Observers Notebook

Today I'm delighted to welcome two familiar voices in the amateur astronomy community: Chris and Shane, hosts of the Actual Astronomy Podcast. If you've spent any time searching for astronomy podcasts over the past several years, chances are you've come across Actual Astronomy Podcast. Week after week, Chris and Shane have built a loyal following by doing something refreshingly simple—they focus on getting people outside under the night sky. Their conversations are practical, engaging, and packed with observing tips, equipment advice, and firsthand experiences that inspire listeners to spend less time reading about astronomy and more time actually observing. Whether they're discussing the best telescope for a beginner, exploring overlooked deep-sky treasures, reviewing observing accessories, or sharing memorable nights under dark skies, their enthusiasm for visual observing shines through every episode. Today we'll learn how the podcast began, what keeps them motivated after hundreds of episodes, how amateur astronomy has evolved over the years, and where they see the hobby heading in the future. We'll also hear about some of their favorite telescopes, observing projects, and memorable experiences under the stars. So, whether you're a seasoned observer with decades behind the eyepiece or someone just beginning your astronomical journey, I think you're going to enjoy this conversation.

Episode 245 Welcome to The Observers Notebook, a production of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. We often use a phrase within the ALPO: “From Stargazing to Science.” It describes a journey. Many of us begin simply by looking up at the night sky. Then we acquire a telescope. We begin observing more carefully. We learn to image, measure and document what we see. We share our observations with others. And sometimes those observations become something more. They become science. Today’s program may be one of the best examples of that journey I can imagine. Joining me from Broken Hill, Australia, is amateur astronomer Trevor Barry, a co-author of a newly published Science Advances paper reporting a remarkable discovery on Saturn: a previously unseen decagonal wave surrounding Saturn’s south pole. Trevor, congratulations—and welcome to The Observers Notebook. You can contact Trevor Barry at: [email protected] For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2 I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook. Our Patreons: Jerry White Jason Inman Bob Lunsford Steve Seidentop Stephen Bennett Michael Moyer Shawn Dilles Damian Allis Carl Hergenrother Michael McShan Michael Blake Nick Evetts Stan Sienkiewicz Carl Hergenrother Stan Sienkiewicz John Rogers Jim McCarthy Stanley McMahan Ken Poshedly

Episode 244 Welcome everyone to another episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast. This episode is going to be a little different. Rather than talking about how to observe an astronomical object or interviewing someone about their work, I want to take you along on a very personal astronomy adventure—my week aboard Windstar’s Star Pride during the August 2026 total solar eclipse in Iceland. I’ve been fortunate enough to sail with Windstar many times—this was cruise number 27—but this cruise was completely different. For the first time, I wasn’t onboard simply as a passenger. I was there as a guest speaker and the ship’s eclipse expert, giving presentations, answering questions, working with the Captain and bridge crew, and helping prepare the passengers for what we hoped would be an incredible total solar eclipse at sea. And then, about an hour before the eclipse, Iceland reminded us who was really in charge. The fog rolled in. We didn't get the picture-perfect view of totality we had dreamed about. But what happened aboard the Star Pride when the Moon’s shadow reached us turned out to be something I will never forget. The sky dramatically darkened, the temperature plunged, and hundreds of passengers and crew members cheered together as we entered the shadow of the Moon. In this episode, I want to share what happened behind the scenes—the preparations, my conversations with the Captain, what it was like giving presentations aboard the ship, the eclipse itself, and some of the wonderful people we met along the way. I'll also be joined for a short conversation by fellow guest speaker Orly Orlyson, an Icelandic filmmaker, historian, and storyteller, who will tell us about his museum in Húsavík and the remarkable connection between this little Icelandic town, the movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and the Academy Awards. So pour yourself a cup of coffee—or, in true Windstar fashion, maybe a glass of wine—and come aboard the Star Pride with me as we head into the shadow of the Moon. Let’s get started. You can contact Windstar Cruises at: https://www.windstarcruises.com/ 2027 Windstar Eclipse Cruise https://www.windstarcruises.com/tour-details/PIRPIR9D/greek/piraeus-to-piraeus/9-day-total-solar-eclipse-from-greece-and-malta/?pkgid=1045979 My video from the cruise https://youtu.be/Rus7ySr8Wqo?si=pR9UFiqc5O3Umjjf Orly Orlyson [email protected] Husavik Song https://youtu.be/UamELF1MyN0?si=fry6iGFsLGv4EGGJ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2 I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook. Our Patreons: Jerry White Jason Inman Bob Lunsford Steve Seidentop Stephen Bennett Michael Moyer Shawn Dilles Damian Allis Carl Hergenrother Michael McShan Michael Blake Nick Evetts Stan Sienkiewicz Carl Hergenrother Stan Sienkiewicz John Rogers Jim McCarthy Stanley McMahan Ken Poshedly

