#412: Cosmic Queries: A Voyage to Voyager & Defending Astronauts Beyond Earth

Prepare to illuminate the mysteries of cosmic luminescence with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Our stellar duo navigates the void to answer Lee from New York's luminary question: How much light is there in space? Could we see Voyager 1 in its distant travels, or would it merely be a shadow against the cosmic tapestry? Fred sheds light on the subject, revealing the surprising capabilities of the human eye in the darkest reaches.
Next, Fenton from Minnesota proposes an ingenious method for shielding astronauts from the relentless radiation beyond the Van Allen Belts. Could a miniaturized version of these protective fields be the key to safe space exploration? Fred unpacks the complexities of cosmic radiation and the futuristic technologies that might one day safeguard our interstellar voyagers.
Robert from Vienna ponders a parallel universe where our moon is not the cratered time capsule we know, but an icy or hazy sphere like Europa or Titan. Would our understanding of the solar system's history be drastically different? And would astronauts have dared to tread on such enigmatic surfaces? The answers might just surprise you.
Finally, Duncan from Weymouth queries the nomenclature of the outer planets, challenging the distinction between 'ice giants' and 'rock giants.' Fred clarifies the frosty moniker, explaining why Uranus and Neptune's chilly atmospheres earn them this cool classification.
From the potency of starlight to the protective puzzles of space travel, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic cornucopia of knowledge. Remember to share your own astronomical inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and join us as we continue to unravel the universe's most perplexing enigmas. Until we next embark on our celestial sojourn, keep pondering the heavens and stay tuned for more galactic revelations.
Support our journey through the cosmos by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your support helps us keep the starlight shining on these interstellar discussions. Until the next transmission, keep your telescopes trained and your curiosity alight.

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass...the password manager you need to make life less stressful...and by using our special deal...for not very much money. Plus you'll be helping support our show. For details visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass