Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Meet Star Gazers
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Titre
Date
Durée
Impact of Light Pollution on Rodents and Insects
20 Mar 2022
00:22:16
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 ?
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
As an Adobe Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chasing the Aurora with Dr. Melanie Windridge
18 May 2021
01:02:26
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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)
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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.
Time Stamps :
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 ?
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 ?
Northumberland Dark Sky Park has exceptionally dark night skies. In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Duncan Wise, the visitor development and marketing manager at Northumberland National Park Authority. He talks to us about opportunities offered by Northumberland Dark Sky Park for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography.
Time Stamps :
06:36 : Have there been any measures implemented in Northumberland Dark Sky Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?
12:29 : Can one see the Milky Way from Northumberland Dark Sky Park ? When can one see the Milky Way from Northumberland Dark Sky Park ?
15:14 : Are there any observatories in Northumberland ?
22:04 : Are there any planetariums in Northumberland ?
23:28 : Are there any astronomy clubs in Northumberland ?
25:53 : Are there opportunities for doing nightscape astrophotography in Northumberland Dark Sky Park ?
27:17 : Is there a possibility to do nocturnal nature trails in Northumberland Dark Sky Park ?
30:06 : Are there any dark sky friendly Bed and Breakfasts in Northumberland Dark Sky Park ?
Great Basin National Park has pristine dark night skies. In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Charles Reed, the Astronomy Program Lead Ranger at Great Basin National Park on the topic of stargazing in Great Basin National Park. He also talks about the magical Great Basin Star Train.
Time Stamps :
01:24 : How and when did the Great Basin National Park begin its journey of protecting its dark skies ?
02:30 : Have there been any measures implemented in the Great Basin National Park to reduce or limit light pollution ?
03:40 : What is the quality of night sky in Great Basin National Park ?
04:44 : Could you please talk to us about the Great Basin Star Train ?
06:00 : Could you please talk to us about astronomy programs in Great Basin National Park ?
07:02 : Are there any astronomical observatories in Northern Nevada ?
08:39 : Are there any opportunities for nightscape astrophotography in Great Basin National Park ?
10:11 : Are there any astronomy clubs in the region ?
11:04 : Are there any opportunities for visitors to do nocturnal nature trails in Great Basin National Park ?
Ian Ridpath has been a full-time writer, editor, broadcaster, and lecturer on astronomy and space since 1972. He lectures regularly on Northern Lights expedition cruises to Norway. In this episode, Ian shares with us his knowledge on the causes of Northern Lights, the best time and months to see them, the best places to see them and the process of photographing Northern Lights.
Time Stamps :
03:42 : Why are Northern Lights called Aurora Borealis ?
04:48 : What do Northern Lights look like ? Can Northern Lights be seen with the naked eye ?
06:44 : Can I see the stars and the Milky Way along with the Northern Lights ?
07:34 : Does the presence of the Moon influence observation of Northern Lights ?
08:45 : Why are northern lights green ?
11:13 : What causes the Northern Lights ?
15:12 : Are the Northern Lights dangerous ?
16:20 : When are Northern Lights visible ? Do the Northern Lights happen every night ?
18:50 : Which month is best to see the Northern Lights ?
20:24 : Where are the best places to see the northern lights ?
21:36 : How far south can I see the Northern Lights ?
23:25 : Can Northern Lights be predicted ? How does one forecast Northern Lights ?
25:23 : What is the Kp index with respect to Northern Lights ?
26:31 : Are the Southern Lights like Northern Lights ?
27:58 : Process of photographing the Northern Lights
30:50 : Can I take photographs of the Northern Lights with my smartphone ?
Carol Redford is the founder of Astrotourism WA and is passionate about protecting Western Australia's dark night skies. In this episode, she shares with us precious information on what makes Western Australia a world class destination for stargazing and nightscape photography.
Time stamps :
03:58 : Citizen science projects and Carol's Dingle Dell meteorite
11:57 : Have there been any measures implemented in Western Australia to reduce light pollution ?
15:59 : What is the quality of night sky in Western Australia ?
18:24 : Are there any astronomical observatories in Western Australia ?
21:02 : Are there any opportunities for nightscape photography in Western Australia ?
23:05 : Are there any astronomy clubs in Western Australia ?
25:55 : Are there any planetariums in Western Australia ?
27:46 : Are there any opportunities for visitors to do nocturnal nature trails in Western Australia ?
28:55 : Can visitors find dark sky friendly B&Bs in Western Australia ?
In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Bob Mizon, who has battled light pollution for more than thirty years. Bob shares with us the basic principles of responsible lighting. We also cover do's and don'ts for owners of B&Bs in order to make their accommodations attractive for dark sky tourists.
Time stamps :
06:09 : What do owners of dark sky friendly B&Bs need to know about the principles of responsible lighting to host astrotourists ? Could you please elaborate on the measures to be taken for indoor as well as outdoor lighting ?
09:01 : What do I need to keep in mind about street lighting in the vicinity of my property or my neighbour's lighting ?
12:34 : Which changes can I make on my property to welcome astrotourists ?
16:51 : What are the expectations of astrotourists from a dark sky friendly B&B ?
20:10 : What is good stargazing etiquette ?
21:20 : What would be the constituents of a stargazing kit ?
25:24 : In terms of planning a stay for astrotourists, what do I need to consider as a host ?
30:33 : Can I propose a complementary experience to my guests like an evening of stargazing with an amateur astronomer or a nocturnal nature trail ?
33:49 : Could you please share any good resources for aspiring dark sky friendly B&B owners ?
Wendee Levy has been David Levy's partner, in his search for comets since 1995. In the twelfth episode of the Meet Star Gazers podcast, she shares with us valuable information about etiquette to be observed during star parties. We cover do's and don'ts for those attending a star party.
Time stamps :
03:31 : When should I arrive at the observing location ?
04:36 : Are there any recommendations with respect to parking at star parties ?
06:29 : Can I drive to a star party with my headlights on ?
07:45 : What colour should my flashlights be ? Why ?
11:13 : Are there any guidelines or recommendations pertaining to use of lasers ?
13:05 : As a visitor, can I touch telescopes and their optical surfaces ?
14:58 : If I bring my children to a star party, what should I keep in mind ?
16:37 : Is flash photography alright after sunset ?
17:48 : Can I bring my pets to a star party ?
18:59 : Are there any guidelines with respect to food and drink at star parties ?
20:57 : Can I play music during a star party ?
21:36 : What should smokers keep in mind at star parties ?
The Moon, Earth's natural satellite is an extremely beautiful celestial body to photograph. In the eleventh episode of the Meet Star Gazers podcast, I have the pleasure of hosting Maggie Machinsky, an immensely talented nightscape photographer based in New York City. She shares with us her valuable tips and recommendations on taking beautiful photographs of the Moon.
Time stamps :
02:02 : How does one plan to take photographs of the Moon ?
04:15 : What is the minimal gear required to photograph the Moon ?
04:58 : What are the settings to photograph the Moon ?
05:54 : How should beginners approach focusing to photograph the Moon ?
As an Adobe Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Stargazing with Binoculars
10 Mar 2021
00:52:45
Binoculars are a wonderful instrument to get your feet wet in astronomy. But they are also an extraordinary companion to a telescope for observing the night sky. Stephen Tonkin, an author of two books on binocular astronomy shares with us all the essential information for beginners to get started on their journey in stargazing with binoculars.
Time stamps :
02:37 : Why should one consider stargazing with binoculars ?
05:21 : How do binoculars work ?
08:42 : How to choose binoculars for stargazing
11:13 : Binoculars vs Monoculars
13:35 : Why should I mount my binoculars for observing the night sky ?
14:54 : Monopods, Tripods and Parallelogram Mounts
17:50 : Binoculars recommended for stargazing
21:40 : Techniques to observe the night sky with binoculars
Dr. David H. Levy has discovered 23 comets and is also the first to have discovered comets visually, photographically and electronically. In this episode, he shares with us the journey leading up to the discovery of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 that collided with Jupiter in July 1994, recognised as the biggest impact in the Solar system witnessed by mankind. Dr. David Levy's career has straddled two disciplines, English literature and astronomy. He also recites some of his favourite prose and poetry in English literature that has a relationship with the night sky and astronomy.
Time stamps :
04:38 : Journey leading up to the discovery of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9
18:20 : Dr. David H. Levy's exploration of the relationship between English literature and astronomy
22:51 : Quotation of The Song of Honour by Ralph Hodgson
23:29 : A poem written by Dr. David H. Levy about his Father-in-law
27:03 : Dr. David H. Levy's adaptation My Eyes on the Sky of Sevilla de Martin's poem His Eyes on the Sparrow
28:08 : Recitation of the Welsh hymn All Through the Night written by John Ceiriog Hughes and translated into English by Sir Harold Boulton
33:10 : Quotation of speech given by Senator Carl Schurz at Faneuil Hall in Boston on April 18th, 1859.
33:59 : Quotation of poem The Castle of Knowledge by Robert Recorde (1556)
34:34 : Quotation of poem The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service
38:16 : Recitation of poem I am like a slip of comet by Gerard Manley Hopkins
40:35 : Recitation of poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Astrostays is an unique astrotourism concept launched by Global Himalayan Expedition in the Indian Himalayas. Sonal Asgotraa, the project lead of Astrostays shares with us information about how Astrostays places community development and sustainable tourism at the core of this initiative.
Time stamps :
02:23 : Presentation of Global Himalayan Expedition and Astrostays project
03:14 : How did the projects Global Himalayan Expedition and Astrostays come to be ?
04:59 : What makes Global Himalayan Expedition and Astrostays unique ?
07:54 : What is the quality of night sky at Astrostays offered by Global Himalayan Expedition ?
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 ?
Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland were accreditated as a dark sky park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Georgia MacMillan from Friends of Mayo Dark Skies on what makes Mayo Dark Sky Park an attractive destination for stargazing and nightscape astrophotography.
Time stamps:
02:04 : Which mesures have been implemented in Mayo Dark Sky Park to reduce light pollution ?
05:45 : What is the quality of night sky in Mayo Dark Sky Park ? Can one see the Milky Way from Mayo Dark Sky Park ?
07:03 : Can one do nightscape astrophotography in Mayo Dark Sky Park ?
08:16 : Are there any astronomical observatories or planned observatories in Mayo Dark Sky Park ?
09:30 : Can visitors to Mayo Dark Sky Park do nocturnal nature trails ?
10:45 : What are the activities and experiences offered by Terra Firma Ireland ?
14:35 : Are there any astronomy clubs in Mayo, Ireland ?
Effects of Light Pollution on Wildlife and Insects
01 Mar 2021
00:39:15
DeAnn McCreary's current area of interest is the impact of artificial light at night on nocturnal wildlife, including insects. She has been an active volunteer with Friends of Lakeside Nature Centre, Kansas City, Missouri for 20 years. Over the past 4 months, she has been working with a committee to reduce the ecological impact of her city's planned installation of LED lights.
Time stamps :
03:05 : DeAnn's background with wildlife
04:47 : How can light pollution harm wildlife ?
09:21 : Is light pollution a threat to wildlife ?
12:13 : How does light pollution affect wildlife within the 24-hour cycle ?
14:50 : Effect of light pollution on nocturnal animals
18:58 : Impact of artificial light at night on ecosystems
20:20 : How does light pollution affect bird migration ?
21:41 : Light pollution and insects
26:46 : Other ecological impacts of artificial light at night
29:07 : How should dark sky advocates contact their municipality ?
29:56 : What questions should dark sky advocates ask to their City Engineer about street lights ?
33:59 : Resources that have helped DeAnn in dark sky advocacy
Useful links and resources :
Falcon J. et al. 2020. Exposure to Artificial Light at Night and the Consequences for Flora, Fauna, and Ecosystems. Frontiers in Neuroscience 16; 14:602796.
