Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

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In this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a captivating Q&A session, tackling a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the possibility of moons having atmospheres to the mysteries surrounding hot Jupiters and the fascinating realm of black holes, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos. Key topics include: - Chris from Exmouth wonders if moons can have atmospheres and if they can share these with their parent planets, leading to a discussion on Titan and Pluto's unique characteristics. - An anonymous listener poses a thought-provoking question about 'secret astronomy' and the potential for military satellite technology to advance our understanding of the universe. - Fenton from Minnesota asks about the likelihood of rocky planets existing in solar systems with hot Jupiters, prompting a discussion on planetary migration and the diversity of solar systems. - Ed raises a classic black hole question regarding the merger of black holes and the concept of mass escaping, leading to an exploration of gravitational waves and their implications. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these fascinating topics, providing insights and sparking further exploration into the wonders of space. 00:00 01:18 04:13 05:37 11:35 16:34 20:35 27:11 31:31

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This episode covers three very different astronomy stories and then moves into a lively Q&A with listener questions. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson discuss a possible sugary molecule in the center of the Milky Way, the risk lunar landers may contaminate ice that could preserve clues to life’s origins, and a new way to track lost dogs using satellite connectivity. The second half of the episode answers questions about moons with atmospheres, secret astronomy, hot Jupiters, and black hole mergers. Key topics In this episode, Fred Watson explains an update from Peter Verweyen on MOND, now referred to as Aether Scalar Tensor Theory, and how it relates to dark matter and dark energy debates. We discuss the detection of erythrulose, a sugar molecule found in interstellar gas clouds near the center of the Milky Way, and why this matters for prebiotic chemistry. Fred describes how molecules like sugar can form in cold molecular clouds before stars and planets exist, making some ingredients for life surprisingly common. We discuss a new study warning that rocket exhaust from future lunar landings could contaminate ice in permanently shadowed craters at the Moon’s south pole. The Moon’s polar ice may contain ancient prebiotic molecules delivered by comets, asteroids, and dust, making it a possible time capsule for the chemistry that led to life. We discuss the practical and ethical problem that landers have to use rocket engines, and those exhaust plumes may spread methane and other organics across the lunar surface very quickly. Fred shares how satellite-based direct-to-cell or direct-to-mobile systems could help locate lost dogs in remote places without cell coverage. We discuss how this kind of tracking builds on existing GPS pet trackers, and how it could be useful in wilderness areas, while also noting the limits and concerns in national parks. Timestamps (00:00) Start of the episode and what’s coming up (03:12) MOND update and the new AEST name (07:10) A sugary molecule in the center of our galaxy (09:51) Why sugar can form in deep space before stars exist (12:24) Why lunar landings could contaminate the Moon’s ice (14:54) The Moon as a time capsule for prebiotic molecules (16:24) Methane exhaust and rapid contamination risk (18:37) Should the Moon be protected like a national park? (20:28) Satellite tracking for lost dogs in remote areas (24:52) Direct-to-mobile satellite technology explained (25:44) The Judas goat program and invasive species control

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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. 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 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

Landslides on Pluto and China's SpaceX-like Rocket Recovery Success Discover the intriguing discovery of landslides on Pluto, explained through recent image analysis from the New Horizons spacecraft, and learn how these features provide clues about the dwarf planet's geological activity. Plus, explore China's recent achievement in rocket recovery, mimicking SpaceX's successful landing techniques with innovative net capture technology, signaling a significant step forward in space debris management and reusability. Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley discuss recent scientific findings on landslides around Sputnik Planitia on Pluto How climate change on Earth is increasing landslide activity, and how similar processes might be happening on other worlds The significance of the 2015 flyby of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft and what it revealed about planetary geology Details of China's recent successful rocket booster recovery using a net and its potential impact on space launch economics Comparison between China's new net capture method and SpaceX's chopsticks system for booster recovery The rapid advancement of Chinese space capabilities, including lunar and space station missions The broader context of international space race dynamics and the race to return humans to the Moon UAP Study Group Led by Avi Loeb and the Search for Extraterrestrial Phenomena Get an inside look at the White House-formed UAP science advisory council led by Harvard's Avi Loeb, emphasizing scientific rigor in studying unidentified anomalous phenomena. The discussion covers the composition of the council, the importance of unbiased research, and the challenges of interpreting mysterious aerial objects observed over the years. The formation and purpose of the UAP Science Advisory Council, chaired by Avi Loeb The diverse backgrounds of experts involved, including physicists, military personnel, computer scientists, and psychologists How modern technology and data are transforming the study of UAPs, with government and military reports analyzed over decades The debate over the nature of UAPs: natural phenomena, advanced human technology, or potential extraterrestrial origins The cultural and political implications of gaps in understanding these phenomena and the importance of scientific methodology Reader comments reflecting skepticism and intrigue about the investigations and the sensationalism surrounding UAP research

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