Urban Astronomer - Page 2 of 151 - Making sense of the universe one page at a time

Interview with Nicole Thomas

Posted on 19 Nov, 2019 by Allen Versfeld5 Dec, 2019

In this episode, we interview Nicole Thomas, a PhD student at the University of the Western Cape with an interest in the evolution of galaxies, and the super-massive black holes that lie within. We recorded this conversation only a week ago, and I really enjoyed speaking to her. I found her childhood interest in how the universe worked very relatable, and especially her need to understand what’s going on underneath it all. Sadly, this is the final interview with a … Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:22 — 33.3MB) | Embed

Guns in Space and Why Venus is so Hot

Posted on 6 Nov, 2019 by Allen Versfeld5 Dec, 2019

Episode 10 of Season Two answers listener questions: What happens when a spaceship shoots its gun in space, and why is Venus so hot?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:18 — 24.1MB) | Embed

Continue reading →

Carnival of Space 635 – 636

Posted on 4 Nov, 2019 by Allen Versfeld4 Nov, 2019

Carnival of Space Image Credit: Jason Major

It’s an unusual day here at Carnival of Space HQ. Many of our usual hosts have unavailable this week, leaving us with a gap in our schedule. So, we’re hosting a double feature today – the 635th AND 636th carnival in one place at the same time. Double the fun! But this means that we have an opening. If you’d like to bring extra space fans to your website or blog, why not talk to us about becoming a regular … Continue reading →

Interview with Dr Tana Joseph

Posted on 22 Oct, 2019 by Allen Versfeld5 Dec, 2019

This is episode 9 of the 2nd season of the Urban Astronomer Podcast, featuring an interview with Dr Tana Joseph. It’s been an interesting two weeks since the last episode – I’ve settled further into my new home and adjusted from rural to suburban life. What I gained in access to basic utilities and saving several hours off my commute has been paid for with a loss of the sky – not to light pollution, but to a canopy of … Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:28 — 35.2MB) | Embed

Why did I defend the geocentric model?

Posted on 8 Oct, 2019 by Allen Versfeld5 Dec, 2019

Diagram of Copernicus's answer to the geocentric system

In this eighth episode of the second season, I defend my defense of the Ptolemaic geocentric system of crystal spheres! I hadn’t even realized till I started recording that this is our 50th ever episode. I really should be so blown away that I’ve kept things going this long, but I’m not, somehow? Perhaps it’s just become a habit, and I stopped noticing milestones! But anyway, 50 episodes, I think that’s pretty amazing and I’m very proud to have made … Continue reading →

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:55 — 30.1MB) | Embed