Synopsis
All things Space astronomy, news, travel, discoveries, the mysteries and morewith world renown and respected Astronomer Dr. Fred Watson and Broadcaster/Journalist Andrew Dunkley. Website: www.bitesz.com
Episodes
-
Mars' Hidden Oceans, Sweat Shields & The Universe's Sudden End
16/05/2025 Duration: 34minSponsor Details:Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.Unveiling the Mysteries of Water on Mars and BeyondIn this captivating episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest discoveries surrounding water on Mars and innovative ideas for spacecraft re-entry. They explore a groundbreaking theory suggesting vast amounts of liquid water may exist beneath the Martian surface and discuss a revolutionary new cooling method for spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry.Episode Highlights:- The Water Beneath Mars: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the findings from NASA's InSight mission, revealing that Mars may harbour significant amounts of liquid water trapped in porous rock beneath its surface. They explore the implications of this discovery for future Martian exploration and the pot
-
Oceans, Space-Time Stiffness & Ganymede's Hidden Crater: A Cosmic Q&A
12/05/2025 Duration: 33minSponsor Details:Saily - for all your travel data needs...making life much easier and hassle free. For the special Space Nuts deal, visit www.saily.com/spacenuts or use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout.Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.Questions About Oceans, Space-Time, and Impact CratersIn this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions. From the depths of Earth's oceans to the mysteries of space-time and the latest in astronomical discoveries, they provide insights and fascinating discussions.Episode Highlights:- Exploring Earth's Oceans: Listener Pete sparks a discussion on the origins and depth of Earth's oceans. Andrew and Fred Watson delve into theories about water's presence during Earth's formation and the
-
Little Bangs, Outer Planets & the Cosmic Budget Crunch
09/05/2025 Duration: 39minThis episode is brought to by Incogni...removing your personal data online the easy and inexpensive way. To get the special Space Nuts listener deal with 30 day money back guarantee, go to www.incogni.com/spacenutsExploring New Theories of the Big Bang and BeyondIn this episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson to discuss groundbreaking theories and discoveries in the realm of astronomy. They delve into a new hypothesis regarding the Big Bang, potential discoveries of outer planets, and the latest updates on space missions.Episode Highlights:- A New Perspective on the Big Bang: Andrew and Fred Watson dissect a provocative theory suggesting that instead of a singular Big Bang, there may have been multiple smaller bangs. This theory challenges existing notions about dark matter and dark energy, which have long puzzled cosmologists.- The Search for Planet 8.5: The duo explores intriguing new data hinting at a potential outer planet, dubbed Planet 8.5, wh
-
K2-18b, Gravitons & The Comet Conundrum: A Cosmic Q&A
05/05/2025 Duration: 38minSponsor Details:Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.NordVPN: To get the special SpaceNuts discount deal with 4 extra free months, plus a 30 money back guarantee simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is back alongside the ever-insightful Professor Fred Watson. Together, they tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners, covering the potential discovery of life on exoplanet K2 18b, the mysteries of gravity and gravitons, and the latest on the Swan Comet.Episode Highlights:- The Buzz Around K2 18b: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent excitement surrounding the detection of dimethyl sulphide on K2 18b, a potential biosignature. They delve into the implications of this discovery and the ongoing debate about the planet's habitability, while also addressing t
-
Shimmering Diamonds, Asteroid Encounters & Unraveling the Dark Ages of the Universe
01/05/2025 Duration: 36minSponsor Details:Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.NordVPN: To get the special SpaceNuts discount deal with 4 extra free months, plus a 30 money back guarantee simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts Diamonds on Mercury, the Lucy Mission, and Mapping the Dark AgesIn this exciting episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley returns from his recent travels, ready to explore some of the most intriguing topics in astronomy alongside the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson. They dive into the possibility of a diamond layer on Mercury, the latest revelations from the Lucy spacecraft, and an ambitious plan to map the universe's Dark Ages.Episode Highlights:- Diamonds Beneath Mercury: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss groundbreaking research suggesting that Mercury may have a layer of diamonds beneath its surface. They unpack the findings fr
-
Cosmic Questions, Angular Momentum & the Mysteries of the Expanding Universe
28/04/2025 Duration: 24minSpace Nuts Episode 516: Angular Momentum, Cosmic Inflation, and the Infinite UniverseIn 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 exp
-
K2 18b, Life's Potential & the Mysteries of the Hycean World
25/04/2025 Duration: 30minSpace Nuts Episode 515: K2 18b, Polar Orbits, and the Lucy MissionIn 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 o
-
Cosmic Questions, Gravitational Waves & the Mysteries of Space-Time
21/04/2025 Duration: 24minThis 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/spacenutsIn 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 t
-
Stellar Microbes, Titan's Mysteries & the Quest for Life Beyond Earth
18/04/2025 Duration: 37minThis 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/spacenutspace Nuts Episode 513: Microbial Life in Space, Titan's Secrets, and the Search for Intermediate Black HolesIn 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 environme
-
Cosmic Colors, Stellar Mysteries & the Intricacies of Light: A Q&A Episode
14/04/2025 Duration: 26minThis 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/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 512 Q&A: Cosmic Colors, Gamma Ray Bursts, and Terraforming VenusIn 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 se
-
Dust Devils, Cosmic Conundrums & the Quest to Clean Space Junk
10/04/2025 Duration: 35minSpace Nuts Episode 511: Dust Devils on Mars, Space Junk Solutions, and Galaxy Growth ConundrumsIn 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 s
-
Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter
07/04/2025 Duration: 26minThis 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/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 510: The Sun's Mass Loss, Black Holes, and Dark Matter MysteriesIn 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
-
Cosmic Winds, Nebula Secrets & the Mysteries of Neptune
