How One Dinosaur-Killing Impact May Have Triggered Global Firestorms
Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic DiscoveriesShow Notes
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Asteroid or comet, dinosaur impact firestorms, crater discovery, and Q&A on exoplanets and satellites Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland for two tightly related Space Nuts conversations. The first explores how astronomy keeps blurring the lines between asteroids and comets, what new research says about the dinosaur-killing impact, and a surprising crater found by an amateur astronomer planning a trip. The second is a listener Q&A covering exotic exoplanet weather, space regulation, and whether planets can form without a star. Key topics In this episode, Andrew and Jonti explain why astronomy often uses tidy labels for objects that sit on a continuum, especially when the line between asteroid and comet gets blurry. They discuss near-Earth object 1998 SH2, which appears to have comet-like activity despite looking asteroid-like for decades. Jonti breaks down how outgassing can nudge a small body off its predicted path, revealing non-gravitational forces. The dinosaur-killing impact is revisited with new modelling suggesting the first hours after impact may have included global firestorms, not just long-term climate collapse. The show covers the terminology debate around meteor, meteorite, fireball, bolide, asteroid, and comet impact. A Canadian amateur astronomer, Joel LePointe, is credited with spotting a likely impact crater while planning a camping and hiking trip using satellite imagery. The newly identified crater near Lake Marcel in northern Quebec is described as about 390 million years old and roughly 25 kilometers wide.
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Space Nuts: Lunar Magnetism, Exoplanet Signals, and the Evolution of Spacecraft Windows In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of fascinating astronomical topics. The episode kicks off with an exploration of lunar magnetism, as they discuss new findings suggesting that the Moon may have once possessed a primordial magnetic field, stemming from solidified magma beneath its surface. The duo then shifts gears to a groundbreaking discovery of radio signals originating from the exoplanet Beta Pictoris B, revealing the presence of auroras on this distant gas giant. Finally, they examine the evolution of spacecraft windows, highlighting the importance of visibility for astronauts and the advancements in window technology over the decades. Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel these cosmic mysteries with their signature blend of humour and insight. Key topics - The Moon's magnetic history and the implications of recent research on its geological structure. - Detection of auroras on exoplanets through radio signals and what it means for our understanding of planetary atmospheres. - The evolution of spacecraft windows: from early designs to modern innovations and safety considerations. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and overview of today's topics 01:20 - Discussion on lunar magnetism and the Moon's geological history 15:30 - Discovery of radio signals from exoplanet Beta Pictoris B and the significance of auroras 25:00 - Evolution of spacecraft windows and their importance for astronauts 35:15 - A unique photo capturing the International Space Station and a plane against the sun 45:00 - Closing thoughts and listener engagement
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