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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley 639 Episodes Sep 3, 2026

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. Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions on Thursdays and a Listener Q&A focused edition on Mondays.

Episodes

The Starless Galaxy That Shouldn’t Exist - But Does
The Starless Galaxy That Shouldn’t Exist - But Does Sep 3, 2026 2309 Space Nuts: Spanish Eclipse, Nancy Grace Roman Launch, Cloud Nine, and Venus's Mysterious CloudsAndrew 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 dar
Waves, Signals, and Cosmic Aromas: A Q&A Journey Through Space
Waves, Signals, and Cosmic Aromas: A Q&A Journey Through Space Aug 31, 2026 2265 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 image
SpaceX Hit the Moon, and the Real Problem Is Just Beginning
SpaceX Hit the Moon, and the Real Problem Is Just Beginning Aug 27, 2026 2739 Space Nuts: Moon impact, Roman Observatory launch, and Neptune’s odd moonsAndrew 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
From Diamond Rain to Rogue Planets: Unpacking Cosmic Curiosities
From Diamond Rain to Rogue Planets: Unpacking Cosmic Curiosities Aug 24, 2026 2248 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 sapph
How One Dinosaur-Killing Impact May Have Triggered Global Firestorms
How One Dinosaur-Killing Impact May Have Triggered Global Firestorms Aug 20, 2026 2620 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 satellitesAndrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland for two tightly related Space Nu
Exploring Moons with Atmospheres, Hot Jupiters, and the Mysteries of Black Holes
Exploring Moons with Atmospheres, Hot Jupiters, and the Mysteries of Black Holes Aug 17, 2026 2044 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/spacenutsIn this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a captivating Q&A session, tackling a
The Galaxy’s Sugary Center Could Change How Life Began
The Galaxy’s Sugary Center Could Change How Life Began Aug 13, 2026 1673 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 t
Cosmic Queries: Understanding Black Holes, Galactic Centres, and Mars Days
Cosmic Queries: Understanding Black Holes, Galactic Centres, and Mars Days Aug 10, 2026 2170 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
The Hidden Impact of Landslides on Pluto’s Surface — What Scientists Are Discovering
The Hidden Impact of Landslides on Pluto’s Surface — What Scientists Are Discovering Aug 7, 2026 1972 Landslides on Pluto and China's SpaceX-like Rocket Recovery SuccessDiscover 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 wi
From Dark Matter to Dormant Comets: Your Astronomy Questions Answered
From Dark Matter to Dormant Comets: Your Astronomy Questions Answered Aug 4, 2026 1957 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 ep
SpaceX Tests Space-Ready Nuclear Power Using Tritium-Driven CubeSat
SpaceX Tests Space-Ready Nuclear Power Using Tritium-Driven CubeSat Aug 1, 2026 2514 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 DiscoveriesJoin 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 o
The Cosmic Q&A: Redshift, Dark Matter & the Shape of the Universe
The Cosmic Q&A: Redshift, Dark Matter & the Shape of the Universe Jul 27, 2026 1892 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

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