Zielinska-Dabkowska Karolina M. et al. 2020. Assessment of Citizens’ Actions against Light Pollution with Guidelines for Future Initiatives. Sustainability 12(12): 4997.
Beginners in stargazing have to invariably navigate the choice of their first telescope. In this episode, Steve Goldberg shares with us all the criteria we need to consider while buying our first telescope. Steve has distilled his tips and recommendations acquired from over 50 years of experience in observational astronomy.
Time stamps :
02:53 : Best resource in Steve's journey in astronomy
03:40 : How would you define a telescope ? What does a telescope do ?
04:30 : What do I need to know before buying a telescope ?
05:26 : What are the different types of telescopes ?
06:55 : Which telescopes should beginners avoid ?
07:25 : What is the diameter of a telescope ?
07:56 : What is the focal length of a telescope ?
08:45 : How does the focal length /diameter ratio influence the observational characteristics of a telescope ?
09:47 : Which is the best telescope to observe the Moon ?
10:08 : Which is the best telescope for observing the planets ?
10:27 : Which telescope is most suitable for observing deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae ?
11:01 : Which are some good telescope mounts for beginners ?
11:53 : Which telescope mounts should beginners avoid ?
12:22 : How to choose your first set of eyepieces ?
13:05 : Optional accessories useful to beginners in improving their observational skills
Stan Honda worked as a photojournalist for over 38 years. Over the years, he has coupled his two passions, astronomy and photography to take sublime nightscape photographs in urban as well as rural settings. In this episode, he gives us guidance on aspects like planning, composition, settings, focusing and post-processing to beginners in nightscape photography.
Time stamps :
10:28 : Planning for nightscape photography
12:28 : Importance of composition
19:36 : Plan and consider objects in the foreground
24:58 : Gear / equipment for nightscape photography
34:59 : Settings
40:44 : Histogram
44:19 : Focusing
49:36 : Urban nightscape photography
58:26 : Post-processing
01:11:12 : Knowledge of astronomy and familiarity with the night sky
As an Adobe Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Reduce Light Pollution ?
12 Feb 2021
00:43:06
In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Deborah Moran, an exemplary defender of dark skies based in Houston, Texas on her experiences and recommendations for reduction in light pollution.
Time stamps :
02:56 What is light pollution ?
03:56 What are the effects of light pollution on human health ?
05:36 What are the principles of good lighting ?
06:40 What is the LED ? What are its characteristics ? What makes it different as a light source compared to other sources of street lighting ?
08:45 Which types of LED are acceptable for street lighting and which are not ?
09:45 Can dimming improve the quality of lighting ?
10:50 What is glare ?
11:38 What is veiling luminance ?
12:00 What is correlated colour temperature CCT ?
13:28 Which light is the most comfortable to look at ? How can we reduce glare ?
14:32 Why is white light not natural during the night ?
16:33 What is the recommended correlated colour temperature CCT for street lights ?
18:59 Does light pollution affect trees and plants ?
19:53 What is the effect of light pollution on pollination ?
20:26 What are the harmful effects of light pollution on sea turtles ?
21:34 What are the effects of light pollution on bird migration ?
23:05 What are the effects of light pollution on bats ?
24:07 What is the reason behind the grass hopper invasion of Las Vegas ?
25:55 Challenges faced in dark sky advocacy
28:47 What are common myths and misconceptions about good lighting ?
30:00 Benchmarks of good lighting
34:06 Resources consolidated on Softlight Houston that could be useful to other dark sky advocates. How should other dark sky advocates use these resources effectively ?
39:20 What are the opportunities for further reduction in light pollution ?
Kuria Jorissen is a highly talented astrophotographer based in Seattle, Washington. In this episode of the Meet Star Gazers podcast, she shares her approach and also offers recommendations to beginners on milky way photography. We discuss gear, planning, settings and focussing in the context of milky way photography.
Questions answered in this episode : How to photograph the milky way ?
As an Adobe Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Stargazing in Warrumbungle National Park
29 Dec 2021
00:13:46
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 ?
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 ?
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 ?
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 ?
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 ?
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 ?