From building positive international relations to developing life-changing innovative technologies, Dutch astronomy is consistently contributing to society here on Earth while on its quest to understanding the vast Universe. Cosmic Perspectives is a one-episode feature podcast that explores these societal benefits through the stories of four renowned astronomers based in the Netherlands.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals are a call to action for all nations of Earth to work towards a better world by combating issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality and war. With the world in a fragile and tumultuous state, such a call to action is urgent if we hope for a more sustainable future for generations to come. Like many other disciplines, astronomers understand the importance of this shift of focus, and as this podcast shows, are embracing it.

Join our host, science communicator Callum Griffiths, as he delves behind the scenes of some of the biggest astronomical endeavours in recent decades with those involved to uncover new perspectives. Professor George Miley (Leiden University) recounts stories of astronomy building bridges between conflicting nations, and details his dream for providing a global citizen perspective. Professor Heino Falcke (Radboud University) details the benefits and challenges of uniting the world around capturing the first image of a Black Hole. Professor Ewine van Dishoeck (Leiden University) discusses the diplomacy and technology behind the James Webb Space Telescope. And Dr David Prinsloo (ASTRON) discusses how the Universe really is the best testing ground for innovation.

Cosmic Perspectives is a one-episode feature podcast.

Produced by: Callum Griffiths (Heliocentric Productions) and Aoife Taylor (Heliocentric Productions & Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands) \\ Executive Producer: Pedro Russo ( Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands)

Sound Production: Jesse Stoel

Graphic Design: Aneta Margraf-Druć

Acknowledgements:

Professor Ewine van Dishoeck (Leiden University)

Professor George Miley (Leiden University)

Professor Heino Falcke, Amanda Schut (Radboud University)

Dr David Prinsloo, Frank Nuijens (ASTRON)

Jelte Verberne, Tessa Knaake, Marjolie Mankoto, Martijn Bal (NWO)

Music:

Song 1 (in between all speakers):

Somewhere in the Clouds by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Song 2 (ending montage):

Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY 4.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Cosmic Perspectives: Dutch Astronomy in Wider Society

Cosmic Perspectives: Dutch Astronomy in Wider SocietyBy Leiden ObservatoryJul 14, 2022