Kielder Observatory Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Kielder Observatory podcast, we venture into the fascinating world of remote sensing with Professor Danny Donoghue from Durham University.

Discover how legacy satellite data from as far back as the 1960s is being utilised to enhance our understanding of Earth's resources, environmental changes, and even archaeology.

Learn about the declassified Cold War-era satellite programme, Corona, and its modern applications. Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of satellite technology, its impact on climate change studies, and the exciting potential of drones in remote sensing.

Further Links:

Kielder Observatory
https://www.kielderobservatory.org

Durham University
https://www.dur.ac.uk

Landsat Programme
https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov

Corona Programme
https://www.nro.gov/History-and-Studies/Center-for-the-Study-of-National-Reconnaissance/CSNR-Programs/Corona/

James Webb Space Telescope
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov

Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society
https://www.rspsoc.org.uk

Institute for Data Science, Durham University
https://www.dur.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/data-science/

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As we head through the middle part of the year, Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye look at the Summer Triangle, a collection of constellation which take centre stage in the night sky at this time of year.

We also discuss the discovery of frost on Mars, which has been found at the top of the biggest mountain in the Solar System Olympus Mons, which is 3x bigger than Mount Everest!

And we look ahead to a potential comet with could be visible this autumn!

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This month for the first time ever we record the Kielder Observatory Podcast on location at the observatory! And it has been a busy time, not least with one of our telescopes being renamed. Find out its new name, and why it was chosen in the podcast!

Plus Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye look at some of the recent scientific breakthroughs in space, and what this could mean for our understanding of the universe.

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Who is responsible if something goes wrong in space? Whilst we are a way off having an intergalactic police force, there are many laws and regulations specific to space. From space junk & satellites to who owns a planet, the countries of Earth have come together to make agreements on the rules of space.

Northumbria University is one of the few places which specialises in the subject of "Space Law", and in this episode we chat to lecturer Lauren Napier to find out more about the rules that keep space a safe-ish place, and also keeps out dark skies clear!

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This month on the Kielder Observatory podcast we speak to photographic artist Melanie King, and explore her work capturing scenes of the night sky via classic analogue methods. Many of us now have switched to digital cameras or even smart phones, but Melanie explains her love for space and the constellations that inspire her the most.

We also update you on the latest news from the observatory, and take a look at some of the things to look out for at night, even though the nights are getting lighter!

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In this episode of the Kielder Observatory Podcast Ian Brannan and our Director of Astronomy Dan Pye are joined by special guest Dr Olivia Jones, to look back on the first year since first light on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Dr Olivia Jones was involved in the launch mission, and is one of a number of scientific researchers working on the project and now analysing the data sent back from JWST.

Even after a short period of operation the JWST has given us stunning images and data from deep into the universe, looking billions of years into the past. It has also detected characteristics in the atmospheres of some Exo Planets which show that deep in the universe, if there is other life, it may well not be as we know it..!

We also give you a round up of what's been happening at Kielder Observatory over the past few weeks, and details of the major things to look for in the night sky though April.

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The Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights are widely regarded as a Holy Grail for any sky watchers. For those lucky enough to see a display it's all about the beautiful serene colours lighting up the sky.

However what we witnessing is the Earth's magnetic field protecting us from a violent onslaught of energised particles from the Sun, slamming into the planet at 45 million MPH!

Dr Melanie Windridge is a physicist, explorer and author of “Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights” who has travelled the world to witness the Aurora, and tells us about the phenomena and also the best places to see it.! 

We also talk about fusion, which is the source of the Aurora, and how this could one day lead to unlimited energy here on Earth.

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This month we talk to observational astronomer Dr Victoria Fawcett, about some of the research she has been involved in including the DESI & MOONs projects. 

As we get more data about the deeper universe scientists like Victoria hope to learn more about the formation of galaxies and even the origins of the universe.

Dr Victoria is also very active sharing her knowledge via outreach programmes, and was awarded an outstanding contribution award at the North East STEM awards last year.

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In this month's episode Ian Brannan, and astronomers Dan Pye & Ellie Macdonald  explore the relationship between humans and the night sky, with cultural astronomy expert Dr Jarita Holbrook. 

Since the dawn of time humans have gazed into the night sky, with many civilisations drawing their own inspiration and meaning from what they saw. Timeless stories, even whole religions has been formed from the inspiration the universe has given particularly in times of great turbulence and upheaval.

We also look at some of the great space superstitions held by various civilisations and cultures around the globe too.

Plus we have a look at the latest news from Kielder Observatory, and who to look out for in the night sky over the coming final few weeks of 2022.

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This month the spotlight is on both wind, and astro photography..! Firstly we introduce our new crowd funding initiative to raise money for a 2nd wind turbine on the Kielder Observatory site.  

One of the first features many visitors notice will be the general hum coming from the existing wind turbine. In order to rely less on a diesel generator we are looking to add a second turbine elsewhere on the site. Dan Pye our director of astronomy explains why the wind turbine is so important, and how you can get involved to help out.

This month we also catch up with Dan Monk, our director of Astro Photography. You will likely have seen some of Dan's stunning images, but this month he explains a few of the ingredients you need to get a stunning shot of the night sky, as well as a few of the things to particularly point your camera at through the winter months.

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