Podcast · Tech & Science

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

by Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley · English · Tech & Science

5 million downloads and counting 90+% Five Star Reviews Hosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley 660 Episodes and counting Very active (and friendly) listener community Advertising Free options available. Become a supporter of this podcas

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 34 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 27 minNew

Time Dilation & Cosmic Mysteries: Unpacking Your Space Queries

Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN . Protect your online privacy today by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for an exclusive offer! Space Nuts: Fast-Moving Planets, Photon Pressure, and the Nature of Moons In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing listener questions. Kicking off with Ron's query about the implications of living on a super fast-moving planet orbiting Sagittarius A*, they delve into the fascinating world of time dilation and its effects on scientific…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E667 · 12 Oct 2026 · 35 minNew
Strange Spins and Cosmic Rings: Exploring NGC 4698 and Chariklo's Secrets
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN . To check out our special money-saving deal , visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts Space Nuts: Unraveling the Mysteries of NGC 4698 and Chariklo's Rings In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore some truly peculiar cosmic phenomena. They kick off with a deep dive into the strange behaviour of the galaxy NGC 4698, known for its unusual rotational patterns and mysterious bulge, leading to discussions about possible galactic mergers. Next, the duo ventures…
E666 · 9 Oct 2026 · 30 min
Time Travel & Cosmic Questions: The Science Behind Our Universe
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN. Protect your online privacy today by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for an exclusive offer! Space Nuts: Time Travel, Orbiting Telescopes, and Gold Origins In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of thought-provoking listener questions. They begin with a fascinating inquiry from Andy, a train driver in the UK, about the implications of time travel at relativistic speeds. What does it mean to age differently when travelling close to the speed of light? The duo…
E665 · 9 Oct 2026 · 34 min
Space Force Unveiled: The Surprising Reality of Weapons in Orbit
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NORDVPN. Get your privacy in order today. To check out our special offer and support the show, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts Space Nuts: Space Force Weapons, Purple Mars, and New Lunar Crater In this episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some fascinating and thought-provoking topics. They kick off with the recent revelation about the existence of weapons in orbit around Earth, a significant admission from the United States that raises questions about the future of…
E664 · 28 Sep 2026 · 30 min
The Intricacies of Angular Momentum - What Happens Near Black Holes
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN .. To check out special money saving deal , visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts Space Nuts: Q&A on Radial Velocity, Dark Matter, and Angular Momentum In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions, ranging from the complexities of radial velocity in exoplanet detection to the mysteries of dark matter and angular momentum in black holes. Join them as they explore these cosmic conundrums with their characteristic wit…
E663 · 24 Sep 2026 · 33 min
Mars Gullies Aren't Made by Water: The Surprising Dry Ice Answer
Perseverance drove to the edge of an ancient Martian lake expecting a beach and found the inside of a volcano — rock that water has been through at least three separate times. Europe's Jupiter probe comes home on Monday night and crosses Australia in a fully dark sky. Two teams, using two completely different techniques, both find something hiding inside the most famous planetary system we have ever photographed — and an Australian instrument is in the middle of one of them. Plus: heavy water in an interstellar comet, and what it says about the star that made it. In this episode · LEAD —…
E662 · 21 Sep 2026 · 31 min
Navigating the Cosmic Questions: Gravity Assists, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation Explained
Space Nuts: Q&A on BepiColombo, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a series of intriguing listener questions that span topics from the nuances of orbital velocity to the enigmatic world of neutrinos and the complexities of time dilation. Join them as they unravel these cosmic queries with their signature blend of insight and humour. Key topics - Larry from Nebraska asks about the BepiColombo mission and the relationship between gravitational assists and orbital velocity, prompting a discussion on how…
E661 · 17 Sep 2026 · 34 min
Why Venus May Have Lost Its Moon Forever
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. your first stop for online privavcy. To check out our special offer with a 30 day money back guarantee, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controvers y Space Nuts covers three very different space stories in this episode, ranging from planetary science to the consequences of satellite reentry and a controversial military uniform design. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson also field listener questions on orbital mechanics,…
E660 · 14 Sep 2026 · 32 min
Your Questions Answered: The Mysteries of Jupiter and the Sun
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to with the support of NordVPN. To grab our special NordVPN deal, simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts ....take control of your online privacy because no-one else is going to do it for you! Space Nuts: Q&A on Mitsubishi's Role in Telescope Manufacturing, Jupiter's Storms, and Gravitational Waves In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions, from the involvement of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in telescope manufacturing to the mysteries of Jupiter’s…
