Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: The Great Attractor, What Makes a Moon, and Life Beneath the Rings
In this listener Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a curious collection of cosmic questions. They explain why a crescent Moon can appear alongside the Sun in the morning sky, then explore the Great Attractor: the enormous concentration of galaxy clusters influencing the motion of our Local Group. The conversation turns to a lingering classification puzzle — what exactly makes a moon a moon, and should it have to clear its orbit? Finally, they imagine the view from a rocky world with rings, considering how the rings might look through the seasons, how sunlight would filter through them and what spectacular shadows or eclipses might occur. Join Andrew and Fred Watson for astronomy, imagination and the occasional tractor joke.
Key topics
- Why the Sun and a crescent Moon can be visible together in the morning sky.
- The Great Attractor, the Zone of Avoidance and the Laniakea Supercluster.
- Whether moons need to be spherical or clear their orbits, and the case of Pluto and Charon.
- What a ringed planet might look like from its surface, including seasonal changes, shadows and eclipses.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Why the Sun and crescent Moon can appear together in the morning
06:00 - Moon phases and how sunlight illuminates the Moon
09:30 - Paul’s question about the Great Attractor
11:00 - The Zone of Avoidance and the Laniakea Supercluster
16:00 - What defines a moon, and should it clear its orbit?
20:00 - Binary planets, Pluto and Charon
23:00 - What it might look like to stand beneath a planet’s rings
26:00 - Seasonal ring illumination, shadows and possible eclipses
30:00 - Listener feedback, updates and closing remarks

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Space Nuts: Mars’ Moons, Martian Quakes, and the Search for ET
In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore two mysteries from Mars, along with a new effort to listen for signs of life beyond Earth. First, they unpack Japan’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which will study Phobos and Deimos, attempt a landing on Phobos and bring samples back to Earth. The discussion turns to a Marsquake traced to the immense Valles Marineris canyon, offering fresh clues that the Red Planet may still be geologically active. Finally, Andrew and Fred Watson examine Saudi Arabia’s plans for a major astronomical observatory, including a site for Laser SETI detectors searching for brief flashes of possible extraterrestrial communication. Join them for a cosmic tour filled with planetary puzzles, ambitious missions and a little speculation about how aliens might get in touch.
Key topics
- Japan’s MMX mission to investigate Mars’ moons and return samples from Phobos.
- The possible origins of Phobos and Deimos, and the challenges of landing on a world with almost no gravity.
- A Marsquake linked to Valles Marineris and what it suggests about the planet’s geological activity.
- Saudi Arabia’s planned observatory and the use of optical Laser SETI detectors in the search for extraterrestrial signals.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
01:20 - Japan’s MMX mission and the mysteries of Phobos and Deimos
06:00 - How the mission will study Phobos and attempt to collect samples
12:00 - The challenges of landing on Phobos and the planned sample return to Earth
15:45 - A Marsquake traced to Valles Marineris
19:30 - What the quake reveals about Mars’ geological activity
22:00 - Saudi Arabia’s new observatory and the Laser SETI search
26:00 - How optical detectors could look for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence
29:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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Space Nuts: Ejected Stars, Black Hole Deaths, and Astronomy Resources
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. The episode kicks off with Clark from Auckland, who wonders about the possibility of stars and planets being ejected from galaxies, and what that means for rogue celestial bodies. Next, Scott from Hobart delves into the life cycle of black holes, asking what happens when they can no longer hold back light and how they ultimately meet their end. Rusty from Brooklyn poses a thought-provoking hypothetical scenario about the sun disappearing and its effects on Earth's gravitational tether. Finally, Bea from Sydney seeks advice on resources for beginners in astronomy, prompting a discussion on apps, books, and equipment to kickstart a cosmic journey. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these cosmic curiosities with their signature blend of wit and insight.
Key topics
- The mechanics of stars and planets being ejected from galaxies and the existence of rogue celestial bodies.
- Understanding the final stages of black holes, including Hawking radiation and potential explosive endings.
- The implications of the sun's sudden disappearance on Earth's gravitational stability.
- Resources and tips for beginners looking to dive into the world of astronomy.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Clark’s question about ejected stars and planets from galaxies
15:30 - Scott’s inquiry on the life cycle and death of black holes
25:00 - Rusty’s hypothetical scenario about the sun disappearing
35:15 - Bea’s request for beginner astronomy resources
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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00:00 - Introduction to Space Nuts and Listener Questions About Ejected Planets and Black Holes
01:56 - Can Planets and Stars Be Ejected From a Galaxy and the Nature of Intergalactic Space
04:24 - Understanding Stellar Ejection Mechanisms and Measuring Galactic Escape Velocity
07:37 - Comparing Earth's Escape Velocity to Our Galaxy's and the Impact of Galactic Mergers
09:04 - Analogy of Bank Mergers to Galactic Mergers and Universe Dynamics
09:50 - Exploring Black Hole Evaporation Through Hawking Radiation and the Final Violent Burst
11:17 - The Inverse Relationship Between Black Hole Mass and Temperature Leading to Evaporation
14:09 - Theoretical End States of Black Holes Including Gravitational Shockwaves and Information Release
15:13 - Summarizing Black Hole Endings and Thanking Listeners for Thought-Provoking Questions
15:44 - What Happens if the Sun Instantly Disappears and the Speed of Gravity
19:56 - Writing a Prequel and Speculating on Threats to Earth and Solar System Stability
21:11 - Concluding Questions and Addressing Beginner Astronomy Resources
21:43 - Recommended Astronomy Resources Including Podcasts, Websites, and Sky Apps
23:06 - Using Binoculars and Telescopes for Sky Observation and Visiting Astronomy Optics Stores
24:30 - The Value of Planispheres and Considering a Smart Telescope for Modern Astronomy
26:07 - Smart Telescopes with Built-in Filters and AI Image Enhancement Capabilities
27:26 - Enhancing Astronomical Images with AI Software and Affordable Smart Telescope Options
29:04 - Concluding the Episode and Discussing Time Dilation and Future Episodes
30:11 - A Humorous Ejection Analogy and Farewell from Space Nuts Hosts
30:42 - Podcast Availability and Production Credits for Space Nuts

