The Nature of Nantucket

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes Elisa Kermani, Manager of the MMA's Natural Science Museum. Elisa shares her Nantucket story, reflecting on the journey that brought her to the island six years ago and inspired her lifelong passion for animals, conservation, and education. Joanna and Elisa also dive into everything happening at the Maria Mitchell Association this summer, including the popular Kids Bird Watching program, introduce some of the fascinating fish, reptiles, and other animals that call the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum home, and highlight the exciting programs and experiences visitors can enjoy across Nantucket this season.  Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how satellites need to be boosted into higher orbits or they will burn up in the atmosphere.

Host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Rosie Agnew LaBonte, author of the new field guide Nantucket Nature. Rosie shares her Nantucket origin story, her deep connection to the island's natural world, and the inspiration behind creating a guide designed to help residents and visitors better understand the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Nantucket so special. They discuss the research and passion that went into the book and how it can help foster a greater appreciation for the island's unique environment. Nantucket Nature is available through the Maria Mitchell Association and its Aquarium, as well as at Sconset Square on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow Rosie on Instagram @wildrosenantucket and learn more at wildrosenantucket.com.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how fast the Earth rotates and orbits the Sun and how fast the Sun is moving.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about JWST and how it works.

Host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Kevin Venardos, founder and ringmaster of the acclaimed Venardos Circus, to preview the MMA's Stargazer Gala: A Night at the Circus on Thursday, July 23. Kevin shares the story behind his Broadway-style production and what audiences can expect from an evening filled with world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and unforgettable entertainment. They also discuss how the event supports the MMA's mission of education and discovery, as well as six additional public performances on Nantucket from July 24-26. Tickets for both the Stargazer Gala and all Venardos Circus performances are available through the Maria Mitchell Association website.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Chelsea Petrik, the MMA's new Aquarium Manager, to learn more about her background and what brought her to Nantucket. Chelsea shares her origin story, including where she grew up, how she developed a passion for marine science, and the experiences that led her into the field. The two also discuss Chelsea's vision for the aquarium this summer, her current research project, and the valuable contributions of the MMA's summer interns. It's a great opportunity to get to know one of the newest members of the MMA team and hear about the exciting work happening at the aquarium this season. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about globular clusters which have hundreds of thousands of the oldest stars in our Milky Way galaxy.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what’s been going on in the sky this week.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Ginger Andrews, Field Ornithologist for the organization, for a fascinating conversation about all things birds. Ginger shares insights from the completion of the spring 2026 barn owl survey and discusses what the results reveal about the island’s owl population, while also diving into the ongoing conversation surrounding bird flu and its impact on bird species. The episode also highlights many of the exciting spring birds that have been spotted around Nantucket this season, offering listeners a closer look at the migration patterns and wildlife activity happening across the island right now. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what’s going on with the Mars Rovers.

Host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Hayley Nelson and Keely Farrell from the Egan Maritime Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum for a fascinating conversation about their Nantucket origin stories, what inspired them to make the island home, and the work they do preserving Nantucket’s rich maritime history. The discussion dives into Egan Maritime’s new Andrea Doria exhibit, exploring the story behind the legendary luxury liner, the dramatic 1956 shipwreck off the Nantucket coast, and why the tragedy continues to captivate historians, divers, and maritime enthusiasts decades later. Joanna, Hayley, and Keely also reflect on the importance of keeping these stories alive for future generations through education, exhibits, and community engagement on Nantucket.

Host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Larry Tsai, Co-Founder and Proprietor of Moon Tsai Winery, ahead of the winery’s special visit to Nantucket for an upcoming wine dinner celebrating the winery’s 20th anniversary. Larry shares the story behind launching the family-owned winery, the passion and perseverance that helped shape its success, and the fascinating science that goes into every bottle, from vineyard conditions and fermentation to flavor profiles and the art of blending. Joanna and Larry also discuss the connection between science and winemaking, the evolution of the wine industry over the past two decades, and what guests can expect from this unique Nantucket experience featuring Moon Tsai wines.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about asteroids that might crash into the Earth.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Heather Packard from Mass Audubon for an important conversation about the growing movement to ban anticoagulant rodenticides across Massachusetts. They discuss the devastating impact these poisons have on wildlife and ecosystems, why immediate action is needed, and how local voices can help create statewide change. Heather encourages listeners to TAKE ACTION by May 19 and call their Massachusetts state representative to ask Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the House Ways & Means Committee to strengthen Sections 74 and 75 of the Mass Ready Act by including language from H5217, which would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide. The goal is for each of the 160 state representatives to receive at least 10 calls from constituents because, together, communities have the power to advocate for wildlife and be the voice for the voiceless. Learn more and take action at bit.ly/CallYourMAReps.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about UFOs and what they might really be.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director of the Maria Mitchell Association and Curator of the Mitchell House archives and special collections, for a fascinating conversation about everything new and exciting happening at the MMA this year. From newly acquired historic properties and the stories behind them, to the important environmental work being done aboard the Harbor Watch boat and through the harbor buoy program, Joanna and Jascin explore how the organization continues to connect science, history, and the Nantucket community. They also preview upcoming educational programs, special events, and the much-anticipated MMA fundraising Circus July 23-26.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the alien comet and how it got here.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about why Pluto should be a planet again.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the difference between how the sky looks when you are in Australia rather than Nantucket.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the difference between the far side of the Moon and the dark side of the Moon.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Nantucket’s Dark Skies.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about NASA’s return to the Moon and the movie Project Hail Mary.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket one hundred years ago.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about plans to launch a million satellites into orbit around the Earth.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the center of our Milky Way galaxy and its supermassive black hole.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Little Red Dots which have been discovered at the edge of the Universe by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how six of the planets are lining up in the sky at the end of February.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how the Sun’s high activity is continuing to produce Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections, and Aurorae.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Jupiter is visible in the night sky these cold nights.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the Artemis II mission to the moon the will launch in February.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the plans of Schmidt Sciences, run by our own Wendy Schmidt, to build a new space telescope.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station.

