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Apr 2025
26m 32s

Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries ...

Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
About this episode
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Space Nuts Episode 510: The Sun's Mass Loss, Black Holes, and Dark Matter Mysteries
In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle some fascinating listener questions that delve into the complexities of our universe. From the sun's mass loss over billions of years to the enigmatic relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy, this episode is packed with illuminating discussions that will expand your cosmic understanding.
Episode Highlights:
The Sun's Mass Over Time: Heidi and Fred explore a listener's question about how much smaller the sun is now compared to two billion years ago. They discuss the staggering amount of hydrogen it burns each second and how this affects its overall mass, revealing that the sun has only lost a minuscule fraction of its mass over its lifetime.
Primordial Black Holes and Dark Energy: The duo addresses a listener's inquiry into the connection between primordial black holes and dark energy. They explain why the mathematics of current theories do not support the idea that evaporating black holes could account for the universe's accelerated expansion.
The Final Parsecs of Black Hole Mergers: A deep dive into the complexities of black hole mergers leads to discussions about gravitational waves and the challenges of understanding what happens during these cosmic events. Fred shares insights on the final parsec problem and the mysterious nature of singularities.
Dark Matter and Energy Manifest: The episode wraps up with a listener's intriguing proposition that dark matter could be energy manifest. Fred clarifies how dark matter may have originated from energy during the Big Bang, while the quest to uncover its true nature continues.
For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website.Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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.
(00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
(01:40) Discussion on the sun's mass loss over billions of years
(11:20) The relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy
(22:15) Insights into black hole mergers and gravitational waves
(30:00) Exploring the nature of dark matter and energy manifest
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
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