Episodes
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Dr. Bridgette Farnworth has done insightful research on rat behaviour, predation risk, the New Zealand Weta, light pollution and insects. In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing her on the effects of light pollution on rodents and insects.
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01:26 : What brought you to dark sky advocacy ? and When did you get started ?04:23 : How does light pollution affect rodents ?10:41 : What are the harmful effects of light pollution on insects ?16:43 : What can our listeners do to mitigate the harmful effects of light pollution on the environment ?19:15 : Where can our listeners learn more about your work and light pollution in general ?Useful links and resources :
Dr. Bridgette Farnworth on TwitterAustralasian Dark Sky AllianceInternational Dark-Sky AssociationIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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In addition to being an exemplary astronomer, Dr. James D. Lowenthal has spent decades advocating for dark skies. In this episode, he shares with us useful information on dark sky tourism in Massachusetts.
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03:07 : Have there been any measures implemented in Massachusetts's dark sky parks to reduce or limit light pollution ?05:56 : Can one see the Milky Way from Massachusetts ? If yes, when can one see the Milky Way from Massachusetts ?07:56 : Are there any observatories in the region ?10:04 : Are there any planetariums in the region ?10:56 : Are there any astronomy clubs in the region ?12:26 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in Massachusetts ?14:39 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in Massachusetts ?16:39 : Are there any dark sky friendly bed and breakfasts in Massachusetts ?Useful links and resources :
IDA MassachusettsInternational Dark-Sky AssociationMcConnell Rooftop ObservatoryWilder ObservatoryMIT Wallace Astrophysical ObservatoryMIT Haystack ObservatoryBassett PlanetariumSeymour PlanetariumCharles Hayden PlanetariumSpringfield Telescope And Reflector SocietyAmateur Telescope Makers of BostonAstronomical Society of Southern New EnglandStellafaneOutdoor Street Lighting, Glare, and Circadian Rhythm DisturbanceIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve has pristine dark night skies. In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Chris Tugwell, the chairman of Mid Murray Landcare South Australia. He talks to us about opportunities offered by River Murray Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography.
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05:37 : Have there been any measures implemented in River Murray Dark Sky Reserve to reduce or limit light pollution ?07:27 : How is night sky brightness measured ?11:33 : What does the figure 21.9 in your dark sky reserve's logo signify ?12:36 : Can one see the Milky Way from River Murray Dark Sky Reserve ? If yes, when can one see the Milky Way from River Murray Dark Sky Reserve ?15:00 : Are there any observatories in the region ?17:41 : Are there any planetariums in the region ?19:25 : Are there any astronomy clubs in the region ?21:04 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in River Murray Dark Sky Reserve ?22:06 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in River Murray Dark Sky Reserve ?23:40 : Are there any dark sky friendly bed and breakfasts in River Murray Dark Sky Reserve ?Useful links and resources :
River Murray International Dark Sky ReserveAdelaide PlanetariumAstronomical Society of South AustraliaRiver Shack RentalsBig Bend by NightJuggle House ExperiencesMeldandaNgaut Ngaut Conservation ParkThe Murray RiverAustralasian Dark Sky AllianceCreating the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve by Chris TugwellMid Murray Landcare South AustraliaIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Big Bend Ranch State Park is a wonderful destination to enjoy pristine dark night skies. In this episode, Amber Harrison shares with us valuable information on opportunities for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
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05:27 : Have there been any measures implemented in Big Bend Ranch State Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?07:48 : Can one see the Milky Way from Big Bend Ranch State Park ? When can one see the Milky Way from Big Bend Ranch State Park ?08:48 : Are there any observatories in the region ?09:36 : Are there any planetariums in the region ?09:58 : Are there any astronomy clubs in the region ?11:04 : Could you please talk to us about astronomy programs in Big Bend Ranch State Park ?13:30 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in Big Bend Ranch State Park ?16:30 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in Big Bend Ranch State Park ?18:54 : Are there any dark sky friendly B&Bs in Big Bend Ranch State Park ?Useful links and resources :
Big Bend Ranch State ParkMcDonald ObservatoryStargazing in Texas State ParksAstronomy in Marathon, TexasBig Bend ObservatoryIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Donna Burton has always been in love with the night sky. She has discovered two comets being one of few women to have ever done so. In this episode, she shares with us useful information on stargazing and nightscape astrophotography in Warrumbungle National Park.
