Summary: Welcome to the Cosmos Safari Podcast Presented by Celestron. In this episode, my co-host, the last-minute astronomer and I discuss the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, and our personal experiences and lessons learned during the 2017 total solar eclipse.A Special Thanks to Will Young at https://www.deepskydude.com/ for the right to use his awesome music. Sources and Links:  Rob’s 2017 Eclipse Video - https://youtu.be/APEqM_q3ATc?si=IxUrUDEZY0uWCCUT Cosmos Safari Episode with Gordon Telepun - https://youtu.be/rZFnlYfNweE?si=9GW41IQKPoRwjsp_ Gordon Telepun’s Solar Eclipse Timer App - https://www.solareclipsetimer.com/ Kid’s Eclipse Activity Book - https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/kids/kid-activity-book EclipSmart Solar Eclipse Glasses Observing Kit https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-solar-eclipse-glasses-observing-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=44405&utm_content=googleshopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2SyAZqAOTKp2g9NIx5FNiyYWOdSc3_nW5Bsdp7IU1YYBZ_jQwMR8kWBoCo7AQAvD_BwE Eclipsmart Travel Solar Scope 50 Refractor Telescope - https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-travel-solar-scope-50-refractor-telescopeEclipsmart Universal Solar Filter - https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-universal-solar-filter Eclipsmart 12x50mm Porro Solar Binoculars - https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-12x50mm-porro-solar-binoculars More Celestron Eclipsmart Products: https://www.celestron.com/collections/eclipsmart-solar-safe-products Celestron Eclipse Watch Website - https://www.celestron.com/pages/eclipsewatchTrivia facts - https://nationaleclipse.com/trivia.htmlLet the countdown to the cosmos commence as the Last Minute Astronomer and I recount the celestial splendor of past solar eclipses and beam with excitement for the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse. With the awe of totality etched in our memories, we traverse the patchwork of personal anecdotes and viewing strategies that both seasoned and first-time eclipse chasers will find invaluable. Imagine standing in the moon's shadow as we paint a vivid picture of the expansive path this solar phenomenon will carve across the globe, and let our tales of family adventures intertwined with celestial wonder inspire your own journey toward the sun's corSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Celestron's CEO Cory Lee and Innovation Specialist Eric Kopit join us to share their cosmic journeys and discuss the technological evolution behind the Celestron Origin Home Observatory. Feel the same wonder that captivated Cory and follow Eric's serendipitous path to innovation, discovering how the Origin is transforming backyards into personal windows to the universe.Have you ever pondered the leap from Galileo's primitive telescope to today's marvels of stargazing? Our conversation traverses this astronomical arc, touching on the historic roots and the collaborative spirit that has driven the design of telescopes to become more than tools—they're now integrated parts of our homes and lives. We peer into the intricacies of creating user-friendly telescopes that resonate with the community, ensuring that novice and veteran astronomers alike can unlock the celestial secrets above.Finally, we cast our gaze forward to the 2024 total solar eclipse, sharing our excitement and plans for witnessing this rare celestial ballet. We offer nuggets of wisdom for aspiring engineers and telescope aficionados, emphasizing the magic blend of curiosity, mathematics, and practical experience. So join us and let your imagination soar to the stars, as we recount tales of innovation and anticipation, all while basking in the shared glow of our enthusiasm for the cosmos.Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Discover the night sky's secrets and sidestep the amateur astronomer's blunders with Dave from Cosmos Safari and  Rob the Last Minute Astronomer. In this latest podcast episode, Dave and Rob unfold a treasure map of knowledge, pointing the way to stellar success. Whether you're a seasoned star chaser or your telescopic journey is just beginning, the shared insights and personal stories in this podcast will illuminate the path, highlighting the power of preparation and the benefits of tapping into the collective wisdom found within local astronomy clubs.Journey through time with us as Dave and Rob trace the evolution of the tools that bring the heavens within our grasp. From the revolutionary refractor telescope to the innovative Origin Telescope, we discuss how each leap in technology widened our window into the cosmos. The conversation also reveals how the familiar tech in your pocket may be all you need to start capturing the majesty of the night sky today. With Dave's expertise, you'll learn how advancements like the Origin Telescope are not just enhancing our view but making astronomy more accessible than ever.As our cosmic conversation draws to a close, Dave and Rob leave you with pearls of wisdom for optimizing your stargazing experience. Embrace the dark—both in the sky and in your vision—for a deeper appreciation of the universe's grandeur. Plus, don't miss Dave and Rob's exciting anecdotes from dark sky sites and the basics of astrophotography that'll have you reaching for your camera.Cosmos Safari's monthly episodes are your ongoing ticket to the stars, so join us every third Tuesday, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share, keeping our community of celestial enthusiasts ever-expanding.A Special Thanks to Will Young at https://www.deepskydude.com/ for the right to use his awesome music. Support the showCheck out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafariSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Prepare to ignite your cosmic curiosity as we join forces with Joel Sercel, the visionary CEO of TransAstra, to navigate the extraordinary complexities and boundless opportunities of space engineering. Our interstellar conversation steers us through the nuances of space junk cleanup,  asteroid mining, and the potential gold rush lurking in the cosmos. Joel describes how our future in space is sooner than we can imagine, as we harness the vast resources of space to sustain humanity's future. Discover the sheer brilliance behind technologies reshaping our celestial pursuits, from AI-enhanced telescope arrays to propulsion systems that could rewrite the rules of space travel.Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and yearned for the secrets it holds? This episode grants you access to the pioneering minds and technologies that are making the stars a little closer to home. Joel provides a guided tour of TransAstra's four-pronged strategy for space resource utilization; detect, move, capture, and process. We traverse the philosophical corridors of terraforming ethics and the practical concerns of low-gravity health implications, leaving no asteroid unturned in our quest to comprehend humanity's place in the cosmos.Our journey culminates in a thoughtful exploration of mankind's innate drive to explore the unknown. Uncover the entrepreneurial spirit that propels us toward the stars, consider the future of space colonization, and ponder the impact of AI on the space industry's trajectory. With each revelation from our episode, we invite you to stretch your imagination across the galaxy, and in doing so, find inspiration to be part of the next chapter in our cosmic safari. Join us each month as we continue to explore the universe's greatest mysteries, with experts like Joel Sercel guiding the way.A Special Thanks to Will Young at https://www.deepskydude.com/ for the right to use his awesome music. Support the showCheck out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafariSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafariCelestron.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

