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#403: Stellar Synthesis & Quasar Quests: Crafting Cosmic Particles & Unveiling the Universe's Brightest Beacon

#403: Stellar Synthesis & Quasar Quests: Crafting Cosmic Particles & Unveiling the Universe's Brightest Beacon

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries vor 2 Jahren

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29:03

Prepare for a stellar foray into the frontiers of astrophysics with
your seasoned spacefarers, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred
Watson, in this riveting episode of Space Nuts. Today, we're
delving into the realm of nuclear alchemy, where scientists have
replicated the cosmic crucible of colliding neutron stars right
here on Earth. Andrew and Fred unpack the groundbreaking synthesis
of new isotopes, previously the exclusive handiwork of the
universe's most cataclysmic events. Discover how a platinum beam
and a carbon target in the lab have opened a new window into the
cosmic generation of elements like gold and silver, and what this
means for our understanding of matter's deepest secrets.

Then, brace for a journey to the edges of space-time, as we shed
light on the discovery of the fastest-growing and brightest quasar
ever observed. This celestial behemoth, with a black hole 17
billion times the mass of our Sun, is not only a record-breaker but
a window into the universe's youthful past, some 12 billion years
ago. With a luminosity of 500 trillion suns and an event horizon
stretching seven light years, this quasar is a true cosmic titan.
Fred and Andrew explore the implications of such discoveries and
ponder the evolution of these quasars, which now lie dormant in the
current epoch of the universe.

And lest we forget, the episode is graced with a surprise guest—a
goanna in Fred's backyard, reminding us of the enduring connection
between Earth's ancient inhabitants and the stars that light our
skies.

So, join us on this intergalactic voyage of discovery, where the
wonders never cease, and the universe's secrets are yours to
uncover. For the full Space Nuts experience and to keep your cosmic
curiosity fueled, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. And
remember, your questions and fascination are the stars that guide
our Space Nuts odyssey!

Episode Chapters

(00:00) Andrew dunkley: Coming up on this episode of Space nuts is
some science

(01:08) Professor Fred Watson says goannas can do a lot of
damage

(02:32) Scientists have synthesised isotopes created by colliding
neutron stars

(12:20) Professor Andrew Dunkley says neutron star collisions may
have created some rare isotopes

(16:25) Fred says Australian astronomers have found the brightest
quasar and possibly a black hole

(23:16) Quasars are extinct at this point in the age of the
universe

(28:25) Andrew Dunkley: Thanks to Huw not in studio today when
AWOL

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