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Space Nuts: NASA's Starliner, Retrograde Exoplanets, and the Square Kilometre Array
In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some of the latest developments in space exploration. They kick off with NASA's recent decision to stick with Boeing's Starliner for additional crewed missions, despite its rocky history. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing discovery of the exoplanet GJ 3090B, which is orbiting its star in the opposite direction, raising questions about planet formation and dynamics. Finally, they explore the innovative designs behind the Square Kilometre Array, examining how nature-inspired layouts may enhance its functionality while addressing technical challenges. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic stories with their signature blend of wit and insight.
Key topics
- NASA's ongoing collaboration with Boeing for the Starliner missions and its implications for future space travel.
- The unusual retrograde orbit of exoplanet GJ 3090B and what it reveals about planetary systems.
- The design and challenges of the Square Kilometre Array and its nature-inspired antenna layout.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
01:20 - Discussion on NASA's partnership with Boeing and the Starliner missions
15:30 - Exploration of the retrograde orbit of exoplanet GJ 3090B
25:00 - Insights into the Square Kilometre Array and its innovative designs
35:15 - Final thoughts and listener engagement

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Space Nuts: The Oort Cloud, Dwarf Planets, and Innovative Lander Designs
In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. Kicking off with Gerwin from Wales, they delve into the mysteries of the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt, discussing the potential mass of these distant regions and their influence on our solar system. Bob from Utah presents a unique perspective on dwarf planets, sparking a lively debate on definitions and classifications. Shumo from Oxford challenges the design of lunar landers, proposing a more insect-like approach to enhance stability on uneven terrain. Finally, Steve from the UK poses a fascinating hypothetical about gathering historical scientific greats to solve modern mysteries like dark matter and dark energy. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these cosmic curiosities with their signature blend of humour and insight.
Key topics
- The mass and significance of the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt in the solar system.
- Redefining dwarf planets: A discussion on classifications and implications.
- Innovative lunar lander designs inspired by nature's solutions to stability.
- The potential of historical scientists collaborating on contemporary scientific challenges.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Gerwin’s question about the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt
15:30 - Bob’s thoughts on the definition of dwarf planets
25:00 - Shumo’s proposal for insect-inspired lunar landers
35:15 - Steve’s hypothetical scenario of historical scientists solving modern mysteries
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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00:00 - Introduction to Space Nuts Q&A Edition and Topics for Today's Episode
00:17 - Discussion of Listener Questions Including Oort Cloud, Kuiper Belt, and Dwarf Planet Theory
01:46 - Addressing a Question from Wales About the Oort Cloud and Kuiper Belt's Potential Planetary Mass
03:52 - Analyzing the Mass of Trans-Neptunian Objects and Oort Cloud Bodies in Relation to Planetary Formation
07:20 - Speculating on Planet Nine and the Hypothetical Mass of the Oort Cloud's Influence
08:53 - Debating Dwarf Planet Theory and the Definition of a Planet with Historical Context
13:29 - Exploring Biometric Approaches for Lunar Landers Versus Traditional Designs and Recent Mission Failures
23:54 - Humorous Discussion on Simple Solutions for Landing Stability and Future Lunar Missions
25:11 - Hypothetical Collaboration of Past and Present Scientists to Solve Cosmic Mysteries Like Dark Matter
32:01 - Concluding Thoughts on Unsolvable Mysteries and the Limits of Science.