In this episode, we interview Gordon Telepun, the maker of the popular Solar Eclipse Timer App, and discuss his new book, "How to Enjoy, Observe, and Photograph a Total Solar Eclipse" as well as some of his background as a five-time solar eclipse observer and astrophotographer.  The book, unlike others available, focuses on the moment-by-moment events that one should prepare for in sequence throughout the day of a Total Solar Eclipse. Gordon's experience as a plastic surgeon has provided him with the unique ability to take complex ideas and put them into terms that are understandable by the general public. This skill is obvious throughout the book and our discussion. Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

In this episode of the Cosmos Safari Podcast, I speak with Richard Wright. Richard is a veteran astrophotography with over 20 years experience in the astronomy community as the programmer of the famous SkyX software by Software Bisque. Richard also is a contributing editor of Sky and Telescope Magazine, and produces beautiful astrophotography that is revered throughout the astronomy community.Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Summary:  Dave and Rob let the dust settle on the OSIRIS-REx mission and discuss its origins, launch, flight, return, and current status. As of recording on November 9th, 2023 the return mission succeeded, but the sample was stuck inside the collection chamberSourcesSpaceflight 101 The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft Beyond Earth A Chronicle of Deep Space Exploration, 1958-2016, Asif A. Siddiqi. https://www.nasa.gov/history/history-publications-and-resources/nasa-history-series/beyond-earth/ NASA Acronyms https://science.nasa.gov/acronyms/ https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/in-depth/https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/sentry/Lockheed Martin https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/osiris-rex.htmlSpace.com https://www.space.com/33776-osiris-rex.htmlAsteroid Mission https://www.asteroidmission.org/NASA Eyes on Asteroids https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/asteroids/#/home Find Dave “Cosmos Safari” www.cosmossafari.com@cosmossafari on YouTubeInstagramFacebookXTikTokFind Rob the “Last Minute Astronomer”@lastminuteastronomer on YouTube InstagramFacebookSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Embark on a cosmic odyssey with Ron Breacher, a virtuoso of the night sky, whose transformation from an amateur stargazer to an astrophotography maestro is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Clutching the telescope that started it all, Ron shares the celestial moments that propelled him from admiring the stars to immortalizing them through his lens. He opens up about the pivotal role played by Terrence Dickinson's "Night Watch" in his journey and the exhilarating leap he took with his DSLR to capture the heavens. The addition of a personal observatory didn't just enhance Ron's stellar pursuits—it skyrocketed them.Our voyage doesn't stop there; we also navigate the starlit nexus where astrophotography meets science communication. Ron and I challenge you with trivia that spans the historical tapestry of astrophotography, from its first moonlit photo to the earliest spectral studies of stars. Alongside the thrill of discovery, we traverse my evolution into an astrophotography educator, imparting the nuances of software like PixInsight and the transformative effect of virtual teaching spurred by global upheavals. Sharing the cosmos has never been more engaging or essential.As we set our telescopes towards the future, we ponder the advancements on the horizon for astrophotography—where equipment refinement meets the dawn of artificial intelligence in image processing. Reflecting on my own gear odyssey, I emphasize the vital importance of finding the tools that resonate with your passion. We explore how innovations like automated in-camera stacking and AI enhancements are reshaping our quest to photograph the universe. Ron and I, your fellow star chasers, affirm the profound joy found in the hands-on pursuit of astrophotography, balancing technical mastery with the simple pleasure of gazing into the vastness above. Join us, and be inspired to etch your own starry legacy.Here is a link to the YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/BpmaFghFILk?si=Pvz5304lImvz7rUMHere is a link to the blog post: https://www.cosmossafari.com/post/astrophotography-as-a-gateway-to-science-communication-with-ron-brecherYou can find Ron at https://astrodoc.ca/ Masters of PixInsight Workshops: www.mastersofpixinsight.comFind Dave “Cosmos Safari” www.cosmossafari.com@cosmossafari on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafariInstagram - www.instagram.com/cosmossafariFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafariTikTokFind Rob the “Last Minute Astronomer”@lastminuteastronomer on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LastMinuteAstronomerInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/lastminuteastronomer/Facebook - https://www.facebooSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

In our first episode of the Cosmos Safari podcast, hosts Dave Farina and Rob Webb dive into NASA's Artemis program that will return humans to the moon for the first time in over 50 years and eventually to Mars! Learn more about this awesome NASA mission and explore the possibilities that future human space travel makes possible. The first lunar landings inspired an entire generation to look beyond the Earth and imagine endless possibilities. Technologies created to meet the demands of these missions have shaped our modern world in almost every way, and the Artemis program will likely reap similar unforeseen benefits as well. These NASA Spinoff technologies may very well change the world as we know it.Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

In this video co-hosts Dave Farina and Rob Webb dive into the James Webb Space Telescope which has made a huge splash in the astronomy world over the last month. Dave and Rob discuss what makes them excited about the telescope, and discuss some of the science that JWST is built to conduct.Support the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari

Dr. Brandt: https://personal.psu.edu/wnb3/Dr. Niel Brandt is the Verne M. Willaman Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Professor of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Brandt is joining us today to speak specifically about his outreach through summer teacher workshops as well as his primary research interests which include: The growth of supermassive black holes over cosmic timeBlack-hole vs. galaxy connectionsDeep cosmological multi-wavelength surveysSupermassive black-hole winds and feedback into galaxiesSample-based studies of active galactic nucleiExtreme active galactic nuclei as toolsX-ray astronomy and high-energy astrophysicsDeep, wide, and fast cosmic surveysThis summer’s workshop, “The Lives and Deaths of Stars” will be held on July 17-21st at The Pennsylvania State University. https://sites.psu.edu/psiwa/#podcast #science #spaceSupport the Show.Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari