Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder5 Apr

Photon by Photon: A Journey Through Observatories

This week we step inside one of astronomy’s most iconic spaces: the observatory.

Drew visits Melton Memorial Observatory and sits down with director Martin Bowers to explore what a nearly 100-year-old, urban observatory still offers today. From public viewing nights to hands-on learning, we look at how these classic domes continue to connect people with the night sky, even under city lights.

Then, we zoom out to the bigger picture.

From Mount Wilson Observatory and Palomar Observatory to Mauna Kea Observatories and Paranal Observatory, we trace how observatories evolved from simple telescopes into powerful instruments that reshaped our understanding of the universe.

All of it built on a simple idea: gathering light, photon by photon.

Plus, a quick look at what’s in the night sky for the week of April 5th.

Links mentioned in this episode:

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