#414: Stellar Collisions & Invisible Invitations: Unveiling the Universe’s Secrets

Prepare for an interstellar Q&A session with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts. We're answering cosmic queries from the Space Nuts audience, starting with James's fascination with the elusive Planet Nine. Could this potential new member of our solar system already have a name waiting in the wings, or will its discoverer have the honor of christening it?Next, Lloyd from Cairns wonders about celestial smash-ups, but not the kind involving black holes or neutron stars. What happens when ordinary stars collide? Do they dance a destructive tango, or can they merge into something grander? The duo delves into the fiery fates of these stellar encounters.Rennie probes the electromagnetic forces at play in the universe, from the behavior of light to the magnetic fields of galaxies. What role does electromagnetism play on other planets, and what happens to worlds lacking this fundamental force? Fred illuminates the subject with his astrophysical expertise.Finally, Ron poses a thought-provoking question: If alien scientists were observing Earth, could they detect signs of life from afar? And conversely, could we spot the telltale signs of extraterrestrial existence on a distant exoplanet? The answers might just redefine our search for cosmic companions.From naming planets to star collisions, electromagnetic enigmas, and the search for life beyond Earth, this episode of Space Nuts is an exploration of the curiosities that light up our universe. Tune in for these mind-expanding discussions and remember to send in your astronomical questions for a chance to be featured on the show.Support our cosmic journey by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your contributions help us continue our mission to unravel the mysteries of the stars. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity boundless.00:00:00 Questions from James, Lloyd and Ron on this episode of Space Nuts
00:01:13 Andrew and Fred met Kate and Jeremy on the Canadian train for the eclipse
00:03:04 Andrew: Get your iPad to read the book rather than struggling through it
00:05:38 Planet nine, should such a thing be discovered? Or would the individual decide
00:12:48 Do normal everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
00:16:54 Do galaxies as a whole have electromagnetism
00:23:14 If scientists in distant solar system were searching for exoplanets using modern technology
00:30:08 Send us your questions via our website, spacenutspodcast. comSpace Nuts – your ticket to the universe. Join us each week as we make the cosmos your backyard