October 2008 Extra
We find out about the Jodrell Bank Meteor Detector from Eddie Blackhurst [02:25-11:47]. We talk to Roberta Paladini about her studies of astronomical objects - such as our own galaxy - that obscure observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation [31:37-01:01:24]. Tim answers listener questions about astronomy [11:59-29:55].
- October 2008 Extra MP3: Download the whole show (low and high bandwidth versions)
Interview with Eddie Blackhurst (Jodrell Bank Observatory)
One of the first experiments carried out by physicists at Jodrell Bank in 1945 was the detection of echoes from meteors by the reflection of radio waves. Eddie Blackhurst tells us about the Jodrell Bank Meteor Detector which he constructed with Megan Argo in 2007.
- Interview with Eddie Blackhurst (Jodrell Bank Observatory) MP3: Download this segment individually (low and high bandwidth versions)
- Jodrell Bank Observatory Meteor Detector.
- Meteor Observatories Around The World
- Spectrum Lab
- Eddie Blackhurst's contact details
Ask an astronomer - new to observing, Moon viewing, black holes and neutron stars
Nick puts listener questions to a rather croaky Dr Tim O'Brien. Stephen Harper asks for advice on what to look at with a new telescope, Daniel asks about safe viewing of the Moon through a telescope, and Frank Sorenson asks what would happen if a small black hole created by cosmic rays were to collide with a neutron star.
- Ask an astronomer - new to observing, Moon viewing, black holes and neutron stars MP3: Download this segment individually (low and high bandwidth versions)
- Stellarium
- Cartes du Ciel
- International Year of Astronomy
- BOOK: Collins Stars and Planets by Ian Ridpath
- BOOK: The Monthly Sky Guide by Ian Ridpath
- NoNaD - A useful filter for Sodium light
- SCS Astro Catalogue: Hutech Light Pollution Filters
- Useful Filters for Viewing Deep-Sky Objects by David Knisely
- Orion Optics UK: Filters
- CERN LHC Safety Report
Interview with Dr Roberta Paladini (IPAC)
Nick talked to Roberta Paladini about her work on the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Planck spacecraft. We also find out about her studies of astronomical objects - such as our own galaxy - that obscure observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
- Interview with Dr Roberta Paladini (IPAC) MP3: Download this segment individually (low and high bandwidth versions)
- IPAC
- NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope
- MIPS Instrument
- ESA's Planck Spacecraft
- NASA's WMAP Spacecraft
Show Credits
| Interview: | Eddie Blackhurst and Roy Smits |
| Ask an Astronomer: | Dr Tim O'Brien and Nick Rattenbury |
| Interview: | Dr Roberta Paladini and Nick Rattenbury |
| Presenters: | Nick Rattenbury and Ian Morison |
| Editors: | Nick Rattenbury |
| Cover Art: | Cross section of a meteorite CREDIT: Eddie Blackhurst |
| Website: | Stuart Lowe |
