The Star River Podcast

You heard about Shane Baca in the previous episode, and now it's time to hear from Shane himself."When they cross the cattle guard out here on the way in, they gotta take their watch and they gotta turn it back forty years."Pull up a chair to the campfire, grab a drink for our Ritual, and let's do a deep dive into what it takes to keep 27 (plus a spare) 240-ton radio telescope receiver dishes running, while also dealing with the grounds, the parking lot, pest removal, making sure the lights are on (of off, as need be), and the toilets are clean. Shane is the facilities manager of the VLA, and his story is more than you might think it is.Shane's tributary of the Star River is one of pride and a deep belief that science doesn't happen without grease and railroad spikes. I think, after listening to him speak with me from the break room of the control building at the VLA in April, you'll agree.Whether you are an experienced radio astronomer or a casual backyard stargazer, this conversation bridges the gap between the science we all hear about and the mechanics, welders, electricians, and plumbers that make it all happen.Connect with the Current:Official Website: thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics & Keywords: Blue Collar, Shane Baca, VLA, radio frequency interference, time travel, Astrophotography, Astronomy Education, Science Communication

You don't need an elite academic pedigree to have a meaningful relationship with the universe; you just have to be curious, dedicated, and a little bit crazy. Dr. Justin Linford shares his journey along the Star River with me, in person, at the Very Large Array in New Mexico.For the very first time on The Star River Podcast, I packed up my gear and traveled 2,000 miles to the high desert of New Mexico for a live, face-to-face interview. Sitting in the break room inside the iconic Very Large Array control building, I shared a cup of desert water and a deep conversation with NRAO scientist Dr. Justin Linford. Rather than getting bogged down in dry mathematics and complex equations, Justin opens up about the heart behind his science."Anybody can do science. You just have to be curious and dedicated and a little bit crazy." -Dr. LinfordSneaker Net: Why continent-spanning telescope arrays still rely on shipping physical hard drives via FedEx to move petabytes of deep-space data.Blazars: How supermassive black holes blast powerful jets of energy straight down Earth's line of sight.Radio Noise: The unexpected challenges of radio astronomy, including rogue military satellites.We trace his personal path to the stars. From discovering a simple constellation book as a third-grader under the pristine, dark skies of Gallup, all the way to his work tracking the ferocious currents of supermassive black holes. Ultimately, this episode is a moving, grounded reminder that the universe isn't just for academics; it proves that pure curiosity is the only credential you truly need to explore the cosmos.So pull up a camp chair, pour a drink for our Ritual, and join a conversation between friends that bridges the gap between the backyard stargazer and the frontiers of science.Connect with the Current:Official Website: https://thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Keywords: Radio Astronomy, VLBA, Very Large Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, NRAO, Supermassive Black Holes, Stargazing New Mexico, Space Exploration, Astrophotography, Astronomy Education, Science Communication

In this final "transition" episode, Eric (The Astropotamus) packs his bags and heads home from the Land of Enchantment. Returning with dozens of hours of audio from the deep heart of the Southwest, he pauses to reflect on the voices recorded, the connections made, and the shared Rituals that anchored this mission."I am a time traveler, and I'm leaving New Mexico not the same person who arrived."Coming soon to the Star River:The Builders: Impromptu conversations with the VLA rail and maintenance crews.The Visionaries: Deep dives with the scientists and controllers of the VLA, VLBA, and MROI.The Historians: A pilgrimage to the Magdalena Astronomical Lyceum.The Navigators: Future-facing science at the LWA and UNM Observatory.The Ancestors: Reflections on the final Gathering of Nations Powwow after 46 years.Whether you are a backyard imager, a professional radio astronomer, or a dreamer following the drums, join Eric as he re-joins his "normal" life after a transformational experience on the Star River. Episodes resume once this massive amount of audio has been edited into the stories they deserve.There are a few surprises along the way as well, some of which are simply *amazing*. Please join us in the River for these episodes; you won't want to miss them!Connect with the Current:Official Episode Website: https://thestarriver.com/episodes/land-of-enchantmentJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your Star River story, ask my guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Until the next bend in the River, clear skies, and I'll see you in the dark!Topics & Keywords: Astronomy, VLA, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Astrophotography, Science Communication, Indigenous Astronomy, Gathering of Nations, Radio Astronomy, Finger Lakes Wine, Space Philosophy.

