Podcaster: Mike Simmons; Guest: Phil Plait
Title: Big Impact Astrononomy: Debunking Myths and Rediscovering Wonder with Phil Plait
Organization: Astronomy for Equity
Link : https://astro4equity.org/big-impact-astronomy-podcast/
Description:
Highlight: Debunking Myths and Rediscovering Wonder with Phil Plait
Science fiction’s balance between storytelling and science accuracy: “The story is more important than getting the science 100% right, but doing both creates a deeper experience.”
Phil Plait, known as “The Bad Astronomer,” discusses his journey in science outreach, from debunking astronomy myths to writing popular books and consulting for science fiction.
He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting people with the wonder of the night sky, combating the disconnection caused by light pollution and digital media.
Big Impact Astronomy: Through the Telescope is a video podcast that highlights the remarkable work of astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. Hosted by Mike Simmons, this podcast showcases how astronomy is used to improve lives in schools, refugee camps, hospitals, and more. Each episode features dedicated volunteers who introduce STEM in developing countries, inspire girls to pursue science careers, and bring hope to communities in crisis. Join us as we explore the stories of these unsung heroes making a difference through the wonders of the cosmos.
Bio: Mike Simmons is the founder of Astronomy for Equity ( https://bmsis.org/astro4equity/ ). Others on the team, including people around the world in astronomy and space exploration, authors and philosophers, designers and artists and more will be added as the website is developed.
Mike founded Astronomers Without Borders in 2006 to unite astronomy and space enthusiasts around the world through their common interests. During the UN-declared International Year of Astronomy 2009, Mike led the effort to organize the Cornerstone Project 100 Hours of Astronomy in more than 100 countries, with an estimated one million people looking through outreach telescopes in one night.
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Transcript:
- 🌠 Phil Plait Introduction Mike introduces Phil Plait, aka “The Bad Astronomer,” outlining his contributions to astronomy and science outreach.
- 🛸 Why “The Bad Astronomer”? Phil explains how he became “The Bad Astronomer” by debunking myths and misconceptions about astronomy.
- 🌎 The Importance of Astronomy Phil talks about why understanding space and our connection to it is critical to life on Earth.
- 🔭 Bringing the Sky to the People The duo discusses the importance of public outreach, including how seeing celestial objects through a telescope changes perspectives.
- 🌌 Combating Light Pollution They explore the issue of light pollution and how it disconnects us from the beauty of the night sky.
- 📺 Consulting on Science Fiction Phil shares his experiences consulting for movies and TV shows, like Arrival, and balancing science with storytelling.
- 📖 Rediscovering Wonder with Astronomy Phil emphasizes how astronomy helps people of all ages reconnect with the wonder of science and the universe.
End of podcast:
365 Days of Astronomy
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