Meet Star Gazers

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 ?
• 19:27 : What is a Hydrogen alpha filter ?
• 21:27 : Can I look at the Sun with binoculars ?

Useful Links and Resources :

• Aquarellia
• Astronomy - Aquarellia
• Astronomy during Lockdowns - Aquarellia
• Sunspot Index and Long-term Solar Observations
• Solar Section - American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
• Solar Dynamics Observatory - Data

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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 ?

Useful Links and Resources :

• Astrotourism WA
• Astrotourism WA on Facebook
• Astrotourism WA on Twitter
• Astrotourism WA on Instagram
• Astronomical Group of Western Australia
• Astronomical Society of Western Australia
• Astronomical Society of the South West
• Geraldton Astronomy Group
• North Midlands Astronomy Group
• Space UWA
• Stargazers Club WA
• Perth Observatory
• Sandstone Observatory
• Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory
• Square Kilometre Array
• Learmonth Solar Observatory
• Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory
• Scitech Planetarium
• Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience
• Astro Star Tours
• Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum
• Remtrek Astronomy
• Lumineer Adventure Tours
• Dingle Dell Meteorite
• ABC Landline
• Australia's Coral Coast
• Global Fireball Network
• Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance (CAMS)
• Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
• International Dark Sky Association

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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 ?

Useful Links and Resources :

• Finding a Million-Star Hotel: An Astro-Tourist’s Guide to Dark Sky Places
• Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies
• International Dark Sky Association
• BAA Commission for Dark Skies
• Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
• Stellarium
• Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North)
• The Night Sky, Southern Hemisphere Star Finder
• Binocular Astronomy
• Discover the Night Sky through Binoculars
• The Monthly Sky Guide
• What is Dark Adaptation ? Recommendations for Red LED Flashlights for Astronomy

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 Massachusetts
• International Dark-Sky Association
• McConnell Rooftop Observatory
• Wilder Observatory
• MIT Wallace Astrophysical Observatory
• MIT Haystack Observatory
• Bassett Planetarium
• Seymour Planetarium
• Charles Hayden Planetarium
• Springfield Telescope And Reflector Society
• Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston
• Astronomical Society of Southern New England
• Stellafane
• Outdoor Street Lighting, Glare, and Circadian Rhythm Disturbance

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

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 Twitter
• Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
• International Dark-Sky Association

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.