The Astroholic Explains

Why Darkness Matters

You can’t save the dark skies without convincing people it matters, and education is crucial to this. Across the world, so many are working on that specific aspect, and we will hear from some of these extraordinary communicators in this episode.The episode features:Rayan Khan, founder of Cosmic TribeShweta Kulkarni, founder of AstronERADr John Berentine, Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting LLCRobert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical SocietyBettymaya Foott, Engagement Associate at DarkSky InternationalDr Michelle Wooten, Assistant Professor of Astronomy Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

To Protect A Common Heritage

The battle against light pollution goes through policy and legislation. Certain regions of the world are actually in a better situation than you might think. While the road ahead is long, we talked to those who are paving the way.The episode features:Yana Yakushina, lawyer at the Space Court FoundationRayan Khan, founder of Cosmic TribeDr John Berentine, Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting LLCRobert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical SocietyJasmine van der Pol, Senior Programme Manager LUCI AssociationDani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer for Eryri National Park and the Areas of Outstanding Natural BeautyDr Michelle Wooten, Assistant Professor of Astronomy Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Where The Dark Skies Are

For most people, a dark enough sky can only be accessed on holiday, away from cities. There is a growing movement of astrotourism, so we look into what that’s like, and how it helps the fight against light pollution. The episode features:Rayan Khan, founder of Cosmic TribeMegan Eaves, author of NightfaringShweta Kulkarni, founder of AstronERADani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer for Eryri National Park and the Areas of Outstanding Natural BeautyCarol Redford, Founder & CEO of Astroturism Western AustraliaMichael Rymer, Dark Sky Places Program Associate at DarkSky International.

Vanishing Stars, Vanishing Nature, Vanishing Health

This episode of Starless focuses on the impact of light pollution. How has anthropogenic light changed the world in less than two centuries? The full impact is not completely understood, but what we know makes for a very concerning tale.The episode features:Dr Michelle Wooten, Assistant Professor of Astronomy Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.Dr Mario Motta, Cardiologist and astronomer, whose work has specialized in the effect of light pollution on human health.Dr Brett Seymoure, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Texas at El PasoDr Ellen Cieraad, Research Professor at the Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology

Fading To Black: The Dark Skies Movement

In this introductory episode, we will be talking about dark skies and light pollution in general, and what some organizations are doing to protect the night sky, as well as some of the misconceptions about reducing light pollution.Featuring:Rayan Khan, founder of Cosmic TribeMegan Eaves, author of NightfaringShweta Kulkarni, founder of AstronERADr John Berentine, Principal Consultant at Dark Sky Consulting LLCRobert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical SocietyBettymaya Foott, Engagement Associate at DarkSky International