Ever wondered how a karaoke machine can help you communicate with the International Space Station? Listen to this amazing story and find out!In this expansive interview, I wade into the Star River with prolific astrophotographer and observatory operator Robert Lozano. We navigate a journey that spans decades - from Robert's childhood in San Antonio to his current role as a pioneer of remote deep-sky imaging.The conversation begins with an "astronomical first": the 2012 ISS Flash Project. Robert shares the behind-the-scenes chaos and triumph of coordinating with astronaut Don Pettit to signal the International Space Station from Earth using searchlights, lasers, and a daughter's karaoke machine as a makeshift mission control."I just think we've been given the opportunity... with podcasts and with the internet and everything that's going on now to be able to be ambassadors for the next generation of astronomers. And I think we have an obligation to do it too. I really do."As the current shifts, we move from the spectacle of the sky to the "Technician's" rigors of the ground. Robert provides a candid, "all the zeros" look at what it takes to build a remote observatory in the harsh West Texas environment. We discuss the engineering of the new SkyShed Pod-S, the heartbreak of early technical mistakes (like 15-foot piers on clay soil), and the leap of faith required to leave high-end gear at the mercy of the elements while controlling it from hundreds of miles away.Finally, we explore the heart of the hobby: The Legacy. Inspired by his meteorologist father, Robert views astrophotography not just as a technical pursuit, but as a form of art and a tool for outreach. This is a story for anyone who has ever felt the spark of seeing Saturn for the first time and wondered how to share that light with the rest of the world. In this episode, we navigate:The ISS Signal: The technical and personal story of the first successful ground-to-space light contact.The Eclipse Experience: Comparing the 2017 and 2024 totalities and why being in the shadow is a "spiritual experience" that technology can't replicate.Observatory Engineering: The evolution from PVC-and-canvas setups to permanent piers and automated slotted domes.The Cost of Learning: A transparent discussion on the financial and technical hurdles of self-taught astrophotography.The Ritual of Observation: Why we raise a glass (whether it's Coke with lime or Diet Mountain Dew) to the connection we all share under the stars.Ambassadors of the Dark: Our shared obligation to inspire the next generation of "Time Travelers" and scientists.What was your "Super Bowl Eve" moment in astronomy? Call the DEEP-SKY Hotline (855-333-7759) to share your build stories or ask Robert a question.Connect with the Current:Official Episode Website: https://thestarriver.com/episodes/robert-lozanoJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your Star River story, ask my guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics and Keywords: astrophotography, ISS Flash Project, remote observatory, SkyShed Pod-S, Total Solar Eclipse, deep-sky imaging, citizen science, and astronomy outreach.

What does it feel like to fly a jet fighter at Mach 1 and realize your wingman is silhouetted against the brilliant, unpolluted glow of the Milky Way? In this episode, I sit down with Mike Weasner, a man whose life has been a high-velocity voyage through the cosmos.From his early days as an astrophysicist to his time managing the Air Force Space Shuttle program, Mike has spent decades navigating what lies above. He shares the staggering perspective of looking down at the world from 35,000 feet—and the even more profound experience of looking up from the quiet dome of his own Cassiopeia Observatory.In this episode, we navigate:International Dark Sky Week: In honor of the week of April 13, 2026, we dive into Mike's work as a "Dark Sky Defender" and his lead role in protecting Arizona’s oldest natural resource: the night.The High-Speed Perspective: Stories from the cockpit of supersonic jets and the transition to managing the cutting edge of the Space Shuttle program.The Ritual of the Backyard: Why Mike named his observatory Cassiopeia and how he uses it to anchor himself to history by catching ancient photons.The "Don't Be Afraid of Success" Philosophy: A meditation on how our tools—from supersonic jets to smartphones—are all just vessels for the same journey along the Star River.Whether you are an experienced astrophotographer or a casual stargazer, this conversation bridges the gap between the adrenaline of flight and the serenity of the stars.Connect with the Current:Official Website: thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics & Keywords: International Dark Sky Week 2026, Mike Weasner, Dark Sky Defender, Light Pollution, Space Shuttle Program, Air Force, Fighter Pilot, Cassiopeia Observatory, Arizona Dark Skies, Astrophotography, NASA History, Night Sky Preservation, Astronomy Education, Supersonic Flight.