Space Nuts: Lunar Magnetism, Exoplanet Signals, and the Evolution of Spacecraft Windows
In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of fascinating astronomical topics. The episode kicks off with an exploration of lunar magnetism, as they discuss new findings suggesting that the Moon may have once possessed a primordial magnetic field, stemming from solidified magma beneath its surface. The duo then shifts gears to a groundbreaking discovery of radio signals originating from the exoplanet Beta Pictoris B, revealing the presence of auroras on this distant gas giant. Finally, they examine the evolution of spacecraft windows, highlighting the importance of visibility for astronauts and the advancements in window technology over the decades. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic mysteries with their signature blend of humour and insight.
Key topics
- The Moon's magnetic history and the implications of recent research on its geological structure.
- Detection of auroras on exoplanets through radio signals and what it means for our understanding of planetary atmospheres.
- The evolution of spacecraft windows: from early designs to modern innovations and safety considerations.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
01:20 - Discussion on lunar magnetism and the Moon's geological history
15:30 - Discovery of radio signals from exoplanet Beta Pictoris B and the significance of auroras
25:00 - Evolution of spacecraft windows and their importance for astronauts
35:15 - A unique photo capturing the International Space Station and a plane against the sun
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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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 observations. Next, Jeff from Colorado poses a thought-provoking question regarding photon pressure and its potential influence on the universe's expansion, leading to a discussion on dark energy and cosmic mysteries. Brian from the Gold Coast wonders about the visibility of cosmic microwave background radiation behind black holes, while Bob rounds off the episode with a query on the characteristics that define a moon. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these cosmic curiosities with their trademark wit and insight.
Key topics
- The effects of high-speed planetary motion near a black hole on time and observational science.
- Exploring photon pressure and its relationship to the universe's expansion and dark energy.
- The cosmic microwave background radiation and its interaction with black holes.
- Defining moons: How small and irregular can they be while still being classified as moons?
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Ron’s question about living on a fast-moving planet and time dilation effects
15:30 - Jeff’s inquiry into photon pressure and its impact on cosmic expansion
25:00 - Brian’s question regarding cosmic microwave background radiation and black holes
35:15 - Bob’s exploration of what constitutes a moon
45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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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 into the intriguing world of Chariklo, a centaur object with changing rings, as they discuss the latest observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and the implications of its unique ring structure. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these captivating astronomical tales with their signature blend of humour and insight.
Key topics
- The peculiar characteristics of NGC 4698: What makes this galaxy behave strangely?
- Insights into the dynamics of galaxy mergers and their effects on structure.
- Chariklo's rings: How have they changed since their discovery, and what does this mean for our understanding of ring systems?
- The potential existence of a hidden moon influencing the structure of Chariklo's rings.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics
01:20 - Discussion on the peculiar galaxy NGC 4698 and its unusual features
15:30 - Exploring Chariklo and the changes in its ring system
25:00 - Insights from the James Webb Space Telescope and the hidden moon hypothesis
35:15 - Final thoughts and listener engagement

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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 then dives into the mechanics of orbiting telescopes, addressing Nick's questions about how these instruments manage their observations while minimising interruptions from Earth. Finally, Ash from Brisbane poses an intriguing question about the origins of gold, prompting a discussion on neutron star collisions and the cosmic processes that create heavy elements.
Key topics
- Time travel and the effects of relativistic speeds on aging: Can we really travel through time?
- The scheduling and operational strategies of orbiting telescopes like Hubble: How do they maximise observation time?
- The origins of gold in the universe: What role do neutron star collisions play in the creation of heavy elements?
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of listener questions
01:20 - Andy’s question on time travel and relativistic speeds
15:30 - Nick’s inquiry about orbiting telescopes and their observation strategies
25:00 - Ash’s question regarding the origins of gold and neutron star collisions
35:15 - Final thoughts and listener engagement

