The Nature of Nantucket

Host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Larry Tsai, Co-Founder and Proprietor of Moon Tsai Winery, ahead of the winery's special visit to Nantucket for an upcoming wine dinner celebrating the winery's 20th anniversary. