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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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..!

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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!

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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

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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 Observatory
https://www.kielderobservatory.org

Durham University
https://www.dur.ac.uk

Landsat Programme
https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov

Corona Programme
https://www.nro.gov/History-and-Studies/Center-for-the-Study-of-National-Reconnaissance/CSNR-Programs/Corona/

James Webb Space Telescope
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov

Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society
https://www.rspsoc.org.uk

Institute for Data Science, Durham University
https://www.dur.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/data-science/

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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

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