Episodios

  • Cosmic Questions, Angular Momentum & the Mysteries of the Expanding Universe

    Cosmic Questions, Angular Momentum & the Mysteries of the Expanding Universe
    Apr 28 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 516: Angular Momentum, Cosmic Inflation, and the Infinite Universe
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo steps in for Andrew Dunkley, joined by the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson. Together, they tackle an array of fascinating listener questions that delve into the complexities of angular momentum, the nature of cosmic inflation, and the mysteries surrounding the universe's finiteness or infiniteness.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Angular Momentum Explained:Heidi and Fred kick off the episode by addressing a question from Buddy about angular momentum. They discuss how angular momentum affects spinning objects, the implications of expansion, and the intriguing concept of a potentially spinning universe.
    - Time Dilation and Cosmic Inflation: Scott from Sydney poses a compelling question regarding time dilation during the universe's hyperinflation period. Fred elaborates on how time behaves under extreme gravitational conditions and the significance of inflation in explaining the universe's homogeneity.
    - Is the Universe Finite or Infinite?The episode features a delightful audio question from young Enrique and his father Philip, exploring whether the universe is finite or infinite. Fred explains the concept of cosmic horizons and the challenges faced in determining the universe's boundaries.
    - Temperature Control on the ISS: Kevin from Melbourne asks about the temperature inside the International Space Station (ISS) and how it varies with sunlight exposure. Heidi and Fred discuss the engineering marvels that maintain a livable environment for astronauts, including the challenges of thermal regulation in space.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on angular momentum and its effects
    (15:00) Exploring time dilation and cosmic inflation
    (25:30) Is the universe finite or infinite?
    (35:00) Temperature control aboard the ISS
    For the commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • K2 18b, Life's Potential & the Mysteries of the Hycean World

    K2 18b, Life's Potential & the Mysteries of the Hycean World
    Apr 25 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 515: K2 18b, Polar Orbits, and the Lucy Mission
    In this fascinating episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo takes the helm for her final week as Andrew Dunkley prepares to return. Joined by the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson, they delve into some of the most exciting recent discoveries in astronomy, including the much-discussed K2 18b, the peculiar polar orbit of a newly discovered planet, and the latest from NASA's Lucy mission.
    Episode Highlights:
    - K2 18b's Potential for Life: Heidi and Fred explore the latest findings on K2 18b, a planet in the habitable zone of its star that exhibits chemical signatures potentially linked to life. They discuss the significance of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyldisulfide and the challenges of confirming these findings through the James Webb Space Telescope.
    - The Mystery of Polar Orbits: The duo shifts gears to discuss the surprising discovery of a planet orbiting in a polar configuration around a binary star system. Fred explains the implications of this unusual orbit and the theories surrounding its formation, raising questions about the nature of planetary systems.
    - The Lucy Mission: The episode wraps up with an exciting update on NASA's Lucy mission, which aims to explore Trojan asteroids. Heidi and Fred discuss the mission's unique goals, the significance of the asteroid named after paleoanthropologist Donaldjohanson Johanson, and the intriguing connections between the mission's title and its namesake.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:15) Discussion on K2 18b and its potential for life
    (15:30) The polar orbit discovery around binary stars
    (25:00) Updates on NASA's Lucy mission and its asteroid flyby
    For the commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Cosmic Questions, Gravitational Waves & the Mysteries of Space-Time

    Cosmic Questions, Gravitational Waves & the Mysteries of Space-Time
    Apr 21 2025
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN, the official VPN service of the Space Nuts team. We use it and you should too. To get our special deal of up to 74% off and 4 months extra for free, just visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo takes the reins while Andrew Dunkley enjoys a well-deserved holiday. Joined by the ever-insightful Professor Fred Watson, they dive into a range of captivating questions submitted by listeners. From the potential discovery of habitable exoplanets within our lifetime to the mysteries of gravitational waves and the intriguing concept of the cosmic jerk, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical knowledge and cosmic wonder.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Habitable Exoplanets: Heidi and Fred discuss a question from Thomas, a year 11 student, about the likelihood of finding a habitable planet during our lifetime. Fred shares insights on the thousands of exoplanets already discovered and the promising candidates that may support life.
    - Gravitational Waves and LIGO: Adriano from Italy poses an intriguing question about how LIGO measures gravitational waves from colliding black holes. Fred explains the mechanics behind these measurements and explores the potential to detect gravitational waves from the early universe.
    - The Moon's Shifting Position: Anthony from Sydney wonders why the moon appears to shift so dramatically in the sky. Fred clarifies the geometry behind the moon's orbit and its relationship to the sun, providing a fascinating perspective on lunar observations.
    - Space Tearing and the Big Rip: Mikey from Illinois asks if space can tear and what that would look like. Fred discusses the theoretical notion of "space tearing," the Big Rip hypothesis, and the extreme conditions required for such an event to occur.
    - The Cosmic Jerk: Greg from Minnesota raises a question about the acceleration of the universe and whether it is changing at a constant rate. Fred elaborates on recent findings from the Dark Energy Survey Instrument and the implications for our understanding of cosmic expansion.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:10) Discussion on the potential for habitable exoplanets
    (10:50) How LIGO measures gravitational waves from black holes
    (20:30) The shifting position of the moon in the sky
    (28:15) Exploring the concept of space tearing and the Big Rip
    (35:20) The cosmic jerk and the acceleration of the universe
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • Stellar Microbes, Titan's Mysteries & the Quest for Life Beyond Earth

    Stellar Microbes, Titan's Mysteries & the Quest for Life Beyond Earth
    Apr 18 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought you with the support of Saily. If you love travelling, you need Saily by your side. To find out more and get the special Space Nuts listener discount, visit www.saily.com/spacenuts
    pace Nuts Episode 513: Microbial Life in Space, Titan's Secrets, and the Search for Intermediate Black Holes
    In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo returns with astronomer Professor Fred Watson to explore the intriguing intersection of microbiology and space exploration. From the mapping of microbes aboard the Tiangong Space Station to the potential for life beneath the icy crust of Titan, and the latest discoveries about intermediate black holes, this episode is a cosmic journey filled with fascinating insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Microbial Mapping on Tiangong: Heidi and Fred discuss the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Program (CHAMP) and its efforts to map the microbial life aboard the Tiangong Space Station. They explore the implications of a sterile environment in space and how it might affect astronauts’ health upon their return to Earth.
    - Life on Titan: The conversation shifts to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, where researchers are investigating the possibility of life in its sub-ice ocean. Fred explains how organic nutrients from Titan’s surface might migrate through its thick ice layer, and the challenges of sustaining microbial life in such a harsh environment.
    - Geothermal Activity and Microbial Life: The duo delves into the potential for geothermal activity on Titan and how it might support life. They discuss the fascinating idea of life forms based on liquid natural gas, as well as the ongoing excitement surrounding NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan.
    - Intermediate Mass Black Holes: The episode concludes with a discussion on the search for intermediate mass black holes, particularly in globular clusters. Fred shares insights from recent research that suggests the existence of these elusive black holes, shedding light on their formation and significance in 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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:40) Discussion on microbial mapping aboard the Tiangong Space Station
    (11:20) Exploring the potential for life on Titan
    (22:15) The implications of geothermal activity in Titan's ocean
    (30:00) New findings on intermediate mass black holes in globular clusters
    For the commercial free versions of Space Nuts join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Cosmic Colors, Stellar Mysteries & the Intricacies of Light: A Q&A Episode

    Cosmic Colors, Stellar Mysteries & the Intricacies of Light: A Q&A Episode
    Apr 14 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought you with the support of Saily. If you love travelling, you need Saily by your side. To find out more and get the special Space Nuts listener discount, visit www.saily.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 512 Q&A: Cosmic Colors, Gamma Ray Bursts, and Terraforming Venus
    In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo takes the helm alongside astronomer Professor Fred Watson to tackle a range of fascinating cosmic queries from our listeners. From the vibrant colors of celestial bodies to the dangers of gamma ray bursts, and the challenges of terraforming Venus, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights that will spark your curiosity about the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Cosmic Colors: Heidi and Fred discuss Rusty from Donnybrook's inquiry about the colors of stars, particularly red giants like Pollux and the blue hues of certain stars. They explore how large telescopes enhance our perception of these colors and the subtlety of what we actually see through the eyepiece.
    - Gamma Ray Bursts Explained: The duo dives into the nature of gamma ray bursts and why their intensity diminishes with distance. Fred explains the inverse square law and clarifies the effects of dust and gas on signal strength, providing a comprehensive understanding of these powerful cosmic events.
    - Terraforming Venus: A thought-provoking discussion on the feasibility of terraforming Venus reveals the planet's extreme conditions and the challenges posed by its thick atmosphere. Fred shares insights on whether blocking sunlight could reverse the runaway greenhouse effect and the implications of Venus's proximity to the sun.
    - The Double Slit Experiment: The episode wraps up with a listener's question about the double slit experiment and the puzzling behavior of photons. Fred elaborates on the concept of quantum superposition and entanglement, shedding light on this fundamental experiment that underpins our understanding of light as both a particle and a wave.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Heidi Campo welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
    (00:30) Andrew and Fred have some questions for you about telescopes and color
    (06:36) Radio waves and gamma rays get weaker the further away they get
    (09:41) Mike Cupid from the UK has a question about terraforming Venus
    (11:41) How could you terraform Venus without losing runaway greenhouse effect
    (16:45) Our very, uh, last question is from Todd. He's from Utah. His question is about spring skiing
    (17:13) Todd from Utah has a question about the double slit experiment

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • Dust Devils, Cosmic Conundrums & the Quest to Clean Space Junk

