Cosmos Safari

How to Bring Back the Stars: A Guide to Dark Sky Advocacy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2034016/fan_mail/new] https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/ [https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/]In this episode we speak with DarkSky International Delegate and Astrobackyard Co-creator Ashley Northcotte about our shared interest in protecting our nighttime skies from light pollution and how we all can play a role to “Bring back the night for the Wildlife, the wonder, and the world we share.” Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6K-FUpH-H8Y  [https://youtu.be/6K-FUpH-H8Y] DarkSky Approved Lodging - https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/lodging/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/lodging/] Find a DarkSky Place: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/] Apply for Dark Sky Place certification: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/apply/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/apply/] What is Light Pollution?  -  https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/ [https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/] Causes of Light Pollution- https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/causes/ [https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/causes/] Effects of light pollution-  https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/effects/ [https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/effects/] Based on Light Pollution and the Apparent Magnitude Scale - https://globeatnight.org/magnitudes/ [https://globeatnight.org/magnitudes/] Help Protect the Night - Citizen-Science with Globe at Night - https://globeatnight.org/ [https://globeatnight.org/] Be solution-focused - https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/ [https://darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/] Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting- https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/ [https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/] Apply for Dark Sky Place certification: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/apply/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/apply/] How can we affect real change at the local/regional level? - Provide examples of successes. Outdoor Sports Lighting Program - https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/outdoor-sports-lighting/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/darksky-approved/outdoor-sports-lighting/] Become a DarkSky Member: https://darksky.org/ways-to-give/ [https://darksky.org/ways-to-give/] Find your local chapter: https://darksky.org/who-we-are/chapters/ [https://darksky.org/who-we-are/chapters/] Become a DarkSky Advocate: https://darksky.org/who-we-are/advocates/ [https://darksky.org/who-we-are/advocates/] Find your DarkSky Delegate: https://darksky.org/who-we-are/delegates/ [https://darksky.org/who-we-are/delegates/] Find a DarkSky Place: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/ [https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/] Apply for Dark Sky Place certific Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [http://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]

The Ultimate Backyard Observatory: Stargazer Roll-Off Roof Sheds with Stoltzfus Structures

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2034016/fan_mail/new] Stop lugging your telescope outside every night! In this episode of the Cosmos Safari Podcast, Dave Farina sits down with Mark Zook, CEO of Stoltzfus Structures, to discuss the Stargazer astronomical observatory. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first permanent setup or an advanced astrophotographer needing a dual-pier configuration, we cover everything you need to know about pre-fabricated roll-off roof sheds. We dive deep into the technical side of backyard observatories, including concrete pier installation, and the new Wi-Fi-controlled roof automation that allows for remote imaging. Plus, get an exclusive preview of the Stargazer’s debut on the trade floor at NEAF 2026! "A Special Thanks to Will Young at https://www.deepskydude.com/ [https://www.deepskydude.com/] for the right to use his awesome music. Support the show Support the Show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] If you are in the market for telescope or camera equipment, please consider using the affiliate links below to help support my channel. ⚡ Affiliate Links & Support Some of these products may be linked below — using them helps support the channel at no extra cost to you. Highpoint Scientific General Affiliate Link: https://bit.ly/3UMNT9I [https://bit.ly/3UMNT9I] Find Dave “Cosmos Safari” www.cosmossafari.com [https://www.cosmossafari.com] @cosmossafari on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari [https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/] X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari [https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [http://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]

Explore The Universe Like a Pro - Observatory Automation and Radio Astronomy with PrimaLuceLab

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2034016/fan_mail/new] Discover the future of observatory automation in this episode featuring PrimaLuceLab CEO Filippo Bradaschia. We dive into professional-grade technology for amateur astronomers, from radio astronomy to tracking LEO satellites and the Artemis program missions. Episode Summary: The Cosmos Safari Podcast explores the intersection of geoscience and space exploration. We dive into how PrimaLuceLab is revolutionizing the hobby with the EAGLE6 control unit, allowing for full remote control and sophisticated radio astronomy from your own backyard. Key Discussion Points: - Space Situational Awareness (SSA): Why amateurs are now essential for tracking the growing number of LEO satellites. - Artemis Program Impact: How the return to the Moon is driving a new era of high-resolution Lunar geology and moon mapping. - Radio Astronomy: Using the SPIDER radio telescope system to capture data from Cassiopeia A and the Sun. - Observatory Gear: Solving the "cable mess" for automated, remote imaging sessions.  Explore the Universe through astrophotography: capturing pictures with telescopes and PLAY software - 3rd Edition eBook [https://www.primalucelab.com/info/Explore-the-Universe-through-astrophotography-capturing-pictures-with-telescopes-and-PLAY-software.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ7P5tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5eEdOOFBSV1IzZ0V5T21Nc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpCrToZdPmpai-iMXo2KwFPxW5tzc9Hn0nFtJaUs-t-fjm073MjO8z8kOv2j_aem_9VMCCqXF5cEiIvQn8gCe6A] ⚡ Affiliate Links & Support Some of these products may be linked below — using them helps support the channel at no extra cost to you.  Highpoint Scientific General Affiliate Link: https://bit.ly/3UMNT9I [https://bit.ly/3UMNT9I] Find Dave “Cosmos Safari” at www.cosmossafari.com [https://www.cosmossafari.com] @cosmossafari on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari [https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari]  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/ [https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/]  X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari [https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari]  Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [http://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]

The Evolution of LIVE Telescope Observing - Fraser Cain on the Future of Astronomy Outreach

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2034016/fan_mail/new] Join Dave Farina on The Cosmos Safari Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Fraser Cain, founder and publisher of Universe Today, co-host of Astronomy Cast, and the creator of the long-running Virtual Star Party. In this episode, we explore how live telescope observing has evolved from its early days of community-driven virtual star parties to today’s era of smart telescopes, remote observing, and AI-assisted astronomy content creation. Fraser shares the challenges of running Universe Today in the age of AI, the struggle to keep science communication human-centered, and his vision for the next phase of online observing—where anyone can access telescopes across the globe in real time. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a STEM educator, or a tech enthusiast curious about the future of astronomy outreach, this episode delivers a fascinating look into how technology and passion for the night sky continue to converge. Support the show Support the Show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari ⚡ Affiliate Links & Support Some of these products may be linked below — using them helps support the channel at no extra cost to you.  Highpoint Scientific General Affiliate Link: https://bit.ly/3UMNT9I Find Dave “Cosmos Safari”  www.cosmossafari.com @cosmossafari on  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/ X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari TikTok Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari Check out the audio version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari Buzzsprout page https://cosmossafari.buzzsprout.com Find Dave “Cosmos Safari”  www.cosmossafari.com @cosmossafari on  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/ X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari TikTok Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [http://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]

Astronomy Outreach with Kevin LeGore

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2034016/fan_mail/new] Astronomy outreach is a powerful way to educate and inspire communities about their Cosmos. Kevin LeGore shares his extensive experience in making astronomy accessible through hands-on outreach and community engagement, emphasizing that anyone can get involved regardless of their expertise.  • Importance of community in fostering interest in astronomy • How to get started with outreach, overcoming hesitations • Kevin’s journey in astronomy and outreach  • Strategies for creating memorable experiences during events • The role of technology in enhancing outreach effectiveness • Fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking in society Kevin's passion for the stars began with a humble telescope, a gift from his mother, and has since blossomed into a career dedicated to sharing the wonders of the cosmos through public and private events. Together, we discuss how anyone can overcome the initial hurdles of stargazing, emphasizing the importance of community and local astronomy clubs as gateways to unlocking the universe's mysteries. Our conversation takes a reflective turn as we examine the interplay between personal growth and professional ambitions. We delve into the role of mentors, the inevitability of failure, and the resilience needed to push through. Kevin and I share anecdotes about balancing career aspirations with personal life, discussing the sacrifices sometimes necessary to excel in one area while nurturing another. Through these insights, we offer a candid look at setting realistic goals and maintaining balance amidst life's challenges. As the episode unfolds, we unpack the logistics behind astronomy outreach events, from the educational to the corporate, offering practical tips for aspiring astronomers. We explore the excitement of using advanced technology like smart telescopes and the potential future augmented reality may play to enhance the stargazing experience.  With stories from our experiences under clear dark skies, we discuss the joy of sharing the universe with others and the innovative tools that make these events memorable. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, this episode promises to ignite your passion for the stars and the surrounding community. A Special Thanks to Will Young at https://www.deepskydude.com/ for the right to use his awesome music.  Support the Show on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope Affiliate Links:  All Products - Please support the channel -  https://bit.ly/3MWsvwT Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari Check out the audio version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari Buzzsprout page https://cosmossafari.buzzsprout.com Find Dave “Cosmos Safari”  www.cosmossafari.com @cosmossafari on  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cosmossafari Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecosmossafari/ X - https://twitter.com/CosmosSafari TikTok Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/cosmossafari] Check out the video version of this podcast on the Cosmos Safari YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari [http://www.youtube.com/c/cosmossafari]