Alyssa Watson, a Nature Up North naturalist intern, is joined by Dr. Aileen O’Donoghue, a St. Lawrence University professor of physics and lifelong astronomer. Aileen brings the sky to life through her passionate storytelling as she blends the lines between science and culture. Their conversation touches on the historical naming of stars, the night sky as the original clock and calendar, time in space, and the evolution of the human connection with stars. Aileen also gives her advice to beginner stargazers and an interactive way to create your own sundial right at home. Join us in listening to Alyssa and Aileen as they begin to unpack the wilderness above.

Please note, the interview took place on July 14th, 2020. Many references to the constellations, planets, and position of the stars may only be applicable to the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere around the time of the interview. While this episode had several references to St. Lawrence University campus, we note that many areas in the North Country are excellent for stargazing. We encourage you to find someplace dark that is comfortable for you or to take advantage of public spaces around the University.

A full transcription of the episode audio can be found below for accessibility.

Podcast Timeline

8:30 History of stars

9:00 Arabic Influence on star naming

12:00 The original clock and calendar

12:38 The original cultural storybook

15 ? Time in space, explosions

17:06 Ursa major and The Big Dipper; The Loss of the tail

20:00 Symbolism and stories of the sky (storybook)

22:15 Technology and our connection to the sky

26;58 Aileen’s suggestions for beginner stargazers

- 365 Starry Nights by Chet Raymo

28:30 Making mental maps of the sky

31:20 Accessibility and stargazing

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