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Q&A Edition: Black Holes, Cosmic Expansion, and the Fate of the Sun

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the implications of a black hole's mass to the mysteries of cosmic expansion, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic curiosities.

Episode Highlights:

- Black Hole Mass and Star Density: Justin from Melbourne wonders about the radius in light years of a sphere containing the nearest 4 million stars, comparing it to the mass of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Andrew and Fred discuss star density and the methods to calculate it.

- The Universe's Future: Charles from Brooklyn asks whether the universe's potential retraction would shorten its lifespan from trillions of years to just a few billion. The hosts delve into the complexities of dark energy and the various theories surrounding the fate of the universe.

- What If the Sun Disappeared? Dean from Queensland poses a thought experiment about the consequences of the sun's sudden disappearance. Andrew and Fred explain how gravity and light travel at the same speed, leading to an eight-minute delay before Earth feels the effects of the sun's absence.

- Voyager Plaque Mysteries: Patrick brings an intriguing question about the Voyager spacecraft and the accuracy of the plaques they carry. The hosts clarify the misconception and explore the significance of the messages sent into space.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) 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 (https://www.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.

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31068653?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we dive into a wealth of exciting updates and discoveries that are shaping the world of space exploration. We begin with a significant follow-up on the medical situation aboard the International Space Station, where NASA and SpaceX have set a target date for Crew 11's return to Earth. This historic early evacuation marks the first time an entire crew has been medically evacuated from the ISS in its 25-year history, highlighting the human element of spaceflight.Next, we shift our focus to Europe, where the European Space Agency is exploring innovative upgrades to the Ariane 6 rocket. These proposed modifications aim to introduce reusable components to improve cost-effectiveness and competitiveness against reusable rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9.In a thrilling revelation, the James Webb Space Telescope has identified peculiar cosmic objects that may represent a new class of early universe galaxies, nicknamed "baby platypus galaxies." These oddly shaped formations challenge existing models of galaxy formation and could reshape our understanding of the early universe.We also examine new observations of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way, revealing its turbulent past filled with energetic outbursts that have influenced galactic evolution.Lastly, we discuss China's ambitious plans for the Chinese Space Station Telescope, set to launch in 2026. This revolutionary telescope aims to uncover cosmic secrets and complement existing observatories like Hubble and JWST with its wide field of view and advanced imaging capabilities.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily companion for all things space and astronomy

00:46 – **NASA and SpaceX set target date for Crew 11's return after medical concern

02:46 – **ESA is considering turning Ariane 6 into a Franken rocket with reusable elements

04:09 – **James Webb Space Telescope has spotted unusual galaxies in the early universe

06:07 – **Chinese Space Station Telescope on track for 2026, ready to uncover universe

07:07 – **Thank you for listening to Astronomy Daily. What a packed day### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) 4. Chinese Space Station (https://www.china-space-station.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 4

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the latest revelations about supermassive black holes, the enigmatic interstellar comet 3I Atlas, and NASA's innovative tests on lunar surface interactions.

Do All Galaxies Host Supermassive Black Holes?

A groundbreaking study utilizing NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory challenges the long-held belief that all galaxies harbor supermassive black holes at their centers. Analyzing data from over 1,600 galaxies, researchers discovered that only about 30% of dwarf galaxies contain these cosmic giants. The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provide crucial insights into the formation of supermassive black holes and suggest that smaller galaxies may have significantly fewer black holes than their massive counterparts.

No Evidence of Alien Intelligence from Comet 3I Atlas

Despite sensational claims, a thorough investigation into the interstellar comet 3I Atlas has yielded no signs of extraterrestrial technology. Observations from the Green Bank Radio Telescope during the comet's closest approach revealed only radio frequency interference, dismissing earlier speculations of alien signals. The analysis reinforces the understanding that the comet's behavior aligns with natural phenomena, rather than advanced civilizations.

NASA's Rocket Plume Studies on Lunar Regolith

NASA is conducting new experiments to understand how rocket plumes interact with the lunar surface, crucial for future lunar landings. Using a sophisticated camera system, scientists are simulating rocket engine behavior in a vacuum chamber to analyze the impact of exhaust on lunar dust and rocks. The data collected will inform the design of landing systems for the Artemis missions and future Mars explorations, ensuring crew safety and mission success.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

NASA Reports

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

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(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 4 for broadcast on 9 January 2026

(00:00:47) Study reveals fewer supermassive black holes in smaller galaxies

(00:12:30) No signs of alien technology from comet 3I Atlas

(00:20:10) NASA's lunar regolith plume interaction tests

(00:25:00) Science report: Microplastics and neurodegenerative diseases, dog ownership and community ties

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31032264?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we explore a remarkable array of developments in space exploration and astronomy that are making headlines. We begin with a historic moment as NASA orders its first controlled medical evacuation from the International Space Station, bringing home the entire Crew 11 team due to a medical issue affecting one astronaut. This unprecedented decision underscores the importance of crew safety and the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.Next, we look forward to the upcoming February full moon, known as the Snow Moon, which promises a stunning display in the night sky. With peak illumination set for February 1st, we provide tips for the best viewing experience across various regions.Shifting our focus to the ongoing advancements at SpaceX's Starbase, we discuss significant upgrades to Pad 1, preparing for the next generation of Starship launches. These enhancements aim to facilitate rapid reusability and increase launch frequency, crucial for the ambitious goals of the Starship programme.We also address the unfortunate news regarding NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, which has effectively been shelved due to budget cuts. This opens the door for China's simpler and potentially quicker plans to return Martian samples, marking a significant shift in the landscape of Mars exploration.In a thrilling discovery, the Vera Rubin Observatory has identified the fastest spinning large asteroid ever recorded, prompting discussions on the implications for asteroid deflection strategies.Finally, we unveil a new map detailing the origins of billions of ghostly neutrinos that pass through us daily, offering insights into stellar processes and the mysteries of our galaxy.Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news from space and astronomy

00:57 – **NASA orders medical evacuation of entire ISS crew due to medical issue

03:43 – **February full moon is coming up soon. Peak illumination at 5:09pm Eastern on February 1st

05:29 – **NASA's Mars sample return mission effectively dead after budget cuts

06:31 – **The Vera Rubin Observatory has spotted the fastest spinning large asteroid ever discovered

07:47 – **From ISS drama to neutrino maps. What a day in space news### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. Galactic Neutrinos (https://www.galacticneutrinos.org/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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New Year, New Discoveries: Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves, and Rogue Planets

In this exciting New Year edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson kick off 2026 with a bang, discussing groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomy. From innovative proposals for expandable space stations to intriguing discoveries on Mars, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Expandable Space Stations: Andrew and Fred dive into a fascinating proposal for an inflatable space station that could expand to be larger than the International Space Station. They explore the technology behind this concept and its potential implications for future space tourism and research.

- Strange Caves on Mars: The duo discusses recent findings of unique caves on Mars that may have formed through water-driven processes. These caves could provide a habitat for microbial life, sparking interest in future rover missions to investigate their potential.

- Observations of Rogue Planets: Andrew and Fred delve into the elusive nature of rogue planets, discussing how recent observations using gravitational microlensing have shed light on a planet 22 times the mass of Jupiter, located approximately 10,000 light years from Earth. They reflect on the significance of these findings and the advancements in technology that facilitate such discoveries.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) 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 (https://www.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.

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31026598?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the latest astronomical discoveries and cosmic phenomena that are captivating enthusiasts around the globe. We begin with a groundbreaking revelation about Betelgeuse, the iconic red supergiant star. Astronomers have uncovered the cause behind its perplexing brightness fluctuations and the dramatic dimming event of 2020, attributing it to a hidden companion star, affectionately named Siwarha, which disrupts Betelgeuse's atmosphere and light.Next, we present a stunning decades-long time-lapse video of Kepler's supernova remnant, showcasing the evolution of this cosmic explosion as observed by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. This visual journey through time reveals the dynamic expansion of the remnant and its implications for the elements that contribute to new star formation.Shifting our focus closer to home, we discuss a comprehensive all-sky census of K dwarfs, revealing promising candidates for potential life-bearing planets. These cooler, longer-lived stars present a stable environment for life to evolve, providing a treasure trove of data for future exoplanet exploration.For sky watchers, we highlight a series of spectacular lunar events in 2026, including a total lunar eclipse, a blue moon, and a Christmas Eve supermoon, all offering breathtaking views for observers.We also explore a thought-provoking study on the potential risks posed by passing stars to our solar system, suggesting that galactic flybys could destabilise Earth's orbit, although the probability remains exceedingly low.Finally, we delve into the feasibility of asteroid mining, examining recent research on meteorites that sheds light on the challenges and potential of extracting resources from asteroids.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we discuss the coolest space news

