Black Holes, Cosmic Questions & TRAPPIST Tales

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Space Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and
Cosmic Fluctuations
In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley
and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of listener
questions that delve deep into the mysteries of the universe. From
the nature of black holes and their gravitational effects to the
intriguing dynamics of the TRAPPIST system, this episode is packed
with thought-provoking discussions and cosmic insights that will
keep you captivated.
Episode Highlights:
- Black Hole Mysteries: Andrew and Fred explore
whether objects entering a black hole, such as electrons or grains
of sand, can be accelerated beyond the speed of light. They clarify
the laws of physics that remain intact even within the event
horizon and the implications of mass changes.
- TRAPPIST System Insights: The duo discusses the
absence of gas giants in the TRAPPIST system and the possible
reasons behind this phenomenon, including the formation processes
and the potential for undiscovered planets.
- Star Collisions: Lloyd from Cairns asks whether
everyday stars like our sun ever collide, leading to a discussion
about the rarity of such events compared to black hole and neutron
star collisions, especially during galaxy mergers.
- Early Universe Fluctuations: Mark from Louisiana
poses a thoughtful question about the energy density fluctuations
observed in the WMAP image of the early universe, prompting a
conversation about quantum fluctuations and their role in cosmic
structure formation.
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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) This is a Q and A edition where we answer audience
questions
(01:02) Doug Stone: I had a question about Earthrise from last
year
(05:14) Question comes from somebody who didn't tell us their
name
(06:32) Picking the voice is picking it. Yes. It's picking it
(06:46) Could anything entering a black hole be accelerated beyond
the speed of light
(09:05) Some solar systems do not contain gas or ice giants, says
Dave
(12:40) Is there any limit to how many planets a solar system can
form
(15:46) Do everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do
they create
(20:30) Mark Rabelais has a question about fluctuations in the
early universe
(27:08) New research suggests distant galaxies have a preferred
direction of rotation
(28:47) Andrew Dunkley: Thank you to everybody who sent, uh, in
questions

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