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03:02 : Have there been any measures implemented in Warrumbungle National Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?05:54 : Can one see the Milky Way from Warrumbungle National Park ? When can one see the Milky Way from Warrumbungle National Park ?07:02 : Are there any observatories in the region ?08:06 : Are there any planetariums in the region ?08:50 : Are there any astronomy clubs in the region ?09:35 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in Warrumbungle National Park ?10:45 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in Warrumbungle National Park ?11:36 : Are there any dark sky friendly bed and breakfasts in Warrumbungle National Park ?Useful links and resources :
Milroy ObservatoryDonna the AstronomerSiding Spring ObservatoryWarrumbungle National ParkAstronomical Society of CoonabarabranTamworth Regional Astronomy ClubAstronomical Society of New South WalesAccommodation in Coonabarabran Orange PlanetariumAustralasian Dark Sky AllianceIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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In addition to being an outstanding dark sky defender, Marnie Ogg has thirty years of experience in the travel industry. In this episode, she shares with us precious information on dark sky tourism in Australia.
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02:02 : What brought you to dark sky advocacy ? and When did you get started ?05:15 : Could you please present the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance to our audience and the work that it does ?09:21 : One of the missions of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance is to create business opportunities that support night sky preservation. Could you please elaborate on this aspect ?14:18 : Which places of scientific interest would you recommend to someone planning his or her trip to Australia for astrotourism ?19:56 : Are there any night sky experiences you would recommend to dark sky tourists visiting Australia ?22:57 : Can one see the southern lights from Tasmania ?Useful links and resources :
Australasian Dark Sky AllianceDark Sky TravellerSiding Spring ObservatoryIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Dr. Mark Westmoquette completed his PhD in Astrophysics at University College London in 2007. He studied the effects of young, energetic stars on their surroundings. He went on to do post-doctoral research for seven years at University College London and at the European Southern Observatory in Munich, Germany. In 2013, he decided to leave professional research to focus on teaching yoga and mindfulness. In this episode, Mark shares with us his insightful approaches to mindful stargazing.
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04:12 : What is mindful stargazing ?13:12 : How to stargaze mindfully ?17:22 : How can the dark night sky connect us all more deeply to our inner selves ?25:20 : Could you please share with us snippets of scientific knowledge, modern astronomy has found in your favourite constellations in the night sky ?Useful links and resources :
Mark WestmoquetteTitles By Mark WestmoquetteMark Westmoquette on InstagramMark Westmoquette on Facebook -
Dr. Stella Kafka was awarded the Hollis and Grete Johnson Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Research at Indiana University. She has also received the National Optical Astronomy Observatory Excellence Award for her work at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. In this episode, she shares with us a wealth of knowledge on variable stars and useful information on observing them.
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08:05 : What is a variable star ? What causes stars to change in brightness ?14:10 : How do we discover and observe variable stars ?18:35 : Are variable stars rare ?19:09 : Why are variable stars important ? Why observe variable stars ? What do we learn from variable stars ?22:19 : What are examples of variable stars ?24:06 : Are exoplanets variable stars ?26:08 : What type of equipment can I use to observe variable stars ?28:44 : Which variable stars should I observe as a beginner ? How can I learn about variable star observing ?30:55 : What if I don’t have equipment or I live in a light-polluted area ? Can I still contribute to science ?Useful links and resources :
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)AAVSO Monthly featured variablesAAVSO Observing SectionsAAVSO EducationAAVSO VSX Data MiningAAVSO on FacebookAAVSO on Twitter -
Robin Scagell is Vice President of the Society of Popular Astronomy. He is the author of several astronomy books, including Complete Guide to Stargazing, 101 Objects to Spot in the Night Sky and Stargazing with a Telescope. In this episode, he shares with us invaluable information on observing the Perseid meteor shower.