Episode 242 Welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers, where we connect you with the people, discoveries, and techniques that take us from stargazing to science. I'm your host, Tim Robertson. Whether you're a seasoned lunar observer, someone who simply enjoys looking up at the Moon, or you're introducing a child or grandchild to the night sky for the very first time, this episode is for you. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world step outside on one special evening to celebrate our closest celestial neighbor during International Observe the Moon Night. It's a global event that reminds us that no matter where we live, we all share the same Moon. Joining me today is Staci Horvath, Outreach Lead for NASA's Solar System Exploration Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the director of International Observe the Moon Night. Staci has dedicated her career to helping people connect with the excitement of space exploration, making astronomy accessible, engaging, and inspiring for audiences of all ages. Today we'll talk about the origins of International Observe the Moon Night, why the Moon remains one of the best objects in the sky for beginning and experienced observers alike, how astronomy clubs and educators can host successful events, and how this worldwide celebration fits into NASA's exciting new era of lunar exploration through Artemis. We'll also discuss how amateur astronomers can contribute to lunar science, the resources NASA provides for observers and event organizers, and, of course, we'll get to know Staci a little better through some fun questions at the end of the show. So grab your favorite observing chair, dust off your telescope—or simply step outside and look up—as we celebrate the Moon and the people who inspire millions to observe it. Please join me in welcoming Staci Horvath to The Observers Notebook. You can contact Staci at: [email protected] Observe the Moon Night https://science.nasa.gov/moon/observe-the-moon-night/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2 I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook. Our Patreons: Jerry White Jason Inman Bob Lunsford Steve Seidentop Stephen Bennett Michael Moyer Shawn Dilles Damian Allis Carl Hergenrother Michael McShan Michael Blake Nick Evetts Stan Sienkiewicz Carl Hergenrother Stan Sienkiewicz John Rogers Jim McCarthy Stanley McMahan Ken Poshedly

Episode 240 Welcome to another episode of The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers — where we explore the Solar System and beyond, from stargazing to science. I’m your host, Tim Robertson, and today we’re diving into one of the most fascinating questions humanity has ever asked: Are we alone in the universe? For centuries, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered if somewhere out there, another civilization is doing the exact same thing — looking back toward us. Today’s guest is helping lead that search. Joining us is Franck Marchis — astronomer, planetary scientist, entrepreneur, and one of the leading voices in modern SETI research. Franck is known for his groundbreaking work in adaptive optics, asteroid systems, exoplanets, and the search for technosignatures — possible evidence of advanced civilizations elsewhere in the cosmos. He’s also deeply involved in the future of astronomy through innovative telescope networks, citizen science, and the development of new observational technologies that could dramatically expand our ability to detect life beyond Earth. You can contact Franck at: [email protected] SETI https://www.seti.org/ Skymapper https://skymapper.io/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook Subscribe on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2 I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook. Our Patreons: Jerry White Jason Inman Bob Lunsford Steve Seidentop Stephen Bennett Michael Moyer Shawn Dilles Damian Allis Carl Hergenrother Michael McShan Michael Blake Nick Evetts Stan Sienkiewicz Carl Hergenrother Stan Sienkiewicz John Rogers Jim McCarthy Stanley McMahan Ken Poshedly