I don't think we ever did an #introduction on here so here is a little thread about #AwrsomeAstronomy and the crew behind the chaos. Enjoy! #Podcast #astrodon #space #astronomy
Basics...we are a monthly #astronomy and #Space #podcast hosted by three space nuts and supported by three long suffering 'techies' who make the flights of fancy and passing whims of the presenters actually happen.
We try to keep it light but informative, fun but full of useful content. We do #interviews, look at peer reviewed papers, night #skyguides, and give very opinionated chats on space topics. #astrodon
The conceit (you always need a conceit!) is that the monthly #podcast is maniacal attempt by the two #Martians, who are still sore after the 'War of the Worlds incident', to invade the Earth with #reason, #science and #astronomy.
It is utterly silly but Jibbers Crabst knows the world needs silly right now so we persist in the conceit, mainly for our own amusement BUT all emails we receive are addressed to 'The Martians', so clearly people enjoy silly. #astrodon
Soooooo... it all began over ten years ago - we are one of the oldest running #astronomy / #space #podcasts for our sins, probably more by sheer bloody mindedness and belligerence than actual success.
In the beginning the #Martians were Tom & Ralph and 'Cydonia Base' was the basement of a #telescope shop. Since episode 11 the Martians are Paul & Ralph, later joined by Dr Jeni. They record at Orbital Studios in London & since covid, at home.
Right time to meet the crew... #astrodon
Ralph.
Ralph is Awesome Astronomy. His idea, he has been there since the start. He has been interested in #space & #astronomy since childhood & is passionate about promoting the work of the many professional astronomy organisations & researchers.
An absolute #Apollo obsessive, probably his proudest achievement is having Alan Bean's phone number (Probably). He gets overly stimulated by rocket launches & has a love / hate relationship with telescopes & imaging.
Dr Jen.
Aka 'Dr Dust' is the actual #professional #astronomer on the show so is the one that actually knows what they are talking about and keeps the rest of them in check.
She regularly appears on TV and radio to talk about space, she is a presenter on BBC Wales' 'Weatherman Walking' and has an unhealthy obsession with cosmic dust and distant galaxies.
She also has a #cat called Oreo.
Paul.
Paul is semi-professinal / amateur astronomer & the #queer one! #lgbtqia #BiInSci He works in #astronomy & #science #outreach but comes from an education &
school background.
He has astronomized since he was 8 & shuns astronomy gizmos for manual telescopes, paper maps & sketching. Loves lunar drawing & is the one who can actually name the #constellations & point to them. He is also the podcasts #Scifi bod.
He also has opinions. Lots of opinions.
John.
John is the sound guy. He runs the studio we use in London, fixes broken things, comes up with solutions and has been a long suffering member of the team having listened to the recording of most of the podcasts.
He is also a builder of telescopes, his pride and joy is a 16" Dobsonian that maybe the only telescope in the world with an inbuilt bottle opener!
Dustin.
He is the omniscient hand of sanity on the podcast. Editor, producer & wielder of the bleep for all the sweary moments.
A whiz at splicing together our chaotic nonsense into something that resembles normality he is an avid #NASA nut, rider of bikes, drinker of fine gin, music aficionado & life enthusiast. He is American but we've not notice that hold him back.
Dustin joined us a few years ago & is the prime example of never volunteering for anything!
Damien.
Damien is the quiet one at the back of the class. Our #IT specialist, he has a scientific background, speaks fluent #French, loves #cats and is a mean #gamer. He is a fantastic but modest astro imager.
He is also the main administrator and fixer of #AstroCamp, our biannual astronomy fest in the Brecon Beacons, runs websites and is a fantastic problem solver.
Sounds good, :) Can we invite Damien on to the Fediverse perhaps ?
@zleap I'll try my best!