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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 space security. The conversation shifts to Mars, where stunning new images suggest that we might need to reconsider its nickname as the "Red Planet" due to striking purple hues observed in its southern regions. Finally, the duo discusses a newly discovered crater on the Moon, the largest of its kind in recent history, and what this means for our understanding of lunar impacts and surface changes.
Key topics
- The United States acknowledges the presence of weapons in space, sparking discussions about the implications for global security and the arms race in orbit.
- An exploration of Mars' changing colour palette, with new images revealing purple landscapes that challenge our traditional views of the planet.
- The discovery of a significant new crater on the Moon, highlighting the ongoing geological activity and impact history of our celestial neighbour.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and overview of topics
01:20 - Discussion on weapons in orbit and implications for space security
15:30 - Mars as the "Purple Planet" and the significance of new imagery
25:00 - New lunar crater discovery and its implications for lunar geology
35:15 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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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 and expertise.
Key topics
- Hussein from Yemen asks about the radial velocity method for detecting exoplanets, prompting a discussion on how astronomers can isolate individual planets from the combined gravitational effects of multiple bodies.
- Martin from Maryland raises a thought-provoking question on the potential to harness dark energy for space flight, leading to an exploration of the feasibility of accelerating spacecraft to near-light speeds.
- Peter from Sweden inquires about the angular momentum of matter falling into black holes, sparking a conversation on whether this matter retains its momentum or needs to shed some energy before crossing the event horizon.
- Andrew and Fred Watson also touch on the ongoing search for Planet Nine and the importance of surveying exoplanets for understanding the universe's structure and potential for life beyond Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener questions
01:20 - Hussein's question about radial velocity and exoplanets
10:30 - Martin's inquiry on harnessing dark energy for space travel
18:45 - Peter's question about angular momentum and black holes
26:00 - Discussion on the significance of ongoing exoplanet surveys
32:15 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement

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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 — Three floods at the crater's edge. Candice Bedford (Purdue) and colleagues publish in Communications Earth & Environment: the Margin Unit at Jezero is igneous, not sedimentary, and records at least three distinct episodes of water — CO₂-rich groundwater making carbonate ridges, then silica associated with the lake, then a later hot-water event leaving fluorite veins. Habitability context, not a biosignature. · Juice returns. ESA confirms the third Earth gravity assist for 28 September — closest approach 11:45 UTC over the Indian Ocean, bending the trajectory ~20° and adding ~3.5 km/s. The spacecraft crosses Australia north-east to north-west 15–30 minutes earlier, in full darkness. · HR 8799. Two preprints in two weeks point at a fifth, inner planet — one from archival JWST aperture-masking data (~7 au, a few Jupiter masses), one from Gaia astrometry (2–3 au, 10–14 Jupiter masses). They do not obviously describe the same object. Neither is peer-reviewed. · 3I/ATLAS. A modelling paper explains the high deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio measured in March as consistent with formation around a low-metallicity — meaning old — star. · Quick hit: Starship Flight 14 still targeting 28 September; Crew-13 still 'no earlier than early October' on NASA's own page; Albania signs the Artemis Accords as the 73rd country. · Skywatch: the equinox as an instant rather than a date, the Juice pass over Australia, Venus and Mercury for the south, Mars and Jupiter before dawn for the north, and Saturn heading into opposition. Sources and further reading · Bedford, C. C. et al., 'Lake- and groundwater-associated alteration of the olivine-rich Margin unit in Jezero crater, Mars', Communications Earth & Environment (2026). DOI 10.1038/s43247-026-03997-9 · NASA/JPL, 'NASA Discovery Reveals Complex Water Systems on Early Mars', 21 September 2026. · ESA, 'Juice to fly past Earth for third gravity assist', 21 September 2026. · Nguyen, J. S. et al., 'A Candidate Innermost Fifth Planet In the HR 8799 System Revealed By JWST NIRISS Aperture Masking Interferometry', arXiv:2609.10507. · Lagrange, A.-M. et al., 'A fifth companion in the HR 8799 system revealed by Gaia', arXiv:2609.20996 (submitted to Nature Astronomy). · Furuya, K., Cordiner, M., Bockelée-Morvan, D. et al., arXiv:2609.12370. · NASA OIIR, 'NASA Welcomes Albania as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory', 21 September 2026. Skywatch figures computed in-session with PyEphem 4.2.1 for Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and London. Times are local unless marked UTC.

