Meet Star Gazers

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. Time stamps :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 Association If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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 Disturbance If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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 Australia If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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 Observatory If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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 Alliance If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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 Observatory If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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. Time stamps :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. Time stamps :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. Time stamps :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. Time stamps :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