Star Stuff

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Star Stuff: A Space Poddity, by Lowell Observatory, will be a 45-minute podcast recorded on Mars Hill that aims to make astronomical science and space exploration fun and accessible to wide audiences using humor, facts, and casual banter. Two Lowell educators (Hailey Osborn and Wesley Sonnemaker) and one literature major (Cody Half-Moon) will sit together and discuss astronomy, planetary science, and space exploration via news articles, movie reviews, audience questions, pop culture discussions, and guest speakers. This podcast will run for one year, with its first episode launching in January 2022.

Lowell Observatory


    • Apr 2, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 167 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Star Stuff

    Bridging Stars and Storytelling with Nanibah Chacon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 36:38


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Diné (Navajo) and Chicana artist Nanibah Chacon. Following the unveiling of her breathtaking new mural at the observatory, Nanibah discusses the profound intersection of Indigenous culture, science, and public art.

    It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 41:45


    In this episode of Star Stuff, host Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Hopi/Cherokee artist Gerald Dawavendewa to celebrate the unveiling of the monumental 30-foot Indigenous Cosmology mural at Lowell Observatory's Astronomy Discovery Center.

    It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 41:45


    In this episode of Star Stuff, host Kevin Schindler sits down with renowned Hopi/Cherokee artist Gerald Dawavendewa to celebrate the unveiling of the monumental 30-foot Indigenous Cosmology mural at Lowell Observatory's Astronomy Discovery Center. The post It is Something Worth Doing: Art and Astronomy with Gerald Dawavendewa appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 39:58


    Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart When Rusty Schweickart looked back at Earth from orbit on Apollo 9, he saw something fragile and worth defending. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with the astronaut and co-founder of the B612 Foundation to talk about one of biggest threats to life on Earth: asteroid impacts.

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    Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 39:58


    Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart When Rusty Schweickart looked back at Earth from orbit on Apollo 9, he saw something fragile and worth […] The post Are We Safe From Asteroids? | We Talk To Astronaut Rusty Schweickart appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 27:48


    The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock Star Stuff Podcast In this intimate conversation, Cody Half-Moon sits down with filmmaker and author Adam Nimoy to explore the profound personal and cultural legacy of his father, Leonard Nimoy. From behind-the-scenes Star Trek stories and reflections on growing up in the shadow of Spock, to candid discussions of addiction, recovery, and reconciliation, Adam opens up about writing his memoir The Most Human, navigating fame, and finding healing through storytelling. The episode also dives into the enduring impact of Spock on identity and fandom, the emotional weight of legacy, and the wisdom Adam offers to anyone trying to repair a fractured relationship.

    The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 27:48


    The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock Star Stuff Podcast In this intimate conversation, Cody Half-Moon sits down with filmmaker and author Adam Nimoy to explore the […] The post The Most Human: Adam Nimoy on Legacy, Love, and Spock appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 30:17


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Brian Skiff as he recounts his discovery of Venusian moon Zoozve, and how a determined dad’s twitter thread helped him do it.

    Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 30:17


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Brian Skiff as he recounts his discovery of Venusian moon Zoozve, and how a determined dad's twitter […] The post Does Venus Have A Moon? | We Talk To Zoozve Discoverer Brian Skiff appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    LIVE from Grand Canyon: Turning the Park Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 55:52 Transcription Available


    In this special episode of Star Stuff recorded live from Grand Canyon National Park, we’re joined by former Astronomer in Residence and Lowell Observatory Public Information Officer Kevin Schindler, Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Manager Clover Morell, and Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane. Blast off into exciting topics, including the Astronomer in Residence and alumni programs, the magic of dark skies at Grand Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Park's achievement of reaching 90% dark sky compliance with new dark sky-friendly lighting fixtures throughout the park. We also recap Star Party 2024 and so much more!

    LIVE from Grand Canyon: Turning the Park Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 55:52 Transcription Available


    In this special episode of Star Stuff recorded live from Grand Canyon National Park, we're joined by former Astronomer in Residence and Lowell Observatory Public Information Officer Kevin Schindler, Grand […] The post LIVE from Grand Canyon: Turning the Park Dark appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 43:37


    Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon 2Ep25 Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler sits down with the one and only Diana Gabaldon, author of the wildly popular Outlander book series. They discuss Diana’s familial connection to the observatory, her creative process, and how Lowell Telescope Dome Engineer Stanley Sykes dealt with wild turkeys.

    Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 43:37


    Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon 2Ep25 Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler sits down with the one and only Diana Gabaldon, author of the wildly popular Outlander book […] The post Makers, Menders, and Writers | We Talk to Diana Gabaldon appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    How Common is Life on Other Planets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023


    Wow, over 70,000 listens to Star Stuff! This podcast is still in the top 20 of astronomy podcasts and climbing. Thank you all for your support as we wrap up Season 2. If you would like to see more episodes next year for Season 3, we will be doing special segments only. Let us know what you want to learn about! In this Season 2 finale episode of Star Stuff, Cody Half-Moon sits down with Lowell astronomer Dr. Joe Llama, who specializes in the study of exoplanets. They discuss the distant worlds that lie in the Habitable Zone, the possibility that we are not alone in the universe, and more.

    How Common is Life on Other Planets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 33:21


    Wow, over 70,000 listens to Star Stuff! This podcast is still in the top 20 of astronomy podcasts and climbing. Thank you all for your support as we wrap up […] The post How Common is Life on Other Planets? appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    CSI: Mechanical Forensics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 33:17


    In this Cosmic Scope Interview (CSI), Lowell’s Technical Facilities Manager Jeff Gehring takes host Cody Half-Moon through the challenges of restoring the historic 24″ Clark Telescope to its former glory while staying true to the designs of the era it was built in.

    CSI: Mechanical Forensics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 33:17


    In this Cosmic Scope Interview (CSI), Lowell's Technical Facilities Manager Jeff Gehring takes host Cody Half-Moon through the challenges of restoring the historic 24″ Clark Telescope to its former glory […] The post CSI: Mechanical Forensics appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Reconciling Religion and Astronomy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 36:11


    An atheist, a catholic, and an agnostic walk into a podcast recording room… and have an incredible conversation about how science and astronomy inform religious perspectives! Inspired by Dr. Kyler Kuehn, a Lowell astronomer and scientific consultant for the Clergy Letter Project, and featuring Lowell Astronomer Dr. Michael West, this episode explores the compatibility between religion and science. Discover how curiosity and open-mindedness enhance discussions and perspectives in this friendly debate amongst friends.

    Reconciling Religion and Astronomy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 36:11


    An atheist, a catholic, and an agnostic walk into a podcast recording room… and have an incredible conversation about how science and astronomy inform religious perspectives! Inspired by Dr. Kyler […] The post Reconciling Religion and Astronomy appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    A Moving Portrait

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 31:51


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler and astronomer Gerard van Belle sit down for a chat with German artist Ulrike Arnold, the subject of the feature-length documentary Dialogue Earth. They discuss Ulrike’s artistic process, the intersection of science and art, the importance of protecting our Earth, and more.

    A Moving Portrait

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 31:51


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler and astronomer Gerard van Belle sit down for a chat with German artist Ulrike Arnold, the subject of the feature-length […] The post A Moving Portrait appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    How the Earth Formed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 34:39


    In this episode of Star Stuff, join Cody Half-Moon and geologist John Compton as they discuss the mind-blowing process of our planet's formation over 4.6 billion years ago.

    How the Earth Formed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 34:39


    In this episode of Star Stuff, join Cody Half-Moon and geologist John Compton as they discuss the mind-blowing process of our planet's formation over 4.6 billion years ago. The post How the Earth Formed appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Bringing Astronomy to the People

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 33:22


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Kevin Schindler is joined by special guest Eric Edelman, the director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium in Prescott, AZ. Kevin and Eric discuss Lowell’s new partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautics Academy, what it takes to bring the dream of a planetarium to life, and the importance of making astronomy education accessible to everyone.

    Bringing Astronomy to the People

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 33:22


    In this episode of Star Stuff, Kevin Schindler is joined by special guest Eric Edelman, the director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium in Prescott, AZ. Kevin and Eric […] The post Bringing Astronomy to the People appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Life Beyond Our Solar System

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 52:39


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about aliens. Again. Join Cody Half-Moon and returning guest Dean Regas as they discuss upcoming solar eclipses, the possibility of life beyond our solar system, and Dean’s new book “1000 Facts About Space.”

    Life Beyond Our Solar System

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 52:39


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about aliens. Again. Join Cody Half-Moon and returning guest Dean Regas as they discuss upcoming solar eclipses, the possibility of life beyond […] The post Life Beyond Our Solar System appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    The Life and Times of Percival Lowell

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 32:50


    The man, the myth, the founder. In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about how Percival Lowell made history by founding Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona and how he was one of the first popularized alien hunters in astronomy.

    The Life and Times of Percival Lowell

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 32:50


    The man, the myth, the founder. In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk about how Percival Lowell made history by founding Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona and how he […] The post The Life and Times of Percival Lowell appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Choosing Between Sciences and Humanities: We Talk to Journalist Melissa Sevigny

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 36:54


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with journalist Melissa Sevigny to talk about her career, choosing between different paths, and her newest book, “Brave the Wild River.” Learn more about Melissa at melissasevigny.com.

    Choosing Between Sciences and Humanities: We Talk to Journalist Melissa Sevigny

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 36:54


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with journalist Melissa Sevigny to talk about her career, choosing between different paths, and her newest book, “Brave the Wild River.” […] The post Choosing Between Sciences and Humanities: We Talk to Journalist Melissa Sevigny appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Making an Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 31:52


    Learn about a 50,000-year-old Meteor Crater from the man who runs the crater business here in Flagstaff, Arizona. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Matthew Kent, President and CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises, to talk about all of the exciting things going on surrounding Meteor Crater and Planet Science, as well as the importance of keeping people connected to science.

