Playing with a 3D-printed model of the Milky Way at the launch of new documentary Up Above, an exciting new project from director Carl Joyce that will explore the fascinating community of space enthusiasts across the North East.
This discussion goes beyond astronomy. It’s about ensuring that our environment, health, and heritage are protected through informed policy and design.
I'm inspired to explore how we can all contribute to reducing light pollution and restoring the beauty of natural darkness.
🌍 Solutions are collaborative. From grassroots projects to nationwide policy changes, everyone has a role to play.
🏛️ Policy leadership matters. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies is key to driving regulatory improvements and ensuring light pollution is tackled on a national scale.
A few standout takeaways for me:
🌱 Nature needs darkness just as much as light, and preserving natural rhythms is essential for species survival.
🧠 Humans thrive on dark skies, not just astronomically but biologically. There is a strong link between light pollution and mental and physical health.
What became clear throughout the day was that this isn’t about simply dimming lights or changing bulbs. It’s about balance between technological progress and the health of our ecosystems, our communities, and ourselves.
The @royalastrosoc.bsky.social conference on light pollution was brilliant, and a powerful reminder that the problem is solvable, but only if we act together to tackle the issue through a multidisciplinary approach.
“An Einstein ring as perfect as this is extremely rare. We get to see a background galaxy through the warped space and time of a very nearby foreground galaxy.”
Had the pleasure of being the first guest of 2025 on the @northumbriauni.bsky.social Why Small Business Matters podcast, chatting with Dr Matt Sutherland about my first year as CEO of @kielderobservatory.bsky.social and all things dark skies. podfollow.com/1577539910/e...
A peek at our collaboration with AWTG Ltd and the potential of advanced 5G connectivity to enhance our operations and open up new ways to inspire our audiences.
www.awtg.co.uk/awtg-borderl...
Kielder Observatory in the snow with a timelapse starfield in the background and red lights on the building reflecting in the white snow in the foreground.
Kielder Observatory positively beautiful in the snow recently. Huge thanks to our friends Forestry England and The Twice Brewed Inn for their support during some intensely icy new year weather, helping us make sure the show goes on for all the people joining us under the dark Northumbrian skies.
Delighted to see Hamish, one of our brilliant volunteers, receive this well-deserved national recognition from Marsh Charitable Trust and Association for Science and Discovery Centres.
www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/community/na...
Hearing from Andrew Aldrin and learning more about the Aldrin Family Foundation was a huge highlight; a captivating, deeply personal perspective on where humanity has been and where we might be heading next.
I’m looking forward to working with the fascinating people and organisations in the room.
We’re living in the new golden age of space exploration, and it’s exciting to see so much already happening in our very own region.
The provider's workshop with Space North East England was an inspiring event, bringing together incredible minds dedicated to using space as a theme for outreach.
Congratulations to Keith and @northeastmuseums.bsky.social taking home the gong for Steam to Green and Chief Curator Julie Milne getting the surprise of a lifetime with the Outstanding Contribution Award. Great stuff.
Another incredible evening celebrating the great culture of our region at the North East Culture Awards 2024
Exciting news from the former Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums—now North East Museums!
I love the logo. Here’s to preserving, celebrating and connecting communities with the rich culture of the North East for many many years to come.
Excited to return to the Anglo Saxon world via our new partnership with Ad Gefrin, bringing whisky and warm fires together under the breathtaking dark skies of Northumberland for what promises to be a very special night.
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Had a magical time at the launch of The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei Winter Lights, an immersive light and sound experience that's bigger and better than ever, with brand new installations and soundtrack, including—to the delight of my Hans Zimmer-loving heart—the beautiful theme from Interstellar.