    Dust Devils, Cosmic Conundrums & the Quest to Clean Space Junk
    Apr 10 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 511: Dust Devils on Mars, Space Junk Solutions, and Galaxy Growth Conundrums
    In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo fills in for Andrew Dunkley, joining astronomer Professor Fred Watson to explore some of the most intriguing cosmic topics. From the fascinating dust devils observed on Mars to innovative solutions for space debris and the surprising behavior of distant galaxies, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Dust Devils on Mars: Heidi and Fred delve into the unique phenomenon of Martian dust devils, discussing how they differ from those on Earth and their significant impact on Mars' surface, including the surprising discovery of lightning within these swirling dust columns.
    - Space Junk Solutions: The duo examines the growing problem of space debris and introduces a groundbreaking technology from Perseus Space that utilizes electrodynamic tethers to help clean up our orbits, offering a sustainable approach to managing space junk.
    - Galaxy Growth Conundrums: Fred shares insights from the latest findings of the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing unexpected results about the growth of early galaxies and the implications for our understanding of cosmic evolution.
    - Multiverse Theories: The conversation takes a speculative turn as Heidi and Fred discuss the intriguing concept of the multiverse and how it challenges our understanding of the cosmos and the laws of physics.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Professor Fred Watson joins us to discuss the latest Space Nuts podcast
    (00:40) It's been quite windy here, but the weather's been nice
    (01:04) The Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit is happening this month
    (02:18) Fred Seibert talks about light pollution in Arizona
    (03:41) People may not be as familiar with some of the dust storms on Mars
    (11:47) Mars has such a thin atmosphere that it's not a place to colonize
    (13:23) New technology could help us deal with space debris and junk in orbit
    (15:52) Perseus Space is developing a new weapon against space junk
    (20:46) The James Webb Space Telescope is looking very much at very distant galaxies
    (26:44) Astronomers and cosmologists talk about the multiverse theory
    (34:35) Fred: We have very exciting time at the moment in human space flight
    For commercial free editions, become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter

    Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter
    Apr 7 2025
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni. If you're privacy online is important to you, then you really need Incogni...and by using our special link you can currently get 60% off! Witha 30 day money back guarantee. Check out the details here: www.incogni.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 510: The Sun's Mass Loss, Black Holes, and Dark Matter Mysteries
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle some fascinating listener questions that delve into the complexities of our universe. From the sun's mass loss over billions of years to the enigmatic relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy, this episode is packed with illuminating discussions that will expand your cosmic understanding.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Sun's Mass Over Time: Heidi and Fred explore a listener's question about how much smaller the sun is now compared to two billion years ago. They discuss the staggering amount of hydrogen it burns each second and how this affects its overall mass, revealing that the sun has only lost a minuscule fraction of its mass over its lifetime.
    - Primordial Black Holes and Dark Energy: The duo addresses a listener's inquiry into the connection between primordial black holes and dark energy. They explain why the mathematics of current theories do not support the idea that evaporating black holes could account for the universe's accelerated expansion.
    - The Final Parsecs of Black Hole Mergers: A deep dive into the complexities of black hole mergers leads to discussions about gravitational waves and the challenges of understanding what happens during these cosmic events. Fred shares insights on the final parsec problem and the mysterious nature of singularities.
    - Dark Matter and Energy Manifest: The episode wraps up with a listener's intriguing proposition that dark matter could be energy manifest. Fred clarifies how dark matter may have originated from energy during the Big Bang, while the quest to uncover its true nature continues.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:40) Discussion on the sun's mass loss over billions of years
    (11:20) The relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy
    (22:15) Insights into black hole mergers and gravitational waves
    (30:00) Exploring the nature of dark matter and energy manifest
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • Cosmic Winds, Nebula Secrets & the Mysteries of Neptune

    Cosmic Winds, Nebula Secrets & the Mysteries of Neptune
    Apr 3 2025
    This episode is presented with the help of NordVPN....it's the one we all use and recommend. It just works! To get our special Space Nuts deal visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 509: Neptune's Secrets, Lunar Dust Shields, and the Helix Nebula
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, fill-in host Heidi Campo joins astronomer Fred Watson to explore some of the cosmos' most intriguing phenomena. From the latest discoveries about Neptune's atmosphere to innovative solutions for lunar dust challenges, and the mysteries of the Helix Nebula, listeners are in for a treat filled with cosmic insights and engaging discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Neptune's Atmosphere: Heidi and Fred dive into the recent observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the presence of auroras on Neptune and discussing its unique atmospheric conditions, including record-breaking winds and intriguing cloud formations.
    - Lunar Dust Shield Innovations: The duo explores NASA's new Electrodynamic Dust Shield, designed to repel lunar regolith, and its potential applications for future lunar missions and even everyday life on Earth.
    - Helix Nebula Mysteries: The episode wraps up with a discussion about the Helix Nebula, its stunning visuals, and the fascinating theory surrounding the remnants of a planet that was destroyed as its star transitioned into a white dwarf.
    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 Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:40) Discussion on Neptune's auroras and atmospheric conditions
    (11:20) The innovative Electrodynamic Dust Shield for lunar missions
    (22:15) Exploring the Helix Nebula and its planetary ghost
    (30:00) Final thoughts and reflections on space exploration
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
    Más Menos
    46 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup