Night Sky Tourist artwork

Night Sky Tourist

97 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratings

Discover the wonder of the night sky from your own backyard, travel to a dark sky location, and listen to the star stories of other cultures and civilizations. Night Sky Tourist helps the entire family connect with nature by engaging with the stars, moon, and planets.

Astronomy Science
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Episodes

92- Fountain Hills, Arizona: International Dark Sky Community

March 27, 2024 04:56 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

In this episode, I invite you to the place where I live in Fountain Hills, Arizona. I’ve invited five guests to help me show you around our International Dark Sky Community. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/92 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 92: Town of Fountain Hills: https://fountainhillsaz.gov/  Smithsonian’s “Lights Out” exhibit: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/lights-out  DarkSky International: https://darksky.org/  Fountain Hills Dark S...

91- Q&A with Ted Blank, NASA Solar System Ambassador

March 06, 2024 02:20 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Ted Blank, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, chats with me about some astronomy questions rolling around in my head. I ask him some fun stuff about the Sun, our Moon, Mars, and two of Jupiter’s moons that have some crazy features. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/91 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 91: Spring Equinox Sunrise Hike: https://nightskytourist.com/event/spring-equinox-hike/  Night Sky Tourist episode 1- NASA Solar System Ambassador, Ted Blank:...

90- Human Cosmos: Civilization & the Stars with Jo Marchant

February 20, 2024 04:30 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Jo Marchant is the author of Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars, a spectacular book about humanity’s relationship with the night sky for thousands of years. Her writing explores the nature of humanity and our universe, from the mind-body connection to the mysteries of past civilizations and the awesome power of the night sky. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/90 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 90: Jo Marchant: https://jomarchant.com/  Fountain Hi...

89- Taurus, the Bull of Heaven

February 13, 2024 04:30 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Taurus is straight up overhead in February, and it’s full of fun little surprises. There are also some great cultural star stories related to it that I share in this episode. Get ready for some fun stargazing and storytelling. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/89 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 89: “7 Tips for Stargazing with Grandparents”, a Night Sky Tourist blog article: https://nightskytourist.com/stargazing-with-grandparents/  Episode 87- Meet the...

88- The Science Embedded in Mythological Star Stories

February 07, 2024 20:08 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

We often equate myths with fiction. I’m going to introduce you to a new perspective by showing you how scientific knowledge was often embedded in ancient star stories. Star stories were more than just children’s fables to entertain the family around the campfire at night.  Visit NightSkyTourist.com/88 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 88: Full Moon Fitness Walk, February 24, 2024: https://nightskytourist.com/events/  International Dark Sky Discov...

87- Meet the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters

January 23, 2024 04:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this episode, I introduce you to a really important but tiny group of stars in the Winter sky called the Pleiades. Many people mistake it as the Little Dipper, but it’s actually a really cool star cluster that has a lot of significance for cultures all around the world. You’ll get to hear several cultural stories of this little group. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/87 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 87: “Lunar vs. Solar Calendars”, a Night Sky Tou...

86- Tour of the Circumpolar Constellations

January 09, 2024 05:23 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

We’re taking a tour of the Northern night sky to identify the North Star and get to know the nearby constellations that circle it, also known as the Circumpolar Constellations. I’ll also share the Greek story of Ursa Major and introduce you to how other cultures saw this group of stars. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/86 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 86: Full Moon Fitness Walk: https://nightskytourist.com/events/  Episode 82- Andromeda’s Star Story...

85- The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders Read the Stars with Duane Hamacher

January 02, 2024 04:27 - 42 minutes - 39.8 MB

Duane Hamacher takes us into the fascinating world where science and indigenous knowledge converge. His deep knowledge about how the indigenous cultures used the night sky for their very livelihood will open your mind to another way of viewing the night sky. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/85 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 85: First Astronomers book: https://www.amazon.com/First-Astronomers-Indigenous-Elders-stars-ebook/dp/B09MQ4QYSN Australian Indi...

84- Gnome Matter the Weather with Tacy Quinn & Lauren Theis

December 26, 2023 20:54 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

Winter is one of the very best times for stargazing. Unfortunately, it’s really easy to skip winter stargazing because it’s too cold. In this episode, I chat with Tacy Quinn and Lauren Theis to learn how to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather the Scandinavian Way. They share their new project called “Gnome Matter the Weather” and their “15 Weeks of Frulifsliv” challenge. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/84 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 84: Gnome...

83- Winter Solstice Special 2023

December 19, 2023 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Throughout human history, the Winter Solstice has probably been the most important and most celebrated time of the year no matter who you were or where you lived. Discover some fascinating Winter traditions from around the world. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/83 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 83: 2024 Stargazing Guide (free download) https://nightskytourist.com/  Rate Night Sky Tourist with 5 stars on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU! FOLLOW...

82- Andromeda's Star Story from the Greeks

December 13, 2023 21:22 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this star tour of the night sky, you’ll learn a bit about the Geminids Meteor Shower that peaks this week and learn about the Greek story of Andromeda, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Perseus, and Poseidon. I also share recommendations with you for a stargazing app and my favorite telescopes for your holiday shopping. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/82 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 82: Episode 80- Jupiter, King of the Planets: https://nightskytourist.com/80...

81- DarkSky International with Ruskin Hartley

December 05, 2023 04:49 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

Who certifies all these International Dark Sky Places? In this episode, I chat with Ruskin Hartley, the executive director of DarkSky International, the organization at the center of the global movement to protect the night sky from light pollution. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/81 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 81: DarkSky International: https://darksky.org/  The City Dark documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGyFsMCsQNE  Fountain Hills ...

80- Jupiter, King of the Planets

November 28, 2023 04:15 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

In this episode, we take a stargazing tour across the night sky. While we’re at it, we’re going to spend some time getting to know Jupiter, also known as the King of the Planets. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/80 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 80: “Build a Backyard Compass with Seasonal Markers”: https://nightskytourist.com/backyard-compass/  Episode 54- Extraordinary Night Sky-Themed Books for Children: https://nightskytourist.com/54/  Rate Night...

79- OptOutside for Black Friday

November 21, 2023 14:47 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MB

Night Sky Tourist loves the #OptOutside movement! I’ve got some fun ideas for you to craft your own OptOutside experience under the stars. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/79 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 79: REI #OptOutisde: https://www.rei.com/blog/social/the-history-of-opt-outside  Episode 29- Transform Your Life Outdoors with Amy Bushatz: https://nightskytourist.com/29/  52 Hike Challenge: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/  Episode 32- 1000 Hou...

78- A Stellar Anniversary Special

November 14, 2023 04:02 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

Night Sky Tourist is celebrating our anniversary with a stellar episode. Be sure to vote in our poll on Spotify for this episode before it closes! Visit NightSkyTourist.com/78 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS FROM EPISODE 78: Episode 29- Humans Outside with Amy Bushatz: https://nightskytourist.com/29/  Episode 2- Lights Out! with Marsha Diane Arnold: https://nightskytourist.com/2-2/  Episode 54- Night Sky-Themed Children’s Books feat. Marsha Diane Arnold: h...

77- Journey to Dark Sky Ireland with Georgia MacMillan

October 24, 2023 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

We take a little trip in this episode to the Emerald Isle of Ireland to chat with Georgia MacMillan. Georgia is the Development Officer for Ireland’s Mayo Dark Sky Park. She shares some great places for stargazing, which include observatories built in castles! She also shares about the newest International Dark Sky Park and the exciting events that they host each year. Get your green on and let’s check this place out together. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/77 for more information about this epi...

Astrophotography Adventures & Montana Night Skies with Matthew Jackson

October 10, 2023 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Matthew Jackson is an astrophotographer who recently opened an art gallery in Livingston, Montana. His gallery, called Montana Dark Sky Photography, features astrophotography exclusively. I chat with Matt in-person at his gallery to find out how he got started, about his pandemic road trip, and his dark sky advocacy. I also share some amazing places you should visit when you go to Livingston or Paradise Valley. See the link to all the mentioned locations in the links below. Visit NightSkyTo...

76- Astrophotography Adventures & Montana Night Skies with Matthew Jackson

October 10, 2023 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Matthew Jackson is an astrophotographer who recently opened an art gallery in Livingston, Montana. His gallery, called Montana Dark Sky Photography, features astrophotography exclusively. I chat with Matt in-person at his gallery to find out how he got started, about his pandemic road trip, and his dark sky advocacy. I also share some amazing places you should visit when you go to Livingston or Paradise Valley. See the link to all the mentioned locations in the links below. Visit NightSkyTour...

75- Glacier National Park at Nighte with Dori Gorczyca

September 26, 2023 03:44 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic and amazing parks in the United States. Known as the backbone of the country, it is home to enormous glaciers, the largest population of bears in the lower 48 states, and extraordinary starry night skies. It’s also home to the Dusty Star Observatory and the Logan Pass Star Parties. Glacier is not kidding when it says, “Half the park is after dark.” Dori Gorczyca is the Lead Interpreter and Astronomy Coordinator in St. Mary at the East Entrance ...

74- Light Pollution & Nocturnal Migratory Birds with Andrew Farnsworth

September 13, 2023 03:44 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

The night sky holds more than the moon and stars. It’s also home to migrating birds that mostly make their journeys at night. I chat with Andrew Farnsworth of Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the impact of light pollution on migrating birds. He shares easy solutions that homeowners and business owners can use to help protect our feathered friends from collisions with buildings while navigating at night. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/74 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE L...

73- Magical Milky Way over Prineville Reservoir State Park with Georg Faria

August 30, 2023 03:41 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MB

If you’ve never seen the Milky Way reflecting over a lake, you need to visit Prineville Reservoir State Park in Central Oregon. George Faria, the Park Ranger Supervisor, gives us an inside look at this certified International Dark Sky Park and it will inspire you to load up the car and head to the West Coast. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/73 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Prineville Reservoir State Park: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&...

72- Geauga Observatory Park in Ohio with Chris Mentrek

August 15, 2023 03:24 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MB

Ohio might not seem like a place to enjoy great night skies, but Geauga Observatory Park is an exception. Chris Mentrek, an naturalist and the park’s astronomy and nature educator, gives us an inside look at the park and will leave you longing to visit. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/72 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Geauga Observatory Park: https://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/park/observatory-park/   Great Basin National Park Astronomy Festival: https://www.np...

72- Observatory Park in Ohio with Chris Mentrek

August 15, 2023 03:24 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MB

Ohio might not seem like a place to enjoy great night skies, but Observatory Park is an exception. Chris Mentrek, a naturalist and the park’s astronomy and nature educator, gives us an inside look at the park and will leave you longing to visit. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/72 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Observatory Park: https://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/park/observatory-park/   Great Basin National Park Astronomy Festival: https://www.nps.gov/grba/plan...

71- What the Devil is an Occultation with Ted Blank

August 01, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

Ted Blank returns to Night Sky Tourist to talk about occultations and his latest adventure in recording one from his backyard. Astronomy is the oldest science, and it’s one of the only sciences that still relies on amateurs to help gather data. Ted shares how you can use your free time to record occultations and contribute to science. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/71 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: International Occultation Timing Association: https://occultati...

70- Night Skies at Big Bend National Park with Jason Gablaski

July 18, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas has some of the most well-preserved dark skies in the country. I chat with Jason Gablaski, the lead dark sky ranger at the park, about the best time of year for stargazing events, cultural astronomy of the indigenous people of the region, and things you can do during the day when you visit. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/70 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Big Bend National Park: ⁠https://www.nps.gov/bibe/⁠  Big Bend on ...

69- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with Ann Schwaller

July 04, 2023 04:30 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a pristine International Dark Sky Sanctuary at the top of Minnesota. I chat with Ann Schwaller, the Program Manager for this wilderness area, about the night sky in this area and all the amazing ways people can recreate there. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/69 more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior  Portage: A Family, A Canoe, and the Search for the Good Life b...

68- Bright Days & Dark Nights: Restoring Natural Day and Night

June 20, 2023 04:26 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

How much bright sunlight enters your eyes each day? How dark is your nighttime? In this episode, we dive into the cascade of hormones released in our bodies from early morning until late at night and how our lifestyle hijacks it. We talk about how to measure the light around us and what we can do to improve our bright days and dark nights for better physical and mental health. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/68 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: International Dark S...

67- Awe & Wonder at Lowell Observatory with Dr. Jeffrey Hall

June 13, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, deserves a place at the top of your bucket list for night sky experiences. In this episode, Lowell’s executive director Dr. Jeffrey Hall shares about some exciting new additions to the visitor experience and gives us an amazing historical journey into Lowell’s past. Flagstaff also has several other noteworthy experiences for lovers of the night sky and cultural astronomy that I share in this episode. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/67 for more information...

66- Camp & Stargaze at Pennsylvania's Cherry Springs State Park

May 23, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MB

Cherry Springs State Park is the world’s second International Dark Sky Park. Located in North Central Pennsylvania, the park boasts beautiful dark sky, stargazing programs, and amenities for astrophotographers and campers. In this episode, I chat with Susan Schenck, the park’s Environments Education Specialist. Visit https://nightskytourist.com/66/ for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Cherry Springs State Park: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/Cherry...

65- Chasing Stars from Kenya to Slovenia with Samyukta Manikumar

May 09, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Samyukta Manikumar was born and raised in Kenya, and now she lives in Slovenia. She chats with us about her career as an astrotourism designer, an astronomy enthusiast, and her advocacy for naturally dark skies.  Samyukta has a background in science communication, outreach, astrotourism, and experience design, which she brings together in her approach to dark sky conservation. She has a deep interest in preserving the nocturnal environment, paying homage to our historical cultural relations...

64- Ancient Skywatcher Sites of Central Arizona

April 26, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.8 MB

Kenneth Zoll has conducted extensive fieldwork in the ancient astronomy of the Southwest, particularly at a site known as V Bar V Ranch in Central Arizona. In this episode, we chat about the people who made the rock art, the astronomical associations discovered in the petroglyphs, and the importance of skywatching for these cultures. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/64 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Verde Valley Archaeological Center: https://www.verdevalleyarcha...

63- New Zealand's Dark Sky Project

April 11, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 33.1 MB

New Zealand is working toward becoming the world’s first certified International Dark Sky Nation. And as you’ll hear from tonight’s guests, there’s a good reason for this. With some of the most pristine dark skies in the world and a rich night sky culture, you’ll want to put New Zealand at the top of your astrotourism travels. In this episode, I chat with Adrien Vilquin-Barrajon and Tutepourangi Manihera-Thomson from Dark Sky Project. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/63 for more information about ...

62- Astrotourism Fun in New Brunswick, Canada, with Stéphane Picard of Cliff Valley Astronomy

March 28, 2023 13:16 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Stéphane Picard launched Cliff Valley Astronomy during the COVID pandemic by offering small star parties. It didn’t take long for it to grow into a full-fledge astrotourism business based in New Brunswick, Canada, with plans for a grand event for the April 2024 total solar eclipse. Stéphane is an astronomer, astrophotographer, and an astropreneur. He’s also a member of the Saint John Astronomy Club and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s New Brunswick Centre. Visit NightSkyTourist.com...

61- In the Shadow of the Milky Way at Grand Canyon National Park with Ranger Rader Lane

March 14, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MB

The Grand Canyon has such pristine dark skies that the Milky Way casts shadows on a moonless night. Since more than 80% of people on earth can no longer see the Milky Way, this is extraordinary! In this episode, I chat with Ranger Rader Lane about Grand Canyon National Park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park, their annual 8-day star party, indigenous night sky culture, and more. I also chat with Tony Barnini, the general manager of nearby Clear Sky Resort, a truly special and un...

60- Astronomical Petroglyphs at Utah's Fremont Indian State Park

February 28, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MB

Fremont Indian State Park in Utah has thousands of petroglyphs left by the ancient culture that once inhabited the area. Among them, several have been understood to have astronomical purposes. In this episode, I chat with John Lundwall who made this discovery about the petroglyphs, and Elizabeth Nagengast-Stevens, curator and archaeologist at the park. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/60 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: John Lundwall: https://www.johnklundwall.com ...

59- Stargazer Inn at Nevada's Great Basin National Park with Elizabeth Woolsey

February 14, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

In this episode, we visit with Elizabeth Woolsey, owner of the Stargazer Inn and Bristlecone General Store near Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Liz shares about the exceptionally dark skies, views of the Milky Way every night, and stargazing opportunities at Great Basin, and International Dark Sky Park. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/59 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store: https://www.stargazernevada.com Stargazer Inn ...

58- Arabic Cultural Astronomy Traditions with Dr. Danielle Adams

January 31, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Dr. Danielle Adams is a cultural astronomer who works at Lowell Observatory as the Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. She studies the development and transformations of indigenous Arabian astronomy through pre-Islamic poetry and Arabic historical literature. Dr. Adams is active in informal astronomy education, speaking to various groups about Arabian cultural astronomy and the heritage of the many Arabic star names that astronomers still use today. She is inspired by the pristine desert s...

57- Fun in South Dakota at Badlands Observatory with Ron Dyvig & Teresa Hofer

January 24, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

South Dakota is far more than harsh winters and endless prairie. The western part of the state is full of exciting things to do and see: Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, fossil digs, Badlands National Park, and so much more. But if you plan a trip there, you should put at the top of your list Badlands Observatory. This amazing night sky destination is located in Quinn, South Dakota, only a few miles from Badlands National Park. It’s owned by Ron Dyvig and Teresa Hofer who join me in this episo...

56- Bats, Tequila & Light Pollution, OH MY! with Dr. Tanja Straka

January 10, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

What do bats, tequila, and light pollution have to do with one another? Find out the interconnectedness of these three seemingly unrelated things in this conversation with Dr. Tanja Straka. Dr. Straka is an urban ecologist with a focus on bats at the Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Ecology. Her research focuses on light pollution, urban bats, and more generally, how urban areas can be shared between people and wildlife. You’ll have to listen to find out how tequila fits into this...

55- When March 25 was America's New Year

December 20, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.7 MB

In ancient times, nobody celebrated the New Year on January 1, or any other random day of the year. New Year’s Day was attached to an astronomically significant day, like the Spring Equinox or the Winter Solstice. In this episode, I take you back in time to follow the history of creating a more accurate calendar and how January 1 became the New Year for most people. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/55 for more information about this episode. CHECK OUT THESE LINKS: I didn’t share any links in thi...

54- Extraordinary Night Sky Books for Children

December 06, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB

Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, birthdays, get well gifts, or any other occasion, night sky-themed books for children are an excellent choice. In this episode, I chat with five authors and illustrators of some of the best of these books. Listen to Paul Bogard, Marsha Diane Arnold, Breanna McDaniel, Jamie Hogan, and Susanna Chapman share special tidbits about their beautiful books that will make kids (and adults) fall in love with the night sky. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/54 for mor...

53- L.A.'s Iconic Griffith Observatory with Mark Pine

November 22, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 34 MB

Believe it or not, it's possible to have a night sky-related experience in a major urban city. Los Angeles ranks high on my list for such experiences, thanks to Griffith Observatory. In this episode, I chat with Mark Pine, the deputy director of Griffith Observatory. We even talk about the night the lights went out in Los Angeles and people started calling the police because of what they saw in the sky! Visit NightSkyTourist.com/53 for more information about this episode. LINKS IN THIS EPI...

