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Finding Wonder: The Urgency of Dark Skies

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Manage episode 489974097 series 3347839
Content provided by Pat Benincasa. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Pat Benincasa or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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When was the last time you really saw the stars? Not just a few twinkles—but the Milky Way stretching overhead like a cosmic river?

Caroline “Siffy” Torkildson—geographer, explorer, and author of the new book “My Home Is Where My Trunk Is”—has spent a lifetime chasing eclipses, hiking sacred landscapes, and advocating for the night sky.

We dig into light pollution—the silent invader erasing our stars, disrupting wildlife, and throwing off our circadian rhythms. But we also explore solutions: from Dark Sky Parks to smarter lighting, from rural stargazing to astrotourism that restores our connection to night.

This is more than a conversation about stars. It’s a call to look up, to slow down, and to remember we belong to something vast and mysterious. We don’t look to the night sky for answers—we look to feel part of something greater than ourselves.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift! Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com
For international listeners the medal is available on Etsy.

Joan of Arc Scroll Medal
This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.
Follow me on Instagram!

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Dark Skies Crisis (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Light Pollution (00:05:28)

3. Chasing Eclipses and Wonder (00:14:35)

4. Health Impacts of Light Pollution (00:17:47)

5. Annie Peck: Mountaineer and Inspiration (00:22:36)

6. Dark Sky Tourism and Conservation (00:25:56)

7. Global Efforts Against Light Pollution (00:30:26)

8. Closing Thoughts on Preserving Darkness (00:34:30)

106 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 489974097 series 3347839
Content provided by Pat Benincasa. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Pat Benincasa or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

When was the last time you really saw the stars? Not just a few twinkles—but the Milky Way stretching overhead like a cosmic river?

Caroline “Siffy” Torkildson—geographer, explorer, and author of the new book “My Home Is Where My Trunk Is”—has spent a lifetime chasing eclipses, hiking sacred landscapes, and advocating for the night sky.

We dig into light pollution—the silent invader erasing our stars, disrupting wildlife, and throwing off our circadian rhythms. But we also explore solutions: from Dark Sky Parks to smarter lighting, from rural stargazing to astrotourism that restores our connection to night.

This is more than a conversation about stars. It’s a call to look up, to slow down, and to remember we belong to something vast and mysterious. We don’t look to the night sky for answers—we look to feel part of something greater than ourselves.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift! Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com
For international listeners the medal is available on Etsy.

Joan of Arc Scroll Medal
This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.
Follow me on Instagram!

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Dark Skies Crisis (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Light Pollution (00:05:28)

3. Chasing Eclipses and Wonder (00:14:35)

4. Health Impacts of Light Pollution (00:17:47)

5. Annie Peck: Mountaineer and Inspiration (00:22:36)

6. Dark Sky Tourism and Conservation (00:25:56)

7. Global Efforts Against Light Pollution (00:30:26)

8. Closing Thoughts on Preserving Darkness (00:34:30)

106 episodes

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