How do we listen to the five - and only five - messengers of the universe? Join astrophysicist Dr. Saavik Ford as we explore the high-energy heart of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) and the shift into the Multi-Messenger era, all starting with a ritual glass of Nero di Troia.In this expansive conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Ford, a professor at CUNY and a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History, for a journey that meanders from the subways of New York to the edge of the observable universe.In this episode, we navigate:The Ritual: Tracing Saavik's ancestral roots through a bottle of Nero di Troia before diving into the physics of deep space.The Reality of Research: Saavik pulls back the curtain on the "glamour" of professional astronomy. A world built on Python code, data calibration, and the rare lore of being the last generation to ever put a human eyeball to the lens of a world-class telescope.The Five Messengers: A breakdown of how we receive information from the stars and how the discovery of Gravitational Waves has fundamentally changed our role as observers.Lifting as We Climb: Saavik’s mission through Astrocom NYC, helping underrepresented students build a "scientist identity" and navigate the precarious path of academia.The Surprise Detour: A look at how the world of professional theater intersects with the world of professional science.Whether you're counting photons from a quasar 14 billion light-years away or mentoring a freshman in a NYC classroom, we are all part of the same current. Saavik's story proves that science is not just data - it is a creative, collaborative act of wonder.Connect with the Current:Official Website: thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics & Keywords: Multi-Messenger Astronomy, Gravitational Waves, Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), Black Holes, Dr. Saavik Ford, AMNH, CUNY, Astrocom NYC, Science Communication, Python for Astronomy, Quasars, Nero di Troia, Wine and Science, STEM Diversity, Astrophysics, American Museum of Natural History.

On this journey down the Star River, I’m joined by Thomas Loupe, a creator who navigates the precise intersection of engineering, filmmaking, and music.Known for his atmospheric electronic project First Sun and his sound design on Natural Selection II, Thomas has spent years "translating" the universe into frequencies we can actually feel.We dive deep into his Return Void project and the philosophy of making the vast, silent cosmos accessible to everyone. As fellow travelers and musicians, we explore the "code" of creativity; comparing the mathematical oscillators of a synthesizer to the complex data processing of an astrophoto."What I love most about my connection to the cosmos and my connection to music is taking all of that together... so that other people in the world are able to have the experience that I wasn't able to have as a kid."In this episode, we explore:The Return Void Project: How Thomas uses sound to create a gateway into the "Great Silence" of space.The Math of Music: Why a synthesizer’s waveform isn't that different from a star’s light curve.Accessibility through Sound: Using sonification to bring the universe to those who may never put an eye to a telescope.The Surprise: Stay tuned for a rare, immersive audio treat that brings the "Sound of the Void" directly into your headphones.Whether you’re a gear-head, a gamer, or a stargazer, this conversation proves that the universe doesn't just look like something—it sounds like something, too.Connect with the Current:Official Website: thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics & Keywords:Sonification, Space Music, Synthesizers, Thomas Loupe, Return Void, First Sun, Natural Selection II, Sound Design, Astronomy Art, Audio Engineering, Astrophotography Processing, Electronic Music, Space Sounds, Ambient Music.

In this first journey down the Star River, I’m joined by Swedish astronomer and artist Katja Lindblom. We aren't just here to talk about data; we’re here to map the currents of our own histories.We trace Katja's flow from her days as the "Angry Astronomer" - standing on the front lines against astronomical misinformation - to her true calling as an "Egg Hunter." Together, we look at how the River of Time is fed by the small tributaries of our past: how a father's books become a lifelong compass, and how even a "crappy" childhood telescope can serve as an anchor in the rushing current of the universe.In this episode, we dive into:The Artemis Era: Reflecting on the return to the Moon not just as a technical feat, but as a long-awaited moment where the human reflection on the lunar surface finally becomes inclusive.The "Egg Hunter" Philosophy: How art and science converge to find the "hidden" wonder in the cosmos.A Meander into the Strange: We consider a cosmic theory you won't find in any textbook - the possibility that the entire expanse of space and time is nothing more than the indigestion of a gigantic celestial pony.Whether you're fighting for scientific truth or looking for your own place in the flow, Katja’s story is a reminder that the River is wide enough for us all.Connect with the Current:Official Website: thestarriver.comJoin the Conversation: Call 855-DEEP-SKY to share your "Star River" story, ask a guest a question, or leave feedback for the Astropotamus.Follow the Journey: Find on social media @Astropotamus.Topics & Keywords: Artemis Program, NASA Moon Missions, Katja Lindblom, The Egg Hunter, Science Misinformation, Women in STEM, Swedish Astronomy, Astro-Art, Space Philosophy, The Astropotamus, Lunar Exploration, Citizen Science.