E659 · 10 Sep 2026 · 30 min
The Dark Matter Hint That Could Rewrite Physics
Space Nuts: Dark matter clues, Saturn’s new decagon, Mars and Titan missions. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover a packed astronomy episode that moves from a tentative dark matter signal to a newly spotted ten sided storm pattern on Saturn. They also dig into two upcoming sample return style missions, one to Mars and one to Titan, before finishing with listener questions about Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, solar missions, gravitational waves, and AI in astronomy. Key topics In this episode, Andrew and Fred discuss the Lux-Zeppelin underground detector result, where researchers saw a…
E658 · 7 Sep 2026 · 30 min
Cosmic Q&A: From Redshift to the Moon's Hidden Temperatures
Space Nuts: Q&A on the Swift Satellite, Redshift, and Hypothetical White Holes In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a myriad of intriguing questions posed by listeners. From the fate of the Swift satellite to the mysteries of redshift and the speculative nature of white holes, this episode covers a wide range of cosmic curiosities. Key topics include: - The fate of the Swift satellite and the challenges faced by the Link mission meant to boost its orbit. - An exploration of redshift and the implications of energy loss in…
E657 · 3 Sep 2026 · 38 min
The Starless Galaxy That Shouldn’t Exist - But Does
Space Nuts: Spanish Eclipse, Nancy Grace Roman Launch, Cloud Nine, and Venus's Mysterious Clouds Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover four big astronomy stories in this episode, from Fred’s trip to view a sunset eclipse in Spain to the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. They also unpack a starless dwarf galaxy called Cloud Nine and a new way of thinking about the strange dark material in Venus’s clouds. Guests and speakers Andrew Dunkley - Host, frames the news, asks listener questions, and guides the discussion. Professor Fred Watson - Astronomer at large, explains…
E656 · 31 Aug 2026 · 38 min
Waves, Signals, and Cosmic Aromas: A Q&A Journey Through Space
In this intriguing Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of cosmic queries from listeners. Join them as they explore the fascinating world of radio telescopes and how they produce images from radio waves, delve into the complexities of gravitational waves, and ponder the sounds and smells of space. Key topics include: - How photographic images are generated from radio telescopes, despite only receiving radio waves, and the fundamental principles behind this technology. - A deep dive into gravitational waves, their impact on space, and…
E655 · 27 Aug 2026 · 46 min
SpaceX Hit the Moon, and the Real Problem Is Just Beginning
Space Nuts: Moon impact, Roman Observatory launch, and Neptune’s odd moons Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Southern Queensland, for a wide-ranging astronomy update. They cover SpaceX’s out-of-control rocket body hitting the Moon, the imminent launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Observatory, and a new result that may explain the strange origin of some of Neptune’s moons. We discuss why lunar impacts matter far beyond the Moon itself, how Roman will study exoplanets and dark energy, and why clay minerals on Neptune’s small moons…
E654 · 24 Aug 2026 · 37 min
From Diamond Rain to Rogue Planets: Unpacking Cosmic Curiosities
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN . Protect your online activities with a special deal at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts . In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the intriguing phenomenon of planetary atmospheres that may rain diamonds and sapphires, to the complexities of satellite approvals and the possibility of planets forming without a star, this episode is packed with cosmic insights. Key topics include: - Nick from Perth asks about…
E653 · 20 Aug 2026 · 44 min
How One Dinosaur-Killing Impact May Have Triggered Global Firestorms
Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN . Secure your online presence and enjoy a special deal at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts . Asteroid or comet, dinosaur impact firestorms, crater discovery, and Q&A on exoplanets and satellites Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland for two tightly related Space Nuts conversations. The first explores how astronomy keeps blurring the lines between asteroids and comets, what new research says about the dinosaur-killing impact, and a surprising crater found by an…
E652 · 17 Aug 2026 · 34 min
Exploring Moons with Atmospheres, Hot Jupiters, and the Mysteries of Black Holes
Sponsor Link: This Q&A episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN . When you decide to get serius about your security online, do what we did and get NordVPN . We have a special deal for you too, chck out the details at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts 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…
E651 · 13 Aug 2026 · 28 min
The Galaxy’s Sugary Center Could Change How Life Began
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,…
E650 · 10 Aug 2026 · 36 min
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…
E649 · 7 Aug 2026 · 33 min
The Hidden Impact of Landslides on Pluto’s Surface — What Scientists Are Discovering
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…
E648 · 4 Aug 2026 · 33 min
From Dark Matter to Dormant Comets: Your Astronomy Questions Answered
In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they field a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the hypothetical concept of dark matter stars to the mysteries of dormant comets and the mechanics of gravitational slingshots, this episode is packed with engaging discussions that spark curiosity in the cosmos. In this episode: - An exploration of dark matter stars: What are they, and how could they hypothetically shine without fusion? - Understanding dormant comets: What defines them, and how can we identify these…
E647 · 1 Aug 2026 · 42 min
SpaceX Tests Space-Ready Nuclear Power Using Tritium-Driven CubeSat
