#397: Venusian Shadows & Sulphur Scavenger Hunt: Decoding the Puzzles of Space Chemistry

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Embark on a celestial detective story in this latest episode of Space Nuts, as your guides through the galaxy, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, unravel the curious case of Venus's quasi-moon. The tale begins with an asteroid that's not quite what it seems, orbiting Venus in a way that defies expectations. The mystery deepens with the asteroid's peculiar name, which comes with its own humorous backstory involving a podcast, a bedroom wall poster, and a case of mistaken identity.
Then, shift gears and join the hunt for the universe's elusive sulfur. Why does this common element appear to be hiding in plain sight? The answer lies in the heart of the Milky Way, where a groundbreaking study using the Very Large Telescope has finally solved a long-standing astronomical puzzle. Discover how improved data quality has brought the cosmic abundance of sulfur into clear view, and why planetary nebulae, the final breaths of sun-like stars, are key to this revelation.
With Fred on the mend from a pesky tick bite, the dynamic duo delves into the intricacies of celestial mechanics, the naming conventions of space objects, and the importance of sulfur in both the cosmos and our everyday lives. Don't miss this episode of Space Nuts, where the wonders of the universe are made accessible, the seemingly mundane becomes fascinating, and every question leads to a deeper appreciation of the cosmos.
To continue your journey through the stars and uncover more secrets of the universe, subscribe to Space Nuts on your preferred podcast platform. Until we embark on our next stellar voyage, keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity unbounded.
Episode Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts: Astronomy and Space Science
(01:45) The story of Venus's quasi-moon and its mistaken identity
(07:10) Andrew and Fred discuss the hunt for missing sulfur in the universe
(15:23) Planetary nebulae and the solving of the sulfur anomaly
(22:45) The broad applications of sulfur, from volcanoes to industry
(24:30) Wrapping up and a reminder about Space Nuts Q&A

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