Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries Podcast By Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley cover art

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community!

Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.Copyright bitesz.com Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Asteroid Spin, Superpuff Mysteries & Martian Groundwater Revelations

    Asteroid Spin, Superpuff Mysteries & Martian Groundwater Revelations
    Mar 27 2026
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    Asteroid Spins, Superpuff Planets, and Martian Groundwater Discoveries
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a trio of captivating astronomical topics. From the peculiarities of a rapidly spinning asteroid to the mysteries surrounding superpuff planets, and groundbreaking revelations about Martian groundwater, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Spun Out Asteroid: Andrew and Fred discuss the intriguing asteroid 2025 MN45, which spins at an astonishing rate of 1 minute and 54 seconds per rotation. They explore the implications of such rapid rotation on its structure and what it might reveal about its composition.
    - Superpuff Planet Kepler 51D: The hosts examine the latest findings on Kepler 51D, a planet with an unusually low density that has been compared to cotton candy. They discuss the challenges astronomers face in understanding its hazy atmosphere and the ongoing research aimed at uncovering its secrets.
    - Martian Groundwater Insights: A major highlight of the episode is the discussion about new research suggesting the existence of a planet-wide groundwater system on Mars. Andrew and Fred analyze the geological evidence that indicates a historical hydrological network, shedding light on Mars's wet past and its potential for supporting life.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Hawking Radiation, Dark Energy Dilemmas & Listener Curiosities

    Hawking Radiation, Dark Energy Dilemmas & Listener Curiosities
    Mar 23 2026
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    Cosmic Queries: Hawking Radiation, Dark Energy, and Moving Earth
    In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into intriguing listener questions that span the cosmos. From the mysteries of Hawking radiation to the enigma of dark energy, and even a thought-provoking "what if" scenario about moving Earth to a new star system, this episode is packed with fascinating discussions and astronomical insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Hawking Radiation Explained: Tony from Marrickville poses a question about the entanglement of particles that pop into existence near black holes. Andrew and Fred explore the concept of quantum entanglement and how it relates to Hawking radiation, shedding light on this complex phenomenon.
    - Understanding Dark Energy: Stuart Gary Gary from Tasmania asks about the implications of dark energy and its role in the universe's expansion. The hosts discuss current theories, including the cosmological constant, and unravel the mysteries surrounding this elusive form of energy.
    - What If We Could Move Earth? Thomas from Virginia presents a thought-provoking scenario about relocating Earth to another star's Goldilocks zone. Andrew and Fred contemplate the potential effects on Earth's atmosphere during such a journey, drawing parallels to science fiction while grounding the discussion in scientific principles.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Exoplanet Collisions, Cosmic Snowball Fights & Australia's Astronomical Future

    Exoplanet Collisions, Cosmic Snowball Fights & Australia's Astronomical Future
    Mar 20 2026
    Sponsor Link:
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    Exoplanet Collisions, DART Mission Revelations, and Australia's Astronomical Future
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest cosmic discoveries and their implications for the future of astronomy. From the dramatic collision of two exoplanets to groundbreaking insights from the DART mission and the potential fate of Australia's telescopic capabilities, this episode is packed with engaging discussions and astronomical insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Exoplanet Collision: Andrew and Fred delve into the recent observation of two exoplanets colliding around the star Gaia20ehk, located 11,000 light years away. They discuss the significance of this rare event, its potential implications for planetary formation, and what it might reveal about our own solar system's history.
    - DART Mission Insights: The hosts revisit the DART mission, highlighting new findings from the impact on the asteroid moon Dimorphos. They discuss the peculiar surface streaks observed and the implications of material transfer between Didymos and Dimorphos, drawing parallels to cosmic events in our own solar system.
    - The Future of Australian Astronomy: A critical discussion unfolds regarding the impending end of Australia's strategic partnership with the European Southern Observatory. Andrew and Fred consider the challenges and opportunities this presents, referencing a compelling economic study that advocates for continued investment in astronomical research and infrastructure.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.
    If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
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