exploring the cosmos with curiosity and humour. From the enigma of the Big Rip and the mysteries surrounding the universe's beginnings to the fascinating dynamics of colliding neutron stars and the potential for lunar sunsets, this Q&A edition promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics:
    - The Big Rip vs. the Big Crunch: Is the Big Crunch making a comeback in cosmological discussions? [00:00–15:00]
    - Exploring the concept of 'nothing' before the Big Bang: What does it mean and why is it so perplexing? [15:01–30:00]
    - The collision of neutron stars: What happens and the implications for cosmic safety? [30:01–45:00]
    - Lunar sunsets: Could you witness the sun's corona from the moon, and what is the effect of lunar dust? [45:01–60:00]
    - Reflections on cosmic mysteries and the future of lunar exploration. [60:01–70:00]
    Resources & Links:
    - Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation Studies
    - Research on Neutron Star Collisions
    - Upcoming Lunar Exploration Missions
    Connect with Professor Fred Watson:
    LinkedIn | Twitter
    Join us for another fascinating journey through the universe, and don’t forget to send in your questions for future episodes! Stay curious, and keep looking up!
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    00:00 –This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts. We answer audience questions
    01:56 –Fred: Question comes from Martin Berman Govine about the Big Crunch
    09:54 –The RIP concept is probably more favourable than the crunch concept
    10:30 –Mike asks question about whether there was anything before the Big Bang
    16:51 –The cosmic microwave background radiation dates 380,000 years after the Big Bang
    18:23 –When two neutron stars collide, do any fragments break off into the universe
    20:14 –Colin says neutron stars are formed by gravitational collapse at end of star's life
    23:05 –Our final question today comes from Bill in relation to the solar eclipse
    24:40 –Could you see lunar corona from the surface, Professor Fred Watson says
    28:50 –Space Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio
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    29 mins
  • How Impact Craters Could Have Reversed Venus’s Rotation—The Surprising Science

    How Impact Craters Could Have Reversed Venus’s Rotation—The Surprising Science
    Jun 26 2026
    In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore fascinating topics ranging from the mysterious double moon dust implications and Venus's unusual rotation to updated protocols for announcing extraterrestrial evidence. They also delve into the intriguing potential of moon dust as a record of extinct civilizations and future lunar construction solutions, all while reflecting on the universe's expansion and the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.
    Main Topics:
    The concept of moon dust remnants potentially indicating alien megastructures or extraterrestrial artifacts.
    The recent research explaining Venus's peculiar retrograde rotation and the impact hypothesis involving a large impactor.
    Updated protocols from the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) for credible extraterrestrial life detection announcements.
    The potential for lunar surface dust, especially 'technograins,' to harbor evidence of past civilizations.
    Technological prospects for lunar infrastructure, including 3D printing using moon dust and the economics of relocating materials to build lunar bases.
    The discussion of the universe's expansion, dark energy, and the likelihood of future scenarios like the Big Rip, Big Crunch, or indefinite expansion.
    The importance of rigorous verification for scientific claims and the dangers of misinformation, especially on social media.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to extraterrestrial moon dust and alien artifacts
    02:14 - New findings on Venus's rotation and impact theories
    03:52 - Updated protocols for announcing extraterrestrial evidence
    10:37 - Moon dust as remnants of alien civilizations
    24:17 - Future lunar habitation and construction using moon dust
    33:00 - The challenges and possibilities of lunar infrastructure
    44:00 - The expanding universe: dark energy, Big Rip, and Big Crunch
    55:30 - The nature of time before the Big Bang and current theories
    58:38 - The potential for observing lunar sunsets and corona phenomena
    67:41 - The inevitability of future lunar sunset observations
    69:12 - Closing remarks and climate of scientific inquiry
    Resources & Links:
    Research on Venus's Rotation by ETH Zurich
    Declaration of Principles for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
    Phys.org Moon and Space Mining articles
    Space Connect Article on Extraterrestrial Protocols
    The Bright Side - Moon Dust as Building Material
    NASA - Artemis Program
    The European Geosciences Union Conference Vienna
    Connect with Professor Fred Watson:
    LinkedIn
    Twitter
    Keep questioning and exploring — our universe is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    38 mins
  • Cosmic Queries: Weighty Matters, Stellar Ages & Moonless Earth Scenarios

    Cosmic Queries: Weighty Matters, Stellar Ages & Moonless Earth Scenarios
    Jun 22 2026
    Q&A Edition: Cosmic Curiosities and What-If Scenarios In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from our listeners. From the nuances of weight variations on Earth to the implications of a moonless planet, join us for a deep dive into cosmic curiosities and scientific speculation.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Weight Variations: DJ from Indianapolis wonders about the difference in weight between the North Pole and the equator, leading to a discussion on gravity, centrifugal force, and the shape of the Earth [00:00–15:00].
    - The Age of the Solar System: Nick from Cambridge asks about the age of the solar system and the older material that contributed to its formation, prompting an exploration of supernovae and isotope ratios [15:01–30:00].
    - Interstellar Travel: Keith from Vancouver ponders the feasibility of reaching another star, sparking a conversation about current technology, time dilation, and the future of space exploration [30:01–45:00].
    - What If the Moon Disappeared? Mark shares a nostalgic reference to Space 1999, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on the potential effects of a moonless Earth on tides, climate, and planetary stability [45:01–60:00].

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    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.

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    - Weight Differences on Earth
    - Age of the Solar System and Supernovae
    - Future of Interstellar Travel
    - Implications of a Moonless Earth
    - Listener Questions and Cosmic Speculations
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    31 mins