Kielder Observatory Podcast

In this episode of the Kielder Observatory Podcast, join Ian Brannan and Director of Astronomy Dan Pye as they unveil the new experience at Twice Brewed Inn, located right on Hadrian's Wall. They discuss the significance of summer openings for stargazing, share exciting astronomical events happening this month, and explore the beauty of noctilucent clouds. Special guest Robson Green joins the conv...

In this episode, we dive deep into the "invisible scaffolding" of the cosmos with Professor Richard Massey . Richard and his team at Durham University recently made headlines by releasing the highest-resolution map of dark matter ever created, using 255 hours of data from the James Webb Space Telescope . We explore how dark matter acts as the architect of our universe, why it’s more like a "...

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...

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...

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 i...

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...

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, a...

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 w...

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...

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 upcom...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. Disc...

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 program...

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...

In this episode Ian Brannan & Director of Astronomy Dan Pye take a look at some of the recent space stories making the news, including the discovery of an Exo Planet dubbed "Super Earth". Find out why though it is probably not a place you want to book a holiday to just yet. We also look at Black Holes, NASA have simulated what it would be like to fall into one..! And a new kind of rocket is se...

This month we record the podcast at the observatory itself, and it's a Dan fest. Host Ian Brannan is joined by Director of Astronomy Dan Pye, and Director of Astrophotography Dan Monk, to discuss a couple of hot topics and give you some top tips heading into April! On April 8th there is due to be a total eclipse which will be best viewed in the United States, but discover Kielder's plans to bring...

The spring equinox is approaching, and in this month's episode Director of Astronomy at Kielder Observatory Dan Pye joins us to look ahead to an interesting time of year as the seasons change! Plus will look at a few news stories from the universe including the discovery of the oldest Black Hole ever found, lurking near the very dawn of time! We are also joined by 2 CEOs, as way say goodbye and lo...

February is the month of love, and in this episode of the Kielder Observatory Podcast discover how to see a heart light years away in space! Our Director of Astronomy Dan Pye explains the other celestial events occurring through February including our Pye in the Sky challenge! The main theme of this episode is the Aurora, our science communicator Ishbel Wright has recently ventured north of the Ar...

In this episode we are joined by some of the team behind out "Kielder Narratives" project: Composer Will Todd, Poet Dan Simpson, and musician & Producer Chad Male join Ian Brannan & Director of Astronomy Dan Pye to tell the story behind the work, and we will also hear the final production in full too! Kielder Narratives is a collaborative project which builds upon the work we have already...

This month we are joined by Adrian West, an astronomer with over 30 years' experience. Better known as Virtual Astro, he has one of the largest independent astronomy and space accounts on social media. He's passionate about the night sky and inspiring people to look up. Adrian is author of the book "The Secret World of Stargazing", and is now touring the UK with his show "The Night Sky Show Live"....

In this episode we hand over to Amber, age 6 (nearly 7!) from Sunderland who came to visit and take part in one of out many family events. Rather than a grown up talk all about it, we thought it best to hear about the experience from one of our younger guests! Rockets & More is one of the summer events which has become a firm part of the Kielder programme, ultimately ending with kids building...

This month Ian and Dan head out to combine recording a podcast, with a spot of stargazing as they highlight some of the other great and free locations across the North East offering a great view of the night sky. They have a chat on a hill near Derwent Reservoir which despite some patch weather on the day is a great vantage point to see the Aurora, the Milky Way and meteor showers.  August sees th...