June 15, 2025 • 26 mins
Sponsor Details:
This episode is brought to you by Saily...your passport to seamless global connectivity when traveling. Check out your special Space Nuts discount offer by visiting www.saily.com/spacenuts or use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout!
Cosmic Curiosities: Exploring Planet Nine and Gravitational Waves
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and the brilliant Professor Fred Watson answer a variety of listener questions that delve into the mysteries of our universe. From the search for Planet Nine to the nature of black holes and the behavior of gravitational waves, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.
Episode Highlights:
- The Search for Planet Nine: Jakob from Norway poses a thought-provoking question about the mathematical predictions surrounding Planet Nine and why we can't pinpoint its location with the same accuracy as Neptune's discovery in 1846. Fred explains the differences in observational techniques and the statistical challenges faced by astronomers today.
- Understanding Black Holes: Young listener Enrique asks how black holes can have density if their singularity lacks volume. Fred breaks down the concept of density and how it relates to the mass of black holes, providing a clear explanation for this complex topic.
- Target of Opportunity Observations: Ben from Northwestern University inquires about how observatories handle interruptions in their schedules for significant astronomical events. Fred discusses the common practice of prioritizing observations of transient phenomena like supernovae and gravitational waves, shedding light on the intricacies of telescope time management.
- Gravitational Waves Explained: Fenton from Minnesota asks about the nature of gravitational waves and their potential interactions. Fred clarifies how these waves behave similarly to light waves, including their ability to interfere and the variety of frequencies they encompass, making for a fascinating discussion.
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
(01:20) Discussion on the search for Planet Nine
(15:00) Exploring the nature of black holes
(25:30) Target of opportunity observations at observatories
(35:00) Understanding gravitational waves and their interactions
For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support
This episode is brought to you by Saily...your passport to seamless global connectivity when traveling. Check out your special Space Nuts discount offer by visiting www.saily.com/spacenuts or use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout!
Cosmic Curiosities: Exploring Planet Nine and Gravitational Waves
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and the brilliant Professor Fred Watson answer a variety of listener questions that delve into the mysteries of our universe. From the search for Planet Nine to the nature of black holes and the behavior of gravitational waves, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.
Episode Highlights:
- The Search for Planet Nine: Jakob from Norway poses a thought-provoking question about the mathematical predictions surrounding Planet Nine and why we can't pinpoint its location with the same accuracy as Neptune's discovery in 1846. Fred explains the differences in observational techniques and the statistical challenges faced by astronomers today.
- Understanding Black Holes: Young listener Enrique asks how black holes can have density if their singularity lacks volume. Fred breaks down the concept of density and how it relates to the mass of black holes, providing a clear explanation for this complex topic.
- Target of Opportunity Observations: Ben from Northwestern University inquires about how observatories handle interruptions in their schedules for significant astronomical events. Fred discusses the common practice of prioritizing observations of transient phenomena like supernovae and gravitational waves, shedding light on the intricacies of telescope time management.
- Gravitational Waves Explained: Fenton from Minnesota asks about the nature of gravitational waves and their potential interactions. Fred clarifies how these waves behave similarly to light waves, including their ability to interfere and the variety of frequencies they encompass, making for a fascinating discussion.
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
(01:20) Discussion on the search for Planet Nine
(15:00) Exploring the nature of black holes
(25:30) Target of opportunity observations at observatories
(35:00) Understanding gravitational waves and their interactions
For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support
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