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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 spacecraft navigate the solar system.
- Eduardo explores the nature of neutrinos, questioning whether they are affected by gravity and whether they can be trapped by black holes.
- Shumo presents a thought-provoking idea about using high-energy gamma rays or neutrinos as interstellar beacons, leading to a discussion on the potential for advanced civilisations to communicate through unconventional means.
- Colin from Adelaide raises questions about time dilation effects as depicted in the science fiction movie "Project Hail Mary," specifically the implications of travelling close to the speed of light and the resulting age differences upon return to Earth.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Larry's question about BepiColombo and gravitational assists
10:30 - Eduardo's inquiry on neutrinos and black holes
18:45 - Shumo's question about interstellar beacons using gamma rays or neutrinos
26:00 - Colin's confusion about time dilation in "Project Hail Mary"
32:15 - Discussion on the implications of time dilation and relativity

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Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controversy
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, neutrinos, alien communication, and time dilation.
The discussion is broad, but the main thread is clear: how real-world physics shapes everything from Venus’s history to the future of spaceflight and even the look of space-age uniforms.
Key topics
Venus is Earth-like in size, mass, and gravity, but unlike Earth it has no moon, and the episode explores whether it may once have had one.
Fred explains a modeling study led by Stephen Kane suggesting a Venus moon could have spiraled inward, crossed the Roche limit, and been torn apart by tidal forces.
The team discusses what evidence might remain if Venus once consumed a moon, including possible chemical fingerprints in the atmosphere or surface.
Satellite pollution is examined through the lens of reentering spacecraft, especially the growing number of Starlink reentries and their impact on the upper atmosphere.
The European Space Agency’s jet-based chase of two reentering Cluster spacecraft, Tango and Samba, is described as an effort to measure reentry byproducts directly.
The conversation raises concerns about aluminium oxides, atmospheric chemistry, and whether repeated reentries could have broader consequences such as ozone depletion.
The final main story looks at proposed United States Space Force uniforms and why the design drew immediate comparisons to World War II-era fascist aesthetics and Starship Troopers.
Andrew and Fred note how uniform design can shape perception, and why the new concept feels divisive rather than inspiring.
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro and setup for the episode
00:41 - Venus, satellite pollution, and Space Force uniforms preview
04:40 - Venus as Earth’s twin and why it has no moon
08:21 - Modeling a missing Venusian moon
09:20 - Gravitational tug-of-war and moon migration toward Venus
11:44 - Conditions for a moon to survive around Venus
12:43 - Possible traces of an ancient moon impact
16:06 - Satellite pollution from reentering spacecraft
17:16 - Starlink reentries and atmospheric contamination
18:14 - ESA’s jet chase of reentering Cluster spacecraft
20:06 - Observing Tango and Samba during controlled reentry
21:45 - Why the atmospheric consequences could become controversial
23:12 - Wood as a potentially more benign spacecraft material
24:16 - Space Force uniforms and the first visual reaction
25:34 - Starship Troopers and deliberate fascist design cues
27:29 - Why the proposed uniforms feel unsettling

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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 storms and the nature of gravitational waves. Join them as they delve into these cosmic queries with their signature wit and expertise.
Key topics
- Thomas from Canberra asks about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and their role in the manufacturing of telescope hardware at Siding Spring Observatory. Fred Watson explains the engineering behind the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the significance of its construction.
- Young listener Emily poses a question about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, prompting a discussion on the dynamics of storms and atmospheric patterns on the gas giant.
- Butch from the UK inquires about the Parker Solar Probe and its mission to study the sun, as well as the advancements in solar observation technology.
- Trent from North Georgia wonders if gravitational waves are slowed down by passing through matter, leading to an insightful explanation of how these waves interact with the fabric of spacetime.
- The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in astronomy and its implications for the future of scientific research.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to the Q&A format and listener interactions
01:20 - Thomas's question about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Siding Spring Observatory
10:30 - Emily's question about storms on Jupiter
18:45 - Butch's inquiry on the Parker Solar Probe and solar missions
26:00 - Trent's question about gravitational waves and their speed
32:15 - Discussion on artificial intelligence in astronomy and its impact
40:00 - Closing remarks and listener engagement