On this week’s episode of the Maria Mitchell Association podcast The Nature of Nantucket, host Joanna Roche speaks with Holly Greenberg—professor at Syracuse University and Director of Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene. Holly shares the story behind her public-art project raising awareness of bird deaths from window collisions, where over 10,800 handmade fabric birds visualize this hidden crisis. She also reflects on her Nantucket origin story, how the island shaped her creative journey, and her father’s early connection to the Maria Mitchell Association itself. Listeners can learn more about Holly’s work at hollygreenberg.com.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

On this episode, host Joanna Roche sits down with Dr. Jackie Milingo, Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association, to examine the controversial space startup Reflect Orbital. The company proposes launching a constellation of orbiting mirrors designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth, providing illumination and solar energy after sunset. Drawing from the company’s stated goals, Joanna and Dr. Milingo discuss what Reflect Orbital is trying to achieve and why many scientists believe the concept poses serious concerns for the planet, including increased light pollution, disruption to astronomical research, impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, and the growing problem of congestion and debris in Earth’s orbit.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what causes the seasons.

On this episode, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association speaks with Kim Schulam, Stranding Coordinator for the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, about the dead sperm whale that washed ashore on Nantucket’s North Shore on November 18. Kim walks us through the response process, including how her team conducted tests and examinations to learn more about the whale and what may have caused its death. She also explains the careful planning and coordination required to remove such a large marine mammal from the beach, ultimately leading to the decision to tow the whale 60 miles offshore to ensure it would not return to Nantucket’s shoreline.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what a meteor shower is and how to see it.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director, curator, historian and true expert on all things Nantucket, for a nostalgic walk through MMA’s rich past. Together they revisit the stories, personalities and unforgettable characters who helped shape the organization, from the influential Edith Folger Andrews to the passionate Eileen McGrath, Elizabeth Yager and many others. It is a heartfelt conversation full of history, legacy, laughter and memories, celebrating the people who made the Maria Mitchell Association what it is today.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Cosmic Rays and how they affect the Earth.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the interstellar comet which is flying past the Earth and then out of the Solar System.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes back Dr. Jackie Milingo, the MMA’s Director of Astronomy, for another mind-expanding conversation, this time exploring the very fabric of the universe. Together they dive into the space-time continuum, unpack the relationship between time and space, and discuss the tantalizing possibilities of time travel, multiple dimensions, and the enigmatic nature of black holes. Along the way, they touch on some of the most intriguing phenomena in modern astrophysics, making complex ideas accessible, engaging, and full of wonder. It’s a compelling episode for anyone curious about how our universe works and how much more there may be to discover.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes back Dr. Jackie Milingo, the MMA’s Director of Astronomy, for a fascinating deep dive into the wonders of our skies. Together they unpack what the Northern Lights really are and why Nantucket has recently had such spectacular views. The conversation then moves to the science behind sunspots and, for a fun twist, a thoughtful look at the mysteries surrounding aliens and UFOs and UAP's. It’s an enlightening and entertaining episode for sky-watchers and curious minds alike.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Nantucket’s Whaleships navigated the oceans.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Nikoline Bohr who is an artist, treasure hunter, and program assistant at the Maria Mitchell Association. Nikoline shares the story of her journey to Nantucket, her educational background, and how her creative spirit and curiosity fuel both her art and her love of uncovering hidden gems. She also gives us a look behind the scenes at her work with the MMA and what inspires her on and off the island. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how astronomers get their data at Observatories.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director of the Maria Mitchell Association and Curator of the Mitchell House archives and special collections, for a fascinating conversation about cemeteries and the stories they hold. Jascin shares her deep knowledge of stone monuments, how they’re cared for and cleaned, and why cemetery history is such a rich and revealing way to understand a community. Along the way, listeners will hear some surprising and delightful stories pulled from the archives….proving that there’s a lot more life found among the stones than you might expect.Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how astronauts may soon return to the Moon.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Daylight Savings Time and why we have it.

This week on the show, host Joanna Roche sits down with John Barentine, Principal Consultant and Expert at Dark Sky Consulting, for an engaging conversation about his journey into the world of astronomy and his transition to becoming a dark sky consultant. John shares fascinating insights into his work, including the importance of measuring light pollution with a sky quality meter and the urgent need for solutions to protect our night skies. Tune in to learn more about the impact of light pollution and how Dark Sky Consulting is leading the charge in preserving our celestial wonders. For more information, visit https://www.darkskyconsulting.com/.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.