52- Fireflies & Starlight with Ben Pfeiffer

November 08, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MB

Fireflies are magical and mesmerizing. Yet researchers have been telling us that their populations are dwindling. So I chatted with Ben Pfeiffer, founder of the website Firefly.org, to learn more about what’s causing this problem and what we can do to solve it. Many of the measures we take for dark sky preservation apply here, too. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/52 for more information about this episode. LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Firefly.org “Nature’s New Hope” by Doubles W. Tallamy: https://www...

51- Celestial Origins of Halloween

October 25, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Our first-ever Halloween special will take you back in time to the origins of the spooky holiday. We’re going to discover the astronomical connection to the timing of Halloween and how it led to some of the traditions associated with it. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/51 for more information about this episode. LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Why Earth Stagger with a Drunken Wobble: https://nightskytourist.com/wobble/ Ancient star stories of Jupiter and Saturn: https://nightskytourist.com/49/ Ancient ...

50- Montana: A Stunning Stargazing Oasis with Lynn Powers

October 11, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Montana is home to some of the largest areas of pristinely dark skies in the country. It’s not known as “Big Sky Country” for nothing. Lynn Powers, the president of the Southwest Montana Astronomical Society, joins us to share about great locations in Montana to see the stars and participate in stargazing programs. Lynn is a NASA Solar System Ambassador, teaches at Montana State University, is a keynote speaker at numerous astronomy-related events, and holds a Master of Science degree in Sc...

49- How to View Jupiter & Saturn This Fall with Ted Blank

September 27, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

This is the best time of year to see Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky, and Jupiter is really putting on a show this year. In this episode, I’m joined by Ted Blank, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, to talk about how to view these gorgeous gas giants. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/49 for more information about this episode. LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Night Sky Tourist Episode #1 with Ted Blank (Meet Ted Blank): https://nightskytourist.com/1-2/ Night Sky Tourist Episode #25 with Ted Blank (Buying ...

48- Antelope Island's Special Night Skies with Wendy Wilson

September 13, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Have you ever been to Utah’s Antelope Island State Park in the middle of the Great Salt Lake? It’s only a short distance from the state’s capital, but it will surprise you with its beautiful dark skies. The island is a designated International Dark Sky Park and offers great stargazing programs, as well as unique landscapes and activities you can enjoy during the day. In this episode, I chat with Wendy Wilson, the assistant park manager who put in the work to get Antelope Island its dark sky...

47- How to Create an Epic Stargazing Experience

August 30, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

Have you had a chance to make any great stargazing memories? In this episode, I share tips for protecting your night vision, gadgets to enhance your stargazing experiences, and ideas to add more fun for the whole family. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/47 for more information about this episode. LINKS IN THIS EPISODE Things to See in the Night Sky in 2022 Guide: https://nightskytourist.com Night Sky Tourist #25- Buying a Telescope with Ted Blank: https://nightskytourist.com/25/ “7 Tips for St...

46- Hovenweep's Archaeoastronomy & Dark Sky Treasures with Austin Tumas

August 15, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

Ranger Austin Tumas joins me from Hovenweep National Monument to talk about the Ancestral Pueblo people who once lived there and the remarkable archaeoastronomy they left behind. Austin started working for the National Park Service 7 years ago as a college student. Since then, she’s worked in 8 different parks across the country. Astronomy was part of the activities at 6 of those parks. Although her degree is in anthropology, she learned a great deal about astronomy during her first season ...

45- Australia Stargazing Excursion with Dimitri Douchin

August 02, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 31.3 MB

Australia is a stargazing paradise and offers different night sky views than we experience in the Northern Hemisphere. In this episode, I chat with Dimitri Douchin, founder of Blue Mountains Stargazing. He shares about the unique experiences his company offers and gives us some great tips for other things to do in the area. Dimitri is an astrophysicist and serves on the faculty of Western Sydney University where he specializes in Cultural Astronomy. Visit NightSkyTourist.com/45 for more in...

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