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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 low-energy flash that might be consistent with dark matter, though the signal is still far short of discovery level.
Fred explains why dark matter is inferred from galaxy rotation and gravitational lensing, and why direct detection experiments need to be buried deep underground and shielded from background noise.
The discussion covers Fred’s own migraine aura experience, including the zigzag visual pattern he describes as a brain-based phenomenon that affects both eyes.
In this episode, they celebrate an outback astronomy success story involving Trevor Barry of Broken Hill, whose long-term Saturn observations helped connect amateur and professional work on planetary atmospheres.
Fred explains Saturn’s famous north polar hexagon and the newly reported south polar decagon, noting that the southern feature appears to have formed only since 2023.
They cover China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample return plans, including the narrowing of candidate landing sites from 86 to 12 and the mission’s focus on clay-rich terrain that may preserve signs of ancient life.
Fred and Andrew also discuss NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan, including the chosen region near Selk crater, the expected 3.3-year primary mission, and why Titan’s dense atmosphere makes rotorcraft flight more practical there than on Mars.
Timestamps
00:00 - Pre-show timing and getting ready to go live
00:49 - Welcome to Space Nuts and what’s coming up
02:23 - Fred joins the show and mentions recovering from knee surgery
03:17 - First story: a possible dark matter detection at Lux-Zeppelin
05:28 - Why dark matter is hard to detect directly
06:56 - Underground detectors and the LZ experiment in South Dakota
08:50 - The flash event and why it is only a hint, not a discovery
11:44 - The 2.6 sigma result and what that means statistically
13:55 - Trevor Barry and the discovery of Saturn’s south polar decagon
16:23 - Saturn’s north polar hexagon and why the south is unusual
17:49 - The decagon’s possible recent formation and what comes next
21:26 - China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission
23:40 - Candidate landing sites narrowed down and why clays matter
25:20 - NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan
26:03 - Why the Titan landing region near Selk crater is scientifically interesting
27:31 - Dragonfly’s three point three year primary mission and Titan’s chemistry
29:09 - Listener shout-outs and wrapping the first half

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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 distant light.
- Insights into the temperature variations on the Moon and the potential for human habitation beneath its surface.
- A thought-provoking discussion on the hypothetical merger of black holes and white holes, and what that could mean for our understanding of the universe.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they tackle these questions with their signature blend of humour and expertise, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
00:00 - This is where the audience asks us questions, we scratch our heads
01:20 - Do you always record on the same day and time
02:56 - What are your thoughts on the red dots as seen by James Webb Telescope
06:33 - A spacecraft called Link will boost the decaying orbit of the Swift satellite
14:08 - Is distant light redshifted? What happens to the lost energy
16:18 - Professor Fred Watson discusses Apollo 13 problems in Q and A edition
17:19 - Fenton from Minnesota has a question about the temperature on the moon
23:13 - European astrobiologist working on Roslyn Franklin rover on Mars
26:03 - Fred Watson asks what would happen if a white hole merged with a black hole
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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 the eclipse, the Roman telescope, Cloud Nine, and Venus’s clouds.
Key topics
In this episode, Fred recounts the Spanish eclipse expedition
The eclipse was only 9 degrees above the western horizon at totality, making the viewing conditions unusually challenging.
He and Marnie led a 16-person tour through France, Spain, and Switzerland before settling near Santander in northern Spain.
They staked out a viewing site 2 kilometers from the hotel, set up a gazebo, and had to tie it down to a car to keep it from blowing away.
The weather looked threatening, but a hole opened in the cloud just before totality, giving them a clear view of the corona.
Fred described the yellowish corona, pink hydrogen clouds, and the crowd of around 2,000 people.
We discuss the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch
Andrew watched the launch live after being nudged by his own brain at the right moment.
Fred noted the launch was flawless, with 27 Merlin motors firing.
The telescope is headed for the L2 Lagrange point, about 1.5 million kilometers away.
Roman is a 2.4-meter Hubble-class telescope but with 100 times the field of view.
Its wide-angle infrared design should enable major surveys of dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets via its coronagraph.
Fred explains why Cloud Nine matters
Cloud Nine is described as a starless dwarf galaxy about 14 million light years away.
It lies near Messier 94 and was studied using the Gran Telescopio Canarias and its Hypercam instrument.
The deep exposure was 2.36 hours, yet the team found no convincing stellar population.
Fred says theory suggests the gas may be too hot to cool and collapse into stars because of the ultraviolet background radiation after reionization.
He says Cloud Nine may be the first strong example of a galaxy predicted by standard cosmology but never before clearly identified.
Venus’s clouds are still puzzling astronomers
Fred explains that Venus appears yellowish because we see the top of its cloud layer, especially in visible light.
In ultraviolet, Venus shows dramatic global cloud patterns caused by an as-yet unidentified absorber.
The new study uses radiative transfer modeling to constrain what the unknown absorber could be.
The team compares Venus’s cloud droplets to cigarette smoke, tiny particles that look light-colored when dispersed but could become dark sludge in bulk.
The result suggests the absorber must be very efficient, very concentrated, or both, but it is not being claimed as evidence of life.

