Unstable Fluid Podcast 10: Why is space sticky?
Oct 28, 2025
Dive into the strange world of viscosity and discover how fluids, including those in space, can behave unpredictably. The hosts unravel the concept of modeling space as a viscous fluid and explore when viscosity matters in astrophysics. From discussing superfluids to the magic of accretion discs, they highlight how viscosity influences gas behavior around stars and black holes. Plus, get ready for some fun with non-Newtonian fluids and the idea of ‘space toothpaste.’ Light banter about personal interests keeps the mood entertaining!
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Laptop Destroyed By Iced Tea
- Kat ruined her laptop by packing a full bottle of iced tea in a bag under the laptop, which leaked and made it sticky.
- She warns listeners not to put full bottles under laptops to avoid similar accidents.
Faraday's Desk Left For A Future Talk
- Kat recounts visiting the Royal Institution and seeing Faraday's desk at a conference, but she didn't take a photo to save it for a future talk.
- She framed that as a personal bucket-list moment she'd prefer to earn rather than snapshot.
Space Is Effectively Inviscid
- Astrophysical gas is usually treated as inviscid because its density is extremely low and viscosity effects are negligible.
- Thomas says simulations typically ignore viscosity unless in special environments like shocks or dense discs.