This month Ian Brannan chats with Kielder Observatory Director of Astronomy Dan Pye, about the Secret Life of Stars. From our nearest star, The Sun, to how that compares with the very largest star in the known universe..!

We also explore the life cycles of stars, from the birth, to their slow but dramatic deaths. Plus find out how things might end for for our own Sun, and what that would mean for life on Earth, and the rest of the Solar System.

In addition we bring you a round up of all the latest things going on at Kielder Observatory, and a look ahead to the events in the summer night sky to look out for over the next few weeks!

This month Ian Brannan chats with Kielder Observatory Director of Astronomy Dan Pye, about the Secret Life of Stars. From our nearest star, The Sun, to how that compares with the very largest star in the known universe..! We also explore the life cycles of stars, from the birth, to their slow but dramatic deaths. Plus find out how things might end for for our own Sun, and what that would mean for life on Earth, and the rest of the Solar System.
In addition we bring you a round up of all the latest things going on at Kielder Observatory, and a look ahead to the events in the summer night sky to look out for over the next few weeks!

The official monthly podcast from Kielder Observatory in Northumberland UK, situated under some of the darkest skies in the world.

If you've ever wondered what happens when you fall into a black hole, if intelligent life is watching us from other galaxies, or how the North East is at the forefront of the British Space programme, then you can find out more in this series!


Each month we also update you on the things to look out for in the night sky wherever you are, and of course update you on what's happening at the observatory too!


Subscribe now, and maybe we'll see you at Kielder soon!

The&nbsp;official&nbsp;monthly podcast from&nbsp;Kielder Observatory&nbsp;in Northumberland UK, situated under some of the darkest skies in the world.
If you've ever wondered what happens when you fall into a black hole, if intelligent life is watching us from other galaxies, or how the North East is at the forefront of the British Space programme, then you can find out more in this series!
 Each month we also update you on the things to look out for in the night sky wherever you are, and of course update you on what's happening at the observatory too!
 Subscribe now, and maybe we'll see you at Kielder soon!

Astronomical News and Information from Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory Podcast

The official monthly podcast from Kielder Observatory in Northumberland UK, situated under some of the darkest skies in the world.

If you've ever wondered what happens when you fall into a black hole, if intelligent life is watching us from other galaxies, or how the North East is at the forefront of the British Space programme, then you can find out more in this series!


Each month we also update you on the things to look out for in the night sky wherever you are, and of course update you on what's happening at the observatory too!


Subscribe now, and maybe we'll see you at Kielder soon!

The official monthly podcast from Kielder Observatory in Northumberland UK, situated under some of the darkest skies in the world.
If you've ever wondered what happens when you fall into a black hole, if intelligent life is watching us from other galaxies, or how the North East is at the forefront of the British Space programme, then you can find out more in this series!
 Each month we also update you on the things to look out for in the night sky wherever you are, and of course update you on what's happening at the observatory too!
 Subscribe now, and maybe we'll see you at Kielder soon!

The Secret Life of Stars!

In this episode, we venture beyond the dark skies of Northumberland to the launchpads of Florida. We dive deep into the Artemis II mission, NASA’s historic first crewed flight to the Moon in over half a century. We discuss the the crew’s journey, and why this mission is a pivotal stepping stone for the lunar south pole landings. Since recording the conversation the mission launch has been delayed until the first week of March following issues found during the "wet testing" over the weekend.

Plus, we look at the transition from winter to spring in our night sky, highlighting the "Planetary Parade" and the best time to see Orion before he departs for the season.

Book your tickets for our February events at kielderobservatory.org.

In this episode, we venture beyond the dark skies of Northumberland to the launchpads of Florida. We dive deep into the Artemis II mission, NASA&rsquo;s historic first crewed flight to the Moon in over half a century. We discuss the the crew&rsquo;s journey, and why this mission is a pivotal stepping stone for the lunar south pole landings. Since recording the conversation the mission launch has been delayed until the first week of March following issues found during the "wet testing" over the weekend.
Plus, we look at the transition from winter to spring in our night sky, highlighting the "Planetary Parade" and the best time to see Orion before he departs for the season.
Book your tickets for our February events at <a href="https://kielderobservatory.org/">kielderobservatory.org</a>.

Mission to the Moon! Everything you need to know about Artemis II

In this episode Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye chat under the virtual night sky of our planetarium, which you will find at our brand new extra location in Northumberland!

In addition to the observatory you know and love we are now running events at Twice Brewed Inn near Hadrians Wall. It's the same great experience, the same great night sky, but if you fancy a few more home comforts then this one could be for you.



Take a listen to hear what you can enjoy at our new location, which has the added benefit of, well, a pub, with rooms where you can also stay over if you with too!

We also take a look at a few big things happening in the wider Space world, and ahead to what the skies of December may bring us to look at!

In this episode Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye chat under the virtual night sky of our planetarium, which you will find at our brand new extra location in Northumberland! In addition to the observatory you know and love we are now running events at Twice Brewed Inn near Hadrians Wall. It's the same great experience, the same great night sky, but if you fancy a few more home comforts then this one could be for you. 
Take a listen to hear what you can enjoy at our new location, which has the added benefit of, well, a pub, with rooms where you can also stay over if you with too! We also take a look at a few big things happening in the wider Space world, and ahead to what the skies of December may bring us to look at!

Introducing our new observatory, and it's at a pub!

In this episode, Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye explore the fascinating world of solar flares and their impact on Earth's auroras.

Dan shares insights on the recent X5.1 solar flare and its significance, as well as its ability to trigger stunning auroras across the globe.

We also discuss the interstellar comet 31P/ATLAS, its unique characteristics, and the potential for alien life in the clouds of exoplanets. 

Plus a look ahead to what to expect in the night sky for November!

 

 

Chapters:

 

(00:00) The aurora has been back with a vengeance thanks to a solar flare

(01:26) Solar flares are the biggest thing that drive aurora here on Earth

(10:25) People worry about Earth's magnetic fields drifting and polar reversal

(16:33) Keep an eye out for the aurora. It is going on at the moment

(18:31) We have an interstellar comet that could predate our solar system

(25:13) Do we know where this comet came from or where it might have been

(29:42) Scientists have been able to see the very early stages of a supernova

(32:37) Dense cloud coverage is something astronomers are looking out for on distant exoplanets

(39:50) Jupiter and Saturn are always around this time of year

(42:40) There's plenty of sessions and events going on at Keeldra Observatory

In this episode, Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye explore the fascinating world of solar flares and their impact on Earth's auroras.
Dan shares insights on the recent X5.1 solar flare and its significance, as well as its ability to trigger stunning auroras across the globe.
We also discuss the interstellar comet 31P/ATLAS, its unique characteristics, and the potential for alien life in the clouds of exoplanets.&nbsp;
Plus a look ahead to what to expect in the night sky for November!
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Chapters:
&nbsp;
(00:00) The aurora has been back with a vengeance thanks to a solar flare
(01:26) Solar flares are the biggest thing that drive aurora here on Earth
(10:25) People worry about Earth's magnetic fields drifting and polar reversal
(16:33) Keep an eye out for the aurora. It is going on at the moment
(18:31) We have an interstellar comet that could predate our solar system
(25:13) Do we know where this comet came from or where it might have been
(29:42) Scientists have been able to see the very early stages of a supernova
(32:37) Dense cloud coverage is something astronomers are looking out for on distant exoplanets
(39:50) Jupiter and Saturn are always around this time of year
(42:40) There's plenty of sessions and events going on at Keeldra Observatory

The Secret Life of Stars!

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