Before you swat a fly next time, consider without them we wouldn't have chocolate! The advice of expert in all things flies Dr Erica McAlister, who joins Ian Brannan and Dan Pye to discuss the role flies have played in space travel, the work they do on earth doing the jobs we hate, and why if you get bitten by a midge, consider yourself a foster parent..!

All this and more, you'll never look at a fly the same way again!

 

 

Before you swat a fly next time, consider without them we wouldn't have chocolate! The advice of expert in all things flies Dr Erica McAlister, who joins Ian Brannan and Dan Pye to discuss the role flies have played in space travel, the work they do on earth doing the jobs we hate, and why if you get bitten by a midge, consider yourself a foster parent..! All this and more, you'll never look at a fly the same way again!
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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!

Why you should love the Fly! Dr Erica McAlister

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!
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&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

Cannibal Aurora, Comets & Cosmic Phenomena - Nov 2025

Summer means light nights but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on at the observatory, far from it there has been lots both at the observatory and in space to talk about!
Director of Astronomy Dan Pye joins Ian Brannan on the deck at Kielder to chat about why all eyes are on the North East when it comes to space. Plus the things you can look out for even if the nights are a little lighter, and how you can book for some of the great family events in the school summer holidays.

Summer means light nights but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on at the observatory, far from it there has been lots both at the observatory and in space to talk about! Director of Astronomy Dan Pye joins Ian Brannan on the deck at Kielder to chat about why all eyes are on the North East when it comes to space. Plus the things you can look out for even if the nights are a little lighter, and how you can book for some of the great family events in the school summer holidays.

Why you should love the Fly! Dr Erica McAlister

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