00:44 – **Astronomers have finally cracked Betelgeuse's biggest mystery

02:34 – **NASA releases stunning video of supernova remnant from Chandra Xway Observatory

05:40 – **Could a passing star fling Earth into deep space faster than thought

07:45 – **Thanks for listening to Astronomy Daily! We appreciate every listen### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Hubble Space Telescope (https://www.hubblesite.org/) 3. Chandra X-ray Observatory (https://www.chandra.harvard.edu/) 4. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 3

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the latest discoveries in astrophysics and the challenges faced by space agencies worldwide.

Ancient Supernova Offers Clues to Dark Energy

Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding dark energy, the enigmatic force driving the universe's accelerated expansion. A newly observed supernova, located 10 billion light years away, has been gravitationally lensed by a foreground galaxy, allowing scientists to analyze multiple images of the same explosion. This phenomenon could help determine the Hubble constant, shedding light on the universe's expansion rate and its ultimate fate, which ranges from a Big Crunch to a Big Rip.

Sterile Neutrino Hypothesis Nearly Ruled Out

After over a decade of research, scientists have come close to ruling out the existence of the sterile neutrino, a proposed particle that could explain anomalous neutrino behavior. Data from the Micro BooNE experiment at Fermilab has shown no signs of sterile neutrinos, providing a pivotal moment in particle physics that narrows the search for new theories beyond the standard model.

China's Reusable Rocket Setback

China's efforts to develop a reusable rocket faced a significant blow as its Long March 12A failed on its maiden flight. Although the rocket's first and second stages performed as expected, the first stage failed to return successfully, highlighting the challenges in achieving reusability akin to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This setback underscores the competitive nature of the global space industry as China strives to enhance its capabilities.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Letters

Nature

Fermilab Reports

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(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 3 for broadcast on 7 January 2026

(00:00:47) Discovering dark energy through a unique supernova

(00:12:30) Ruling out the sterile neutrino hypothesis

(00:20:10) China's reusable rocket faces a major setback

(00:25:00) Science report: Climate change impacts, endangered species, and digital privacy concerns

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31007030?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we delve into a thrilling array of space news and discoveries that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We start with a sobering update on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, where new research suggests its vast subsurface ocean may lack the necessary energy to support life as we know it. Despite its potential, the study highlights the importance of geological activity for habitability, leaving us with more questions than answers.Shifting gears, we turn our attention to the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, set to mark the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. With a launch date tentatively scheduled for February 6, 2026, the excitement builds as NASA prepares for this historic journey, testing life support systems and navigation in deep space.Next, we explore a surprising discovery made by the James Webb Space Telescope in the dwarf galaxy Sextans A, which has revealed unexpected dust content, challenging previous assumptions about early galaxies. This finding could have significant implications for our understanding of star formation and planet-building materials in the early universe.On Mars, the Curiosity rover continues to impress with stunning new panoramas from Mount Sharp, showcasing the planet's geological history and ongoing exploration efforts. The rover's advanced autonomy allows it to multitask while analyzing the Martian landscape, providing invaluable insights into the planet's past.For sky watchers, we discuss an intriguing upcoming astronomical event: a rare predicted double exoplanet transit set for April 1, 2026. However, due to scheduling constraints at major telescopes, real-time observations may be elusive, reminding us of the challenges in capturing such fleeting cosmic moments.Finally, we reflect on NASA's bittersweet decision to demolish three historic test facilities at the Marshall Space Flight Center, marking the end of an era in space exploration. While progress is essential, it comes with the acknowledgment of our rich history and the legacy of past achievements.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily dose of space and astronomy news

00:52 – **New research suggests Europa's vast subsurface ocean might not support life

02:38 – **NASA is eyeing February 6, 2026 for launch of historic Artemis 2 mission

03:50 – **James Webb Space Telescope finds dwarf galaxy with super low metallicity

06:36 – **Astronomers predict rare double exoplanet transit in 2026### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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