    Making an Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 31:52


    Learn about a 50,000-year-old Meteor Crater from the man who runs the crater business here in Flagstaff, Arizona. In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Matthew Kent, […] The post Making an Impact appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Making Science Accessible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 33:24


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk to University of Denver professor and astronomer, Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, about making science more accessible. To learn more about DU SciTech Summer Camp, visit science.du.edu/du-sci-tech.

    Making Science Accessible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 33:24


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we talk to University of Denver professor and astronomer, Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, about making science more accessible. To learn more about DU SciTech Summer […] The post Making Science Accessible appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Theories of the Universe Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 42:12


    Multiverse? Simulation? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss even more of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works.

    Theories of the Universe Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 42:12


    Multiverse? Simulation? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss even more of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works. The post Theories of the Universe Part 2 appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Theories of the Universe Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 38:06


    String Theory? Braneworld? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss some of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works. Stay tuned for Part 2!

    Theories of the Universe Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 38:06


    String Theory? Braneworld? In this episode of Star Stuff, we discuss some of the most mind-blowing theories of how our universe works. Stay tuned for Part 2! The post Theories of the Universe Part 1 appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    What Astronomers Do In The Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 51:49


    In this episode of Star Stuff, astronomers Dr. Gerard van Belle and Dr. David Ciardi take us on a behind-the-scenes journey through a night of observing, from the movies they watch to pass the time to terrifying close calls.

    What Astronomers Do In The Dark

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2023 51:49


    In this episode of Star Stuff, astronomers Dr. Gerard van Belle and Dr. David Ciardi take us on a behind-the-scenes journey through a night of observing, from the movies they […] The post What Astronomers Do In The Dark appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Apollo Astronauts At The Grand Canyon? We Talk To Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 50:31


    Filmed at the Grand Canyon! This episode features audience favorite Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane to discuss the Astronomer in Residence program at the Grand Canyon with the Astronomer in Residence for May 2023… our very own Kevin Schindler! Learn about what research Kevin is doing from the Grand Canyon about the Apollo astronauts and the training they did in the canyon ahead of their Lunar Landing.

    Apollo Astronauts At The Grand Canyon? We Talk To Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 50:31


    Filmed at the Grand Canyon! This episode features audience favorite Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane to discuss the Astronomer in Residence program at the Grand Canyon with the Astronomer in […] The post Apollo Astronauts At The Grand Canyon? We Talk To Dark Sky Ranger Rader Lane appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    What Is Life Really Like In Space? – We Talk To Astronaut Nicole Stott

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 31:17


    Ever wondered what it’s like to live in space? Star Stuff sits down with Astronaut Nicole Stott to ask the important questions, from how living in space affected her art, how she helped so many through her adventures, and also what it’s like to pee in space. Find it all in this episode, and buy her book at nicolestott.com.

    What Is Life Really Like In Space? – We Talk To Astronaut Nicole Stott

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 31:17


    Ever wondered what it's like to live in space? Star Stuff sits down with Astronaut Nicole Stott to ask the important questions, from how living in space affected her art, […] The post What Is Life Really Like In Space? – We Talk To Astronaut Nicole Stott appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Capturing The Cosmos: We Talk About Astrophotography

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 38:24


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Lowell educator, Gavin Moriarty, to talk about the basics of astrophotography and how you can get started in the craft.

    Capturing The Cosmos: We Talk About Astrophotography

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 38:24


    In this episode of Star Stuff, we sit down with Lowell educator, Gavin Moriarty, to talk about the basics of astrophotography and how you can get started in the craft. The post Capturing The Cosmos: We Talk About Astrophotography appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    What Is Life?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 41:39


    What is life? In this episode of Star Stuff, our hosts discuss what it means to be alive on Earth and beyond.

    What Is Life?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 41:39


    What is life? In this episode of Star Stuff, our hosts discuss what it means to be alive on Earth and beyond. The post What Is Life? appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

    Let’s Take A (Conversational) Look at the Sun – We Talk to Dr. Jeff Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 63:04


    The Star Stuff crew sits down with solar astronomer and Lowell Observatory Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Hall, to talk about a seriously hot topic: the Sun! Jeff tells us about the Sun’s life cycle and what it can teach us about other stars.

    Let’s Take A (Conversational) Look at the Sun – We Talk to Dr. Jeff Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 63:04


    The Star Stuff crew sits down with solar astronomer and Lowell Observatory Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Hall, to talk about a seriously hot topic: the Sun! Jeff tells us about […] The post Let's Take A (Conversational) Look at the Sun – We Talk to Dr. Jeff Hall appeared first on Lowell Observatory.

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