Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

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

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In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the peculiarities of Martian days to the mysteries of black holes and the galactic centre, this episode is filled with enlightening discussions that are sure to spark curiosity about the cosmos.
In this episode:
- John asks about the implications of Mars' longer day length on human biology and potential adaptations for future colonists.
- Dan inquires about the growth of black holes, exploring how quickly they can develop into supermassive entities and what happens when there’s nothing left to consume.
- Young Thomas, just 11 years old, poses several intriguing questions about the galactic centre, including whether it can swallow all stars and planets in the galaxy, and the limits of a black hole's gravitational reach.
- Paul reflects on historical discoveries in astronomy, specifically how Harlow Shapley determined our Sun's position within the Milky Way, challenging the long-held belief that it was at the centre.
Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these thought-provoking questions and more, encouraging listeners to continue their journey of exploration and discovery in the universe.
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(00:00) This is a Q and A edition where we take audience questions
(02:16) When and if Mars is populated with humans, how would we work with longer day
(08:50) Andrew: How astronauts deal with gravity when they land on Earth
(11:47) Dan from the Gold coast has some questions about black holes
(12:51) Fred: How fast do black holes grow? Dan asks fundamental astrophysics question
(18:17) Fred asks five questions about black holes from Thomas Reid, 11
(22:03) Thomas asks if black holes can swallow up all stars and planets
(24:31) Final question comes from Paul from Las Vegas
(26:42) It was actually 1919 when that discovery was made
(34:24) We continue to receive great questions from great listeners and long may it continue

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

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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 ancient celestial bodies?
- The mechanics behind gravitational slingshots: How do spacecraft gain speed from planetary gravity, and what role does the planet's rotation play?
- The rise of smart telescopes: Are these automated devices a boon for budding astronomers, or do they undermine traditional astrophotography?
- Personal experiences with smart telescopes and their impact on learning and engagement in astronomy.

Resources & Links:
- [Dark Matter and Dark Energy Overview](NASA) - Insights into these elusive components of the universe.
- [NASA's Comet Research](NASA Comet Missions) - Discoveries and ongoing studies of comets in our solar system.
- [Gravitational Slingshots Explained](NASA's Gravitational Assist) - How spacecraft use gravity to navigate the solar system efficiently.

Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel the complexities of space science, encouraging listeners to explore the universe and engage with the wonders of astronomy. Don't forget to submit your questions for future episodes!

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

(00:00) This is Space Nuts and we've got questions from our audience
(01:57) Frederick: Greens Goddess started following me some time ago
(02:47) Casey from Colorado says dark matter stars could be incredibly bright
(09:13) Our next question comes from Michael about dark matter
(10:27) What's a dormant comet and how do you detect them
(16:28) Just wondering if you could explain the orbital mechanics behind Slingshots
(22:32) Smart telescopes allow beginners to dive straight into astrophotography
(28:56) Jason: Is there a privacy infringement there? Maybe, yeah
(30:03) Astronomer Fred Watson answers your Space Nuts questions
(32:16) Space Nick Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts and Spotify

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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 CubeSat launch featuring a tritium-based nuclear power source for space applications
The potential and safety considerations of nuclear energy in space missions
The possibility of nuclear weapons detection in space using neutron sensors and passive radiation monitoring
The intriguing hypothesis of dark matter stars and their potential signatures
The mystery surrounding Earth's dust origins—cosmic spherules and their unknown sources
New research indicating our galaxy's spiral arms are about 10% longer than previous estimates, based on light echoes from gamma ray bursts
The rise of smart telescopes and their role in making astrophotography more accessible for amateurs
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction and overview of today's headlines
(02:00) SpaceX's CubeSat with tritium power source—what's happening?
(04:33) Nuclear power in space: Safety and future applications
(11:03) Detecting nuclear weapons in space: Challenges and innovations
(22:45) Earth's dust origins: Micro-meteorites and cosmic spherules explained
Resources & Links:
SpaceX's CubeSat nitrogen launch story
Beta-voltaic nuclear power technology
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory
Universe Today article on Milky Way mapping
James Webb Space Telescope and dark matter research
Science Advances publication on Earth's micrometeorites
Connect with Fred Watson:
LinkedIn
Twitter
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Thanks for tuning in and keep looking up!

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