Cosmic Queries: Understanding Black Holes, Galactic Centres, and Mars Days

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew
Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they tackle a variety
of fascinating questions from listeners. From the peculiarities of
Martian days to the mysteries of black holes and the galactic
centre, this episode is filled with enlightening discussions that
are sure to spark curiosity about the cosmos.
In this episode:
- John asks about the implications of Mars' longer day length on
human biology and potential adaptations for future colonists.
- Dan inquires about the growth of black holes, exploring how
quickly they can develop into supermassive entities and what
happens when there’s nothing left to consume.
- Young Thomas, just 11 years old, poses several intriguing
questions about the galactic centre, including whether it can
swallow all stars and planets in the galaxy, and the limits of a
black hole's gravitational reach.
- Paul reflects on historical discoveries in astronomy,
specifically how Harlow Shapley determined our Sun's position
within the Milky Way, challenging the long-held belief that it was
at the centre.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these thought-provoking
questions and more, encouraging listeners to continue their journey
of exploration and discovery in the universe.
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(00:00) This is a Q and A edition where we take audience
questions
(02:16) When and if Mars is populated with humans, how would we
work with longer day
(08:50) Andrew: How astronauts deal with gravity when they land on
Earth
(11:47) Dan from the Gold coast has some questions about black
holes
(12:51) Fred: How fast do black holes grow? Dan asks fundamental
astrophysics question
(18:17) Fred asks five questions about black holes from Thomas
Reid, 11
(22:03) Thomas asks if black holes can swallow up all stars and
planets
(24:31) Final question comes from Paul from Las Vegas
(26:42) It was actually 1919 when that discovery was made
(34:24) We continue to receive great questions from great listeners
and long may it continue