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03:37 : What do the Perseids look like ?04:55 : What causes the Perseid meteor shower ? Where do the Perseids come from ?07:20 : Where to look in the sky to see the Perseid meteor shower ?09:25 : What is the best time to see the Perseid meteor shower ? When do the Perseids peak ?14:08 : Where can I see the Perseid meteor shower ? Are the Perseids visible in the southern hemisphere ?18:05 : How to watch the Perseid meteor shower ?27:30 : What is a meteor and a meteor shower ?34:18 : What is a persistent train in the context of a meteor ?36:19 : What is the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor and a meteorite ?37:52 : What is a fireball ?44:24 : What is the radiant of a meteor shower ?46:04 : What is the ZHR of a meteor shower ?Useful links and resources :
Robin ScagellSociety for Popular AstronomySociety for Popular Astronomy on FacebookSociety for Popular Astronomy on TwitterInternational Meteor OrganizationAmerican Meteor Society -
Phil Harrington has authored 9 books in the field of amateur astronomy and for his many contributions to this field across the past five decades, he was awarded the 2018 Walter Scott Houston Award at that year's Stellafane convention in Springfield, Vermont. In this episode, he shares with us his vast knowledge of solar eclipses and valuable recommendations for safely observing them.
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05:37 : What happens during a solar eclipse ?07:31 : What are the stages of a solar eclipse ?08:58 : How often do solar eclipses occur ?12:21 : Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month ?15:27 : How long do solar eclipses last ? Why does a solar eclipse only last a few minutes ?18:09 : Can a solar eclipse be seen everywhere ? Why can't everyone on earth see every solar eclipse ?19:43 : What are the 4 types of solar eclipses ?25:38 : What is the difference between a total solar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse ?26:48 : What is the difference between an annular and a total solar eclipse ?28:57 : How rare is an annular solar eclipse ?30:18 : What should you not do during a solar eclipse ?35:21 : How can I safely view a solar eclipse ?Useful links and resources :
Phil HarringtonPhil Harrington's Cosmic ChallengePhil Harrington's Binocular UniverseEclipse! by Philip S. HarringtonPhil Harrington - Author on Facebook -
Dan Oakley is a Lead Ranger and Dark Skies Officer for the South Downs National Park. In this episode, Dan talks to us about opportunities offered by South Downs National Park for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography.
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03:57 : Have there been any measures implemented in South Downs National Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?07:33 : Can one see the Milky Way from South Downs National Park ? When can one see the Milky Way from South Downs National Park ?10:05 : Are there any observatories near South Downs National Park ?12:25 : Are there any planetariums near South Downs National Park ?15:12 : Are there any astronomy clubs near South Downs National Park ?17:18 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in South Downs National Park ?20:01 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in South Downs National Park ?22:04 : Are there any dark sky friendly Bed and Breakfasts in South Downs National Park ?Useful Links and Resources :
South Downs NP Dark SkiesSouth Downs Planetarium & Science CentreHampshire Astronomical GroupWinchester Science Centre and PlanetariumThe Observatory Science CentreSouth Downs NP Dark Skies Technical Advice NoteBrighton and Hove's Astronomy ClubWorthing AstronomersWealden AstronomersWorthing Astronomical SocietyEastbourne Astronomical SocietySouth Downs Astrophotography CompetitionSouth Downs Dark Skies Welcome Scheme for BusinessBest Locations for Stargazing : Meet Star GazersIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Cranborne Chase AONB has excellent dark night skies. In this episode, astronomer Stephen Tonkin talks to us about opportunities offered by Cranborne Chase AONB for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography.
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06:10 : Have there been any measures implemented in Cranborne Chase AONB to reduce or limit light pollution ?10:46 : Can one see the Milky Way from Cranborne Chase AONB ? When can one see the Milky Way from Cranborne Chase AONB ?11:56 : Are there any observatories near Cranborne Chase AONB ?12:54 : Are there any planetariums near Cranborne Chase AONB ?13:59 : Are there any astronomy clubs near Cranborne Chase AONB ?15:51 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in Cranborne Chase AONB ?18:00 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in Cranborne Chase AONB ?20:57 : Are there any dark sky friendly Bed and Breakfasts in Cranborne Chase AONB ?Useful Links and Resources :
Cranborne Chase AONBChasing StarsWessex Astronomical SocietyFordingbridge AstronomersStarQuest Astronomy ClubWells and Mendip AstronomersThe Binocular SkyBest Locations for Stargazing : Meet Star GazersIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Dr. Chirag Upreti's journey in nightscape astrophotography started with his interest in the night sky. In this episode, he shares with us precious tips and recommendations on how to photograph a lunar eclipse.
