logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
32m 45s

Cosmic Connections: The Search for Alien...

Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
About this episode
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you're online privacy matters, you need NordVPN - the official VPN service of Space Nuts. To check out our special listenr offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts and help support the show.

Extraterrestrial Explorations: From Earthrise to Black Holes
In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson embark on a cosmic journey, exploring the search for extraterrestrial life and the wonders of black holes. From the iconic Earthrise image captured by Apollo 8 to the latest discoveries in astrophysics, this episode is filled with fascinating insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.
Episode Highlights:
The Search for Life on Europa: The episode kicks off with a discussion about the European Space Agency's JUICE mission, which aims to explore Jupiter's icy moons. Fred shares how the mission tested its radar instrument on the famous Anders Earthrise Crater, linking past and present in the quest for signs of life beneath the icy surfaces of moons like Europa.
The Enigma of Blazars: The conversation then shifts to the intriguing discovery of OJ287, an exotic double black hole known as a blazar. Fred explains the unique characteristics of this cosmic phenomenon, including its crooked jet of material and the implications of having two black holes interacting in such a dynamic way.
Betelgeuse and Its Potential Companion: The hosts delve into the latest findings regarding Betelgeuse, the famous red giant star in Orion. Fred discusses the discovery of a potential companion star using advanced speckle imaging techniques, raising questions about the dynamics of binary star systems and what this could mean for our understanding of stellar evolution.
Cultural Perspectives on Constellations: Throughout the episode, Heidi and Fred reflect on the diverse interpretations of constellations across cultures, highlighting how different societies perceive and name the stars, adding a rich layer of storytelling to our understanding of the night sky.
For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.
Got a question for our Q&A episode? https://spacenutspodcast.com/ama

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Up next
Aug 4
Stellar Questions: Captured Asteroids, Evaporating Black Holes & Dining with Aliens
Cosmic Queries: Exploring the Unknown in Our UniverseIn this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing listener questions that delve into the mysteries of our universe. From the potential origins of solar system ... Show More
22m 57s
Jul 31
Interstellar Intrigue: 3I Atlas, Cosmic Probes & the Quest for Extraterrestrial Life
Interstellar Visitors and the Cosmic Connection: A Journey Through Space MysteriesIn this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest cosmic curiosities and fascinating astronomical phenomena. From the intriguing interstellar ... Show More
29m 2s
Jul 28
Cosmic Queries: White Holes, Dark Matter & the Universe's Mysteries
Sponsor Details:This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...our official VPN partner. We love and trust them and you will too. To check out our special listener deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - there's nothing to lose with Nord's famous 30 da ... Show More
24m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
S27E48: Cosmic Cartography: Charting Dark Energy's Role in the Universe's Fate
Embark on an astronomical odyssey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 48, as we unveil the most detailed view of the expanding universe to date. The first-year data from DESI, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey, is in, and it's changing the cosmic game. This groundbreak ... Show More
31m 44s
May 2024
S27E59: Venus's Vanishing Vapors: The Mystery of a Bone-Dry Planet
Embark on an interplanetary journey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 59, where we unravel the enigmatic atmosphere of Venus and its waterless environment. Discover the startling new study that suggests Venus lost its water reserves to space, leaving it with a mere fraction of Ear ... Show More
25m 51s
Mar 2024
S27E33: Star Shredded by Black Hole: A Cosmic Feast Observed
For your special NORDVPN discount and risk free 30 Day Money back guarantee, visit www.nordvpn.com/stuartgary and use the code STUARTGARY at checkout. Get your online privacy under control with the best in the business. The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 27 ... Show More
31m 48s
Apr 2025
Mars' Organic Mystery Unveiled, Parker Solar Probe's Solar Close Encounter
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 40 The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast Largest Organic Molecule Discovered on Mars, Parker Solar Probe's Close Encounter with the Sun, and New Insights into Earth's Formation In this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the remarkable discovery m ... Show More
24m 40s
Jan 2025
Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble Tension, Vesta's Liquid Mysteries, and Mars' Explosive New Year: S28E01
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 01 Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble Tension The James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the Hubble Tension, challenging the current understanding of cosmic theory. New observations reveal that the Universe is expanding faster now than during its early y ... Show More
32m 45s
Jul 25
Celestial Discoveries: The Oldest Comet, Pulsar Insights, and Axiom Space's Successful Splashdown
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest cosmic revelations, including the astonishing discovery of an ancient interstellar comet, the intricate workings of a rare pulsar, and the safe return of the Axiom 4 crew from their mission.Ancient Interstellar Comet 3I/AtlasAst ... Show More
23m 1s
Feb 2025
Saying Farewell to the Spacecraft That Mapped the Milky Way
The Gaia spacecraft stopped collecting data this January after about 11 years and more than three trillion observations. Senior space and physics editor Lee Billings joins host Rachel Feltman to review Gaia’s Milky Way–mapping mission and the tidal streams, black holes and astero ... Show More
17m 20s
Dec 2024
Superflare Warnings, Binary Stars at the Galactic Core, and Lucy's Close Earth Flyby: S27E156
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 156 Superflares: A Century-Long Threat? A new study warns of the potential for our Sun to unleash superflares, with the threat estimated at once per century. These massive eruptions could engulf the Earth, challenging our understanding of solar behavio ... Show More
18m 58s