In this 16th episode of the Urban Astronomer Podcast, I finally get to interview two of the people whose astrophotography I've most admired since I first pointed my camera skywards: Cory and Tanja Schmitz.  They were already accomplished photographers before they came together to create their website, Photographing Space. I strongly recommend it as a great place to find tips to improve your space images.

They invited me over to their home a few months ago, back when the podcast was first getting off the ground. I finally made it out there a week or two ago, ready to interview.  I loaded up the recording gear into my car, headed out into deepest darkest Johannesburg, and eventually pulled into their driveway.  They were quite busy preparing for their Great American Eclipse trip, so there wasn't much time for small talk.  Cory made coffee while I set up the microphones in their studio office, and then we got started.

Also in this episode, another rant about Flat Earthers, because I still can't wrap my head around the fact that they even exist.  Also, a reminder about ScopeX, South Africa's largest astronomy and telescope expo.  It is held this year on 16 September at the Military History Museum in Johannesburg.  This will be my first time there as a podcaster and not an exhibitor, so if you you'd like to find me, just look for the guy walking around with a microphone.  If you don't see me on the field, I'll be in the auditorium recording the talks and public lectures.

Links

* Photographing Space

* Eclipse of reason—why do people disbelieve scientists? -- by Bryan Gaensler

* ScopeX