Star Stuff

In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist Nanibah Chacon. Following the unveiling of her breathtaking new mural at the observatory, Nanibah discusses the profound intersection of Indigenous culture, science, and public art.

In this episode of Star Stuff, host Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Hopi/Cherokee artist Gerald Dawavendewa to celebrate the unveiling of the monumental 30-foot Indigenous Cosmology mural at Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center.

Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart When Rusty Schweickart looked back at Earth from orbit on Apollo 9, he saw something fragile and worth defending. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with the astronaut and co-founder of the B612 Foundation to talk about one of biggest threats to life on Earth: asteroid impacts.

The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock Star Stuff Podcast In this intimate conversation, Cody Half-Moon sits down with filmmaker and author Adam Nimoy to explore the profound personal and cultural legacy of his father, Leonard Nimoy. From behind-the-scenes Star Trek stories and reflections on growing up in the shadow of Spock, to candid discussions of addiction, recovery, and reconciliation, Adam opens up about writing his memoir The Most Human, navigating fame, and finding healing through storytelling. The episode also dives into the enduring impact of Spock on identity and fandom, the emotional weight of legacy, and the wisdom Adam offers to anyone trying to repair a fractured relationship.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Brian Skiff as he recounts his discovery of Venusian moon Zoozve, and how a determined dad’s twitter thread helped him do it.

In this special episode of Star Stuff recorded live from Grand Canyon National Park, we’re joined by former Astronomer in Residence and Lowell Observatory Public Information Officer Kevin Schindler, Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Manager Clover Morell, and Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane. Blast off into exciting topics, including the Astronomer in Residence and alumni programs, the magic of dark skies at Grand Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Park’s achievement of reaching 90% dark sky compliance with new dark sky-friendly lighting fixtures throughout the park. We also recap Star Party 2024 and so much more!

Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon 2Ep25 Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler sits down with the one and only Diana Gabaldon, author of the wildly popular Outlander book series. They discuss Diana’s familial connection to the observatory, her creative process, and how Lowell Telescope Dome Engineer Stanley Sykes dealt with wild turkeys.

Wow, over 70,000 listens to Star Stuff! This podcast is still in the top 20 of astronomy podcasts and climbing. Thank you all for your support as we wrap up Season 2. If you would like to see more episodes next year for Season 3, we will be doing special segments only. Let us know what you want to learn about! In this Season 2 finale episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Dr. Joe Llama, who specializes in the study of exoplanets. They discuss the distant worlds that lie in the Habitable Zone, the possibility that we are not alone in the universe, and more.

In this Cosmic Scope Interview (CSI), Lowell’s Technical Facilities Manager Jeff Gehring takes host Cody Half-Moon through the challenges of restoring the historic 24″ Clark Telescope to its former glory while staying true to the designs of the era it was built in.

An atheist, a catholic, and an agnostic walk into a podcast recording room… and have an incredible conversation about how science and astronomy inform religious perspectives! Inspired by Dr. Kyler Kuehn, a Lowell astronomer and scientific consultant for the Clergy Letter Project, and featuring Lowell Astronomer Dr. Michael West, this episode explores the compatibility between religion and science. Discover how curiosity and open-mindedness enhance discussions and perspectives in this friendly debate amongst friends.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler and astronomer Gerard van Belle sit down for a chat with German artist Ulrike Arnold, the subject of the feature-length documentary Dialogue Earth. They discuss Ulrike’s artistic process, the intersection of science and art, the importance of protecting our Earth, and more.

In this episode of Star Stuff, join Cody Half-Moon and geologist John Compton as they discuss the mind-blowing process of our planet's formation over 4.6 billion years ago.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Kevin Schindler is joined by special guest Eric Edelman, the director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium in Prescott, AZ. Kevin and Eric discuss Lowell’s new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautics Academy, what it takes to bring the dream of a planetarium to life, and the importance of making astronomy education accessible to everyone.

In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about aliens. Again. Join Cody Half-Moon and returning guest Dean Regas as they discuss upcoming solar eclipses, the possibility of life beyond our solar system, and Dean’s new book “1000 Facts About Space.”

The man, the myth, the founder. In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about how Percival Lowell made history by founding Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona and how he was one of the first popularized alien hunters in astronomy.

In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with journalist Melissa Sevigny to talk about her career, choosing between different paths, and her newest book, “Brave the Wild River.” Learn more about Melissa at melissasevigny.com.

Learn about a 50,000-year-old Meteor Crater from the man who runs the crater business here in Flagstaff, Arizona. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Matthew Kent, President and CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises, to talk about all of the exciting things going on surrounding Meteor Crater and Planet Science, as well as the importance of keeping people connected to science.

In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk to University of Denver professor and astronomer, Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, about making science more accessible. To learn more about DU SciTech Summer Camp, visit science.du.edu/du-sci-tech.

Multiverse? Simulation? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss even more of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works.

String Theory? Braneworld? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss some of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works. Stay tuned for Part 2!

In this episode of Star Stuff, astronomers Dr. Gerard van Belle and Dr. David Ciardi take us on a behind-the-scenes journey through a night of observing, from the movies they watch to pass the time to terrifying close calls.

Filmed at the Grand Canyon! This episode features audience favorite Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane to discuss the Astronomer in Residence program at the Grand Canyon with the Astronomer in Residence for May 2023… our very own Kevin Schindler! Learn about what research Kevin is doing from the Grand Canyon about the Apollo astronauts and the training they did in the canyon ahead of their Lunar Landing.

Ever wondered what it’s like to live in space? Star Stuff sits down with Astronaut Nicole Stott to ask the important questions, from how living in space affected her art, how she helped so many through her adventures, and also what it’s like to pee in space. Find it all in this episode, and buy her book at nicolestott.com.

In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Lowell educator, Gavin Moriarty, to talk about the basics of astrophotography and how you can get started in the craft.

What is life? In this episode of Star Stuff, our hosts discuss what it means to be alive on Earth and beyond.

The Star Stuff crew sits down with solar astronomer and Lowell Observatory Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Hall, to talk about a seriously hot topic: the Sun! Jeff tells us about the Sun’s life cycle and what it can teach us about other stars.

Are we running through the six with our woes…. alone? The Drake Equation says no. On this episode of Star Stuff, our fearless hosts delve into a probabilistic argument created by Dr. Frank Drake in 1961, used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Star Stuff sits down for a chat with astronomer Dr. Daniel Fleisch, who served as Astronomer in Residence at Grand Canyon National Park in December 2022. They discuss his time at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, as well as the math of the universe and the awe it inspires.

A telescope made out of farming equipment? Discovering Pluto? In this episode of Star Stuff, Hailey sits down with Lowell historian Kevin Schindler to talk about the man who discovered Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh.

Wormholes? Time travel? Alternate universes? In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about black holes, the different types of black holes, and the bizarre implications of their existence.

Welcome to Star Stuff Season 2, now also in video format on YouTube! How do scientists study light? In this episode, we talk about the various types of spectroscopy and how they’re used in different fields, from astronomy to art history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBbR7HSFFLM

That’s a wrap on Star Stuff Season 1! In this episode, we reminisce with Star Stuff crew members, Madi Mooney, Nate Nise, and John Compton, about their favorite episodes from the past year and what they learned while working on the show. Get ready for Season 2, premiering in January 2023 in all new video format on YouTube! But don’t worry, we’ll still be on all your favorite streaming platforms. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next year!

You’ve heard the Greek myths about how the constellations formed, but what about the stories of other cultures? In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with cultural astronomer Dr. Danielle Adams to discuss the lesser-known stories of the Arabian night sky.

Listen in as Lowell Observatory Educators Hailey Osborn and Matt Lydy discuss some of the most popular sci-fi movies, from 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) to Passengers (2016). Learn their hot scientific takes on these films, and what the plot may have actually been like if the storylines were real.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Hailey chats with Lowell Early Education Supervisor, Kelly Ferguson, and CEO of Flagstaff local business Quality Connections, Armando Bernasconi. Kelly talks about how Lowell’s education programs help kids get into STEM and Armando talks about how Evergreen Academy Preschool helps kids become successful learners and members of our community.

Grab a horn-full of your favorite beverage and get ready for a crossover of mythic proportions! In this episode of Star Stuff, Hailey and John discuss Norse mythology with Nick Irvine and Evan Anderson of the Drinking Horn Meadcast.

In this episode of Star Stuff, we chat with Bradly Rivera, the Elementary School Division Head and STEM Program Lead at Arecibo Observatory’s STAR Academy. Learn all about the incredible Arecibo Message sent by Arecibo Observatory in 1974, what the message entailed, and what they were hoping to accomplish. They also talk about the STAR Academy program, what it entails, and how it’s helping students prepare to pursue careers in STEM.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Hailey chats with astrobiologist Dr. Bonnie Baxter and Lowell Public Program Educator Juan Ruiz about astrobiology. How did they get into the field? What might life look like on other planets? What do Mars and the Great Salt Lake have in common?

In this Episode of Star Stuff, Cody and Hailey chat with astrophysicist and returning guest Dr. Martin Elvis about ‘Oumuamua, an interstellar object with unknown origins. Is it a space rock? Or something beyond our wildest imaginations?

In this episode of Star Stuff, we chat with poet Lauren Camp about her experience as the Grand Canyon’s astronomer in residence and how the park’s dark skies influenced her poetry.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody and Hailey hear from astronomers Dr. Kyler Kuehn and Dr. Teddy Kareta as they give their scientific perspectives on the classic horror/sci-fi film The Thing (1982)!

On this episode of Star Stuff, Hailey and Madi sit down with 2020 Fullbright Future Scholar, astronomy PhD candidate, and freelance science communicator Jake Clark to discuss distant worlds, teenage alien joyrides, and much more.

Is NASA real? Is the Earth flat? In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody and Hailey chat with John Compton about space-related conspiracy theories and how they don’t hold up to the science.

Star Stuff meets again with fan-favorite Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane of the Grand Canyon National Park to talk about how Rader combines dark skies and creative inspirations to produce award-winning art through a series of interactive and immersive videos.

Learn about colliding black holes with CASA postdoctoral research associate Dr. Scott Barrows and Lowell Observatory astronomer Dr. Jennifer Hanley.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody, Hailey, Lowell Astronomer Dr. Nick Moskovitz, and DART Team Lead Dr. Cristina Thomas will discuss the ins and outs of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody, Hailey, and Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Martin Elvis talk about quasars, black holes, asteroids, and Dr. Elvis’ book Asteroids: How Love, Fear, and Greed Will Determine Our Future in Space.

In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody and Hailey chat with Dr. Alycia Weinberger and Dr. Kaspar von Braun about American astronomer Dr. Vera Rubin. They discuss her life and career, as well as stories from time spent working with her.

The Star Stuff crew sits down to discuss what it’s like to be a student in modern university structures, including the pressure that students (especially women) face in STEM majors.

Enjoy this full book review of Andy Weir’s incredible sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary — from astronomers here at our world-famous observatory! Listen to our scientists Dr. Kaspar von Braun, Dr. Catherine Clark, and educator Claire Gibson talk in depth about their reactions to this sci-fi book. [SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE.] Buy Project Hail Mary on Andy Weir’s website at andyweirauthor.com.