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.

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

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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 Reserve
• Adelaide Planetarium
• Astronomical Society of South Australia
• River Shack Rentals
• Big Bend by Night
• Juggle House Experiences
• Meldanda
• Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park
• The Murray River
• Australasian Dark Sky Alliance
• Creating the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve by Chris Tugwell
• Mid 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 Park
• McDonald Observatory
• Stargazing in Texas State Parks
• Astronomy in Marathon, Texas
• Big 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 Observatory
• Donna the Astronomer
• Siding Spring Observatory
• Warrumbungle National Park
• Astronomical Society of Coonabarabran
• Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club
• Astronomical Society of New South Wales
• Accommodation in Coonabarabran 
• Orange Planetarium
• Australasian 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 Alliance
• Dark Sky Traveller
• Siding 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 Westmoquette
• Titles By Mark Westmoquette
• Mark Westmoquette on Instagram
• Mark 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 variables
• AAVSO Observing Sections
• AAVSO Education
• AAVSO VSX Data Mining
• AAVSO on Facebook
• AAVSO on Twitter