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04:53 : How should one plan to photograph a lunar eclipse ?07:22 : What is the minimal gear required to photograph a lunar eclipse ?09:14 : What settings do you recommend to photograph a lunar eclipse ?23:29 : How do you interpret a histogram ?27:33 : How does one focus his or her camera to photograph a lunar eclipse ?32:32 : How to focus at infinity ?35:22 : How does one post-process images of a lunar eclipse ?Useful Links and Resources :
Dr. Chirag UpretiDr. Chirag Upreti on InstagramXavier JubierMr. EclipseTime and DateStarStaXAdobe Photoshop and LightroomBest Locations for Stargazing : Meet Star GazersIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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The northern lights, also known as aurorae, are an awe inspiring phenomenon at the confluence of science and nature. In this episode, Dr. Melanie Windridge, an exemplary plasma physicist, shares precious insights on chasing the aurora.
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06:33 : What does aurora borealis mean ?08:04 : What causes the aurora borealis ?16:03 : Can you see the northern lights with the naked eye ?17:33 : What colour are the northern lights ?22:15 : What is the best time to see aurora borealis ?24:18 : How often do auroras appear ? Do the northern lights happen every night ?28:55 : How long do the northern lights last ?35:03 : Can aurora be predicted ? How far in advance can northern lights be predicted ?39:01 : What is KP index for aurora forecast ?45:07 : Where is the best place to see the northern lights ?49:05 : What is the southern most place to see the northern lights ?Useful Links and Resources :
Dr. Melanie WindridgeFusion Energy InsightsBooks authored by Dr. Melanie WindridgeDr. Melanie Windridge on InstagramDr. Melanie Windridge on FacebookDr. Melanie Windridge on TwitterFusion Energy Insights on LinkedInDr. Melanie Windridge on YouTubeIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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For his numerous contributions to the field of amateur astronomy across the past five decades, Phil Harrington was awarded the 2018 Walter Scott Houston Award at that year's Stellafane convention in Springfield, Vermont. In this episode, I have the honour of interviewing Phil on the topic of observing the night sky through binoculars.
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03:59 : Can binoculars be used for stargazing ?05:39 : What to look for in binoculars for stargazing ?12:53 : Which binoculars would you recommend for astronomy ?23:35 : How should one mount binoculars for stargazing ?33:56 : How to observe the Moon with binoculars ?36:07 : Can we observe planets with binoculars ?39:42 : Could you please take us through some of the deep sky objects to observe with binoculars ?Useful Links and Resources :
Phil HarringtonPhil Harrington's Cosmic ChallengePhil Harrington's Binocular UniverseTouring the Universe through BinocularsCosmic Challenge: The Ultimate Observing List for AmateursIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Hailey Osborn is an educator at the Lowell Observatory. In this episode, we discuss the fundamentals of lunar eclipses.
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01:33 : What is a lunar eclipse ? What happens during a lunar eclipse ?02:16 : What are the types of lunar eclipses ?02:54 : How often does a lunar eclipse happen ?03:28 : What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse ?04:05 : Why is a lunar eclipse longer than a solar eclipse ?04:22 : Why doesn't a lunar eclipse occur every month ?04:41 : Why does the Moon appear red during a lunar eclipse ?05:13 : What is the difference between the umbra and the penumbra of a lunar eclipse ?05:33 : From where is a lunar eclipse visible ?Useful Links and Resources :
Lowell Observatory on YoutubeLunar Phases and Eclipses - NASA Science - Solar System ExplorationLunar Eclipse Page - NASAWhy not an eclipse at every full and new moon ?Lunar eclipses: What are they & when is the next one ?Lunar Eclipse Facts for KidsMr. Eclipse by Fred EspenakIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Michel Deconinck has been an amateur astronomer for more than 50 years. In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing him on how to observe the Sun safely.