Sponsor Link: NordVPN - Safeguard your online activity with our exclusive offer for Space Nuts listeners. Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details. From SpaceX Nuclear Experiments to Galactic Discoveries Join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson as they explore some of the most fascinating topics in space science, from innovative nuclear power tests in space to the expanding boundaries of our galaxy. Whether you're an astrophotography enthusiast or a space policy advocate, this episode delivers insights that broaden your cosmic perspective. In this episode: SpaceX's recent…
E646 · 27 Jul 2026 · 32 min
The Cosmic Q&A: Redshift, Dark Matter & the Shape of the Universe
Sponsor Link: NordVPN - Protect your online privacy with our special offer for Space Nuts listeners. Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details. In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the mysteries of redshift and the perplexing concept of dark photons to the vastness of deep space astronomy and the ongoing expansion of the universe, this episode is brimming with thought-provoking insights and scientific discussion. In this episode: - Understanding redshift: What does it…
E645 · 23 Jul 2026 · 31 min
How Scientific Discoveries at Mars Are Bringing Us Closer to Detecting Alien Life
Discoveries on Mars, the Hubble Tension, and Dark Photons - Space Nuts Episode Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest developments in space science—from evidence of complex organic molecules found by the Perseverance rover on Mars that may hint at past life, to the ongoing mystery of the Hubble tension that challenges our understanding of the universe's expansion. Plus, a deep dive into the elusive concept of dark photons and their potential role in explaining dark matter. Key Topics: The significance of complex carbon molecules detected in Martian rocks by…
E644 · 20 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Galactic Queries: Black Hole Lifespans, Lunar Impacts & Sun-Seeking Missions
Sponsor Link: NordVPN - Secure your online presence with our exclusive offer for Space Nuts listeners. Check out www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details. In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into listener inquiries that span the cosmos. From the intriguing concept of black hole evaporation to the mysteries of Jupiter's atmosphere and the latest on the Artemis 2 mission, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and scientific discussions. In this episode: - The mechanics of black hole evaporation and how cosmic microwave background…
E643 · 16 Jul 2026 · 41 min
The Black Hole Discovery Revealing the Loudest Gravitational Wave Ever Recorded
Sponsor Link: NordVPN ...protect yourself and save with our specoial deal Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details. Revealing the Secrets of Space and the Cosmos: Insights from Space Nuts Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the fascinating universe—from a historic telescope in Melbourne to the latest discoveries in black hole physics and our own solar system. This episode offers a blend of awe-inspiring science, historical stories, and future possibilities that make astronomy accessible and thrilling. In this episode: The extraordinary history and restoration of…
E642 · 13 Jul 2026 · 33 min
From Stopping Light to Space Junk — Your Questions Answered
Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN - your first stop when it comes to online security and privacy. To check out our special money saving offer for Space Nuts liseners, visit www.nordvpn.com/spaenuts In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts , host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing audience questions ranging from the possibility of stopping a photon to the complexities of intertwining electromagnetic fields. They also discuss the speeds of colliding particles in the Large Hadron Collider and the growing issue of excess…
E641 · 9 Jul 2026 · 36 min
How SpaceX Breaks Satellite Records and What It Means for Earth Orbit Safety
Space Nuts Episode 641: Exploring SpaceX Milestones, Lunar Realities, and Particle Physics In this episode, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into recent breakthroughs in space technology, lunar surface understanding, and the physics of light and matter. From SpaceX's record-breaking satellite launches to the complexities of stopping photons and the intriguing origins of interstellar objects, this episode covers some of the most fascinating topics in space science today. In this episode: SpaceX has launched over 15,000 satellites, more than all other space launches combined…
E640 · 6 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Cosmic Queries Unleashed: Gravitons, Expanding Universes & the Weight of Space Travel
Universe, and WeightlessnessIn this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the implications of an expanding universe to the elusive graviton and the experience of transitioning from weightlessness back to Earth's gravity, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics: The potential for a future black void in our night sky as the universe continues to expand. Understanding the graviton: Why do some physicists believe in its existence despite its…
E369 · 2 Jul 2026 · 35 min
The Pink, Salty Exoplanet — Could Humanity Travel to the Galaxy’s Most Colorful World?
Space Nuts Episode 369: Exploring Phobos, Pink Exoplanets, and Saving the SWIFT Observatory This episode dives into some of the most intriguing space stories, from the mysterious Martian moon Phobos and its peculiar orbit to the bizarre, salt-colored exoplanet GJ 504b—possibly a pink dwarf. Plus, learn about a swift rescue mission to save the vital SWIFT space observatory. In this episode: The unique orbit and origin hypotheses of Phobos, including upcoming JAXA mission MMX How Phobos's orbit might decay within millions of years and its potential internal structure The discovery and…

About Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries is a English tech & science podcast from Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 34 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1080090608
Rights: Copyright bitesz.com

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