03/04/2025 Duration: 46minThis 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/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 509: Neptune's Secrets, Lunar Dust Shields, and the Helix NebulaIn 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
-
Space-Time Twists, Cosmic Questions & Asteroid Mysteries: A Q&A Journey Through the Universe
31/03/2025 Duration: 30minSpace Nuts Episode 508: Space and Time, Movement in the Universe, and the Nature of DiscoveryIn this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by astronomer Professor Fred Watson and special guest Heidi Campo as they tackle a variety of thought-provoking listener questions. From the intricate relationship between space and time within black holes to the inherent direction of movement in the universe, this episode is filled with fascinating insights and lively discussions that will ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.Episode Highlights:- Space and Time Dynamics: Andrew and Fred revisit a complex question about whether space and time switch roles inside the event horizon of a black hole, exploring the implications of this phenomenon and referencing an insightful video that clarifies the concept.- Movement of Celestial Bodies: A listener inquires about the inherent direction of rotation and movement in the universe, leading to a discussion on the anti-clockwise motion of planets an
-
Dark Energy, Cosmic Selfies & Baby Moons
27/03/2025 Duration: 34minSpace Nuts Episode 506: Dark Energy, Square Kilometer Array, and Baby MoonsJoin host Andrew Dunkley, astronomer Professor Fred Watson, and special guest Heidi Campo as they delve into the intriguing mysteries of the universe in this episode of Space Nuts. From the latest revelations about dark energy to the exciting developments from the Square Kilometer Array and the discovery of baby moons around baby planets, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and engaging discussions.Episode Highlights:- Dark Energy Insights: Andrew and Fred explore new research suggesting that dark energy may not be as constant as previously thought, potentially weakening over time and raising questions about the ultimate fate of the universe.- Square Kilometer Array Update: The team discusses the first images from the Square Kilometer Array, highlighting its groundbreaking capabilities and the significance of its location in Western Australia for radio astronomy.- Discovery of Baby Moons: Exciting findings from the Magellan tel
-
Black Holes, Cosmic Questions & TRAPPIST Tales
24/03/2025 Duration: 30minThis episode is brought to you with the help of NORDVPN. To get your special Space Nuts discount and help support the show, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and Cosmic FluctuationsIn 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
-
Alien Objects, Seismic Signals & Mars Missions: Investigating Cosmic Curiosities
21/03/2025 Duration: 34minThis episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...and as Andrew says in this episode...the best in the business. To get our special Space Nuts savings, visit www.nordvpn.spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 504: Alien Objects, Exoplanets, and Mars MissionsIn this episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by astronomer Fred Watson and special guest Heidi Campo as they dive into the latest cosmic discoveries and ambitious space missions. From the intriguing tale of an alien object that may not be so alien after all to the confirmation of planets orbiting Barnard's Star, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and lively discussions that will pique your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Alien Object Mystery: Andrew and Fred explore the story of an object that entered Earth's atmosphere, initially thought to be extraterrestrial, but later revealed to have a more terrestrial explanation involving a truck's seismic signal. The duo discusses the implications of this finding and
-
Nebulae and Time - Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: #504
17/03/2025 Duration: 33minIn this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson tackle intriguing questions from listeners about bright nebulae, the nature of light, and the mysteries of time. They discuss whether one could see the vibrant colors of nebulae from within, delve into the implications of two arrows of time emerging from quantum systems, and explore the feasibility of life on moons orbiting brown dwarf stars. Join us for a fascinating journey through the cosmos as we unravel these cosmic queries!Chapters:(00:00) This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts(01:34) Dan from the Gold Coast asks about color effects of telescopes in nebula(06:28) Stan Vanning: Which nebula is the brightest and most colorful(09:38) New study suggests opposing arrows of time can theoretically emerge from certain quantum systems(15:59) Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson discuss the arrows of time(16:30) Andrew and Fred answer a question from Rusty in Donnybrook(16:51) If moon was orbiting the sun without the Earth
-
Dark Matter Stars, Ancient Craters & Lunar Missions: #503 - Unpacking the Latest Discoveries in Space
13/03/2025 Duration: 34minSpace Nuts Episode 503: Dark Matter Stars, Australia's Oldest Impact Crater, and Mission UpdatesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore the latest discoveries and updates from the cosmos. From the intriguing possibility of dark matter stars to the revelation of the oldest impact crater on Earth, this episode is filled with exciting insights and engaging discussions that will spark your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Dark Matter Stars: The episode kicks off with a discussion about the potential discovery of dark matter stars by the James Webb Space Telescope. Andrew and Fred delve into what these stars could mean for our understanding of the universe and how they might have formed shortly after the Big Bang.- Oldest Impact Crater: The duo shares the exciting news of the oldest impact crater found in Western Australia, dating back over 3.5 billion years. They discuss the significance of this discovery and how it reshapes our unde
-
Quantum Light, Expanding Universes & Black Hole Mysteries: #502 - Answering Your Most Intriguing Questions
10/03/2025 Duration: 30minSpace Nuts Episode 502: Q&A on Black Holes, Cosmic Temperatures, and Starshot MissionsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the mysteries of black holes to the minimum temperature of space and the ambitious Starshot mission, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and lively discussions.Episode Highlights:- Black Hole Plasma Beams: Listener James from New Orleans sparks a fascinating discussion about plasma beams emanating from the M87 black hole and the recycling of matter in the universe. Andrew and Fred explore the implications of cooling plasma and its potential to change states.- Minimum Temperature of Space: Buddy from Morgan raises a thought-provoking question about whether the minimum temperature of space will continue to drop as the universe expands. The duo dives into cosmic background radiation and its effects on the elements in the uni