Safety Warning : If you are thinking of viewing the Sun, your first concern should always be eye safety. Serious eye damage can result from even a brief glimpse of our nearest star. Never view the Sun directly with the naked eye or with any unfiltered optical device, such as binoculars or a telescope ! (Source : ESA / Science & Exploration / Space Science)
Only use filters from reputable sources, and never use a "solar filter" that screws into an eyepiece. As Richard Hill states in Observe and Understand the Sun: "Observing the sun is the only inherently dangerous observing an amateur astronomer can do. Be aware of this at all times and take all necessary precautions. If you do not know a filter or procedure is safe then do not use it ! Always err on the side of safety. An eye once damaged is forever damaged. Filters that let too much INFRARED light through can burn an eye if used visually. There is NO PAIN when this happens. Burned retinas can not be repaired. Excessive ULTRAVIOLET light has been shown to cause cataracts. So be very careful." (Source : Sunspotter Observing Program of The Astronomical League)
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05:24 : What is the Sun made of ? How does the Sun work ?07:35 : How hot is the Sun ?08:44 : What colour is the Sun ?10:11 : What are solar prominences (i.e. flares) and sunspots ?16:11 : How to observe the Sun safely ?17:56 : How does a solar filter work ? What is a solar filter made of ?19:27 : What is a Hydrogen alpha filter ?21:27 : Can I look at the Sun with binoculars ?Useful Links and Resources :
AquarelliaAstronomy - AquarelliaAstronomy during Lockdowns - AquarelliaSunspot Index and Long-term Solar ObservationsSolar Section - American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)Solar Dynamics Observatory - DataIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Matt Woods is the tour administrator at Perth Observatory. In this episode, he shares with us his recommendations on how to best prepare for observing the Geminid meteor shower.
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03:51 : What is a meteor and a meteor shower ?04:35 : Why do meteor showers occur ?06:07 : What causes the Geminid meteor shower ?07:53 : Are meteor showers and shooting stars the same thing ?08:09 : What is the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor and a meteorite ?08:43 : What is a fireball ?10:16 : What is the radiant of a meteor shower ?11:46 : What is the ZHR of a meteor shower ?12:52 : What is a persistent train in the context of a meteor ?15:00 : When does the Geminid meteor shower occur ? What time can I observe the Geminid meteor shower ?17:31 : Where in the sky do I look for the Geminid meteor shower ? Which direction do I need to look to observe the Geminid meteor shower ?19:07 : Will the Geminid meteor shower be visible from the southern as well as the northern hemisphere ?19:56 : Does the presence of the Moon affect meteor shower observation ?Useful Links and Resources :
International Meteor OrganizationAmerican Meteor SocietyStellariumTime and DateBest Locations for Stargazing : Meet Star GazersIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Michael Magee is the planetarium director of the Flandrau Science Center at the University of Arizona. In this episode, he shares with us his recommendations on how to best prepare for observing the Lyrid meteor shower.
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06:00 : What is a meteor and a meteor shower ?08:47 : Why do meteor showers occur ?10:04 : What causes the Lyrid meteor shower ?13:09 : Are meteor showers and shooting stars the same thing ?14:33 : What is the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor and a meteorite ?17:04 : What is a fireball ?19:13 : What is the radiant of a meteor shower ?21:17 : What is the ZHR of a meteor shower ?22:23 : What is a persistent train in the context of a meteor ?24:00 : When does the Lyrid meteor shower occur ? What time can I observe the Lyrid meteor shower ?26:36 : Where in the sky do I look for the Lyrid meteor shower ? Which direction do I need to look to observe the Lyrid meteor shower ?31:00 : Will the Lyrid meteor shower be visible from the northern as well as the southern hemisphere ?32:19 : Does the presence of the Moon affect meteor shower observation ?Useful Links and Resources :
Flandrau Science Snacks – Space Bites – The Lyrids Meteor ShowerInternational Meteor OrganizationAmerican Meteor SocietyDavid Levy's Guide to Observing Meteor ShowersIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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Death Valley National Park has pristine dark night skies. In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Matthew Lamar and he shares with us valuable information on opportunities for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography in Death Valley National Park.
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01:12 : How and when did Death Valley National Park begin its journey of protecting its dark skies ?04:09 : Have there been any measures implemented in Death Valley National Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?06:08 : What is the quality of night sky in Death Valley National Park ?09:28 : Could you please talk to us about astronomy programs in Death Valley National Park ?14:09 : Are there any astronomical observatories near Death Valley National Park ?16:00 : Are there any planetariums near Death Valley National Park ?16:54 : Are there any opportunities for nightscape astrophotography in Death Valley National Park ?19:10 : Are there any astronomy clubs near Death Valley National Park ?20:12 : Are there any opportunities for visitors to do nocturnal nature trails in Death Valley National Park ?Useful Links and Resources :
Stargaze in Death ValleyDeath Valley Dark Sky FestivalDeath Valley National Park on FacebookDeath Valley National Park on TwitterDeath Valley National Park on InstagramDeath Valley Dark Sky Park (IDA)National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Sky DivisionOwens Valley Radio ObservatoryGoldstone Deep Space Communications ComplexCollege of Southern Nevada - PlanetariumIf you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.
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