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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 how LIGO detects these minute disturbances in the fabric of spacetime.
- An imaginative discussion on what sounds might exist in space and the potential smells one could encounter beyond Earth’s atmosphere, including the curious idea of cosmic fragrances.
Join Andrew and Jonty as they demystify these concepts, providing clarity and insights into the wonders of astronomy and space science.

00:00 - Space Nuts aims to answer questions from the audience about astronomy and space science
01:37 - Were the pyramids built by aliens or were they built by humans
04:26 - How is a photographic image produced from a radio telescope and not an optical telescope
12:36 - Dean: I often hear about gravity waves and I have a hard time visualising
20:15 - Andrew Dunkley: I think ideas become easier to explain over time
22:45 - Our next question comes from David from Port Washington, New York
30:37 - Several volcanoes have blown up since we've been to them
32:08 - The metropolitan area of Auckland contains 53 volcanoes
35:02 - If you could take a big inhale, what would space smell like
36:22 - If you would like to send us some questions, please do through our website

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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 are such a big clue about a violent early solar system.
Key topics
SpaceX’s rocket body impacted the Moon after being left in a long, uncontrolled orbit
Why lunar impacts are a real concern for future habitats, infrastructure, and Apollo heritage sites
The sheer scale of human-made objects that have already hit or landed on the Moon
Elon Musk’s vision for lunar factories, rail-gun launches, and large-scale off-Earth manufacturing
Why the same company could end up both creating the risk and needing to solve it
The Nancy Grace Roman Observatory launching around 9 months ahead of schedule
Roman’s 2.4 metre mirror, 300 megapixel wide-field camera, and hydrazine-fueled journey to L2
How Roman will study dark energy, gravitational lensing, exoplanets, and free-floating planets
New James Webb observations of Neptune’s moons showing clay-type minerals on Larissa and Galatea
Why those clays suggest a much older, more violent system shaped by Triton’s capture and moon-to-moon collisions
Timestamps:
00:00 - Studio prep, muting phones, and getting ready to record
01:53 - Episode intro: SpaceX lunar impact, Roman Observatory, and Neptune moons
03:00 - Jonti Horner joins the show
04:26 - SpaceX rocket body crashes into the Moon
07:03 - Predicted impact plume and expected crater size
08:54 - Korean spacecraft Danuri captures post-impact images
10:19 - Why Moon impacts matter for future lunar bases
11:47 - Protecting Apollo landing sites and lunar archaeology
12:15 - More than 3,000 human-made objects have hit the Moon
14:32 - Law, responsibility, and the problem of cleanup beyond Earth
16:07 - Musk’s plans for Moon factories and Starlink-style expansion
18:12 - Rail guns, Optimus robots, and scaling lunar industry
19:34 - SpaceX’s own industry could be threatened by its own debris
21:24 - Balancing commercial benefits and environmental costs
23:46 - The Nancy Grace Roman Observatory launch approaches
26:03 - Roman’s orbit, hydrazine fuel, and five-year mission plan
27:57 - From WFIRST to Roman: how the telescope evolved
29:23 - Roman’s mirror, 300 megapixel camera, and survey power
30:14 - Exoplanets, microlensing, and the coronagraph
33:29 - Roman’s launch status and the excitement ahead
34:17 - Neptune’s moons and the role of Triton

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