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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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Kielder Observatory Podcast, join Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy, Dan Pye, as they explore the intriguing developments in the search for alien life and discuss Elon Musk's ambitious plans for humanity on Mars. They also delve into the wonders of the summer night sky, highlighting the beauty of noctilucent clouds and the celestial events to look out for in the coming weeks. From the mysteries of dimethyl sulphide detected by the James Webb telescope to the upcoming meteor showers and observatory events, this episode is packed with astronomical insights and tips for stargazers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded live in Hexham Andy Saunders, the author of Apollo Remastered, discusses wit Dan Pye & Ian Brannan how he brought the Moon landings to life with stunning, high-definition images restored from NASA’s original Apollo film footage, which had been stored away for decades.  His groundbreaking work reveals never-before-seen spacewalks, astronaut portraits, and breathtaking views of Earth and the Moon. You can see the exhibition at Queen's Hall in Hexham until the end of May.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Director of Astronomy Dan Pye, and Ian Brannan head to Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, to get up close to The Sun! HELIOS is the latest creation of artist Luke Jerram, whose previous works of the Moon & Earth you may have previously seen in the North East. Luke chats to us about his latest project, and how the idea came about in the first place! Plus with the upcoming partial Solar Eclipse we have advice on how to see it safely, as well as a look ahead to what to expect in the night sky in the coming few weeks heading into spring! Helios is at Seaton Delaval Hall until April 6th, and will be touring the UK with the National Trust. More details can be found HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in this captivating episode of the Kielder Observatory podcast as we explore the origins of life and the universe with Dr. Luke Daly, an expert in planetary geoscience from the University of Glasgow. Discover how space rocks like asteroids and meteorites may hold the key to understanding the formation of our solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth. Alongside hosts Ian Brannan & Dan Pye, delve into the fascinating journey from a waterless desert planet to our vibrant blue Earth, and uncover the secrets of water delivery mechanisms from comets to early terrestrial planets. This episode promises an engaging exploration into the mysteries of planetary science and the exciting prospects for future discoveries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this very special episode we are joined by a man who has spent 166 days aboard the international space station, flying on the Shuttle, and conducting over 38 hours of spacewalks! Clay shares his firsthand experiences of life beyond Earth, offering fascinating insights into what it’s really like to live and work in space. Hosted by Ian Brannan along with Kielder Director of Astronomy Dan Pye and Science Engagement Lead Ellie Macdonald. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crisp winter nights are back, and with clear skies that makes for perfect star gazing conditions for the whole family to wrap up warm and see some amazing things..!  It is a busy time for meteor showers, a number of planets are visible to the naked eye, and we now have the best chance for the next 11 years of seeing the aurora too..!Get a full update of what's happening at the observatory as well as space in general with Ian Brannan & Director of Astronomy Dan Pye, who also have news of 1 very special guest joining us on the podcast soon..!     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life IS 100% out there, we just need to find it, however that's not to say other life hasn't found us..! A few of the insights from evolutionary astrobiologist Wallace Arthur, who joins us once again to discuss the latest discoveries relating to Exo Planets, and why they could be the key for discoveries..!If you want to know where we may find alien life, and why the conversations could be fairly lengthy if we do, then make sure you listen to this one! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are recording on location at the Kielder Observatory. As the seasons change and autumn approaches, join host Ian Brannon and a panel of space experts as they delve into the latest celestial events and missions. From the best time to view the Milky Way and Saturn to upcoming lunar eclipses and the fascinating missions to Mercury and Europa, this episode is packed with astronomical insights. Discover how you can make the most of the night sky with just your naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope, and get the latest updates on space missions and discoveries.   Kielder Observatory, Night Sky, Astronomy, Milky Way, Saturn Rings, Lunar Eclipse, Boeing Starliner, Spacex, Bepicolombo, Mercury Mission, Europa Clipper, Search For Life, Jupiter Moon, Space Missions, Telescopes, Stargazing, Autumn Equinox, Zodiacal Light, Open Cluster, Cepheus Constellation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Kielder Observatory podcast, we venture into the fascinating world of remote sensing with Professor Danny Donoghue from Durham University. Discover how legacy satellite data from as far back as the 1960s is being utilised to enhance our understanding of Earth's resources, environmental changes, and even archaeology. Learn about the declassified Cold War-era satellite programme, Corona, and its modern applications. Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of satellite technology, its impact on climate change studies, and the exciting potential of drones in remote sensing. Further Links: Kielder Observatoryhttps://www.kielderobservatory.org Durham Universityhttps://www.dur.ac.uk Landsat Programmehttps://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov Corona Programmehttps://www.nro.gov/History-and-Studies/Center-for-the-Study-of-National-Reconnaissance/CSNR-Programs/Corona/ James Webb Space Telescopehttps://www.jwst.nasa.gov Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Societyhttps://www.rspsoc.org.uk Institute for Data Science, Durham Universityhttps://www.dur.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/data-science/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we head through the middle part of the year, Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye look at the Summer Triangle, a collection of constellation which take centre stage in the night sky at this time of year. We also discuss the discovery of frost on Mars, which has been found at the top of the biggest mountain in the Solar System Olympus Mons, which is 3x bigger than Mount Everest! And we look ahead to a potential comet with could be visible this autumn! For more news and info visit kielderobservatory.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.