Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
The Urban Astronomer podcast is the audio version of the popular Urban Astronomer website, which has been sharing news and information about space science and astronomy since the year 2009. The website has undergone several facelifts, and changes in editorial style and focus over the years, but it's always stayed true to its principles of honest science presented simply, without oversimplifying.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Astronomy news • Science Explainy Bits • Interviews with astronomers • Cultural astronomy • Exoplanets • Star formation • Space missions • Orbital mechanics • Telescope and astronomy events • Rhetoric in science communicationThe Urban Astronomer Podcast offers an exploration of space science and astronomy with a focus on a South African perspective. Hosted by a passionate podcaster, the show provides a mix of science explanations, interviews, and news segments. The science segments often delve into fundamental questions, such as why planets are round or how astronomers determine the composition of celestial bodies, aiming to present complex ideas in an accessible format without oversimplifying. These "Science Explainy Bits" are popular among listeners who appreciate detailed, yet understandable discussions on topics like leap years, orbits, and the colors of stars.
Interviews constitute another significant component of this podcast, featuring discussions with a diverse array of scientists and astronomy experts, many of whom are connected to South Africa's vibrant astronomy community. Guests range from academics to amateur astronomers, and include figures such as Dr. Tony Lelliott and Dr. Jarita Holbrook. These conversations cover various aspects of space science, research methodologies, and cultural astronomy.
The podcast occasionally reports on current astronomy news, including interesting discoveries like exoplanets. It also shares personal narratives from events such as ScopeX, where speakers discuss astronomy-related topics like astrophotography and the weather on exoplanets.
Overall, the Urban Astronomer Podcast caters to enthusiasts of space science, offering educational content that is both informative and engaging. It seeks to uphold the principles of honest and clear communication about science, encouraging listener participation and feedback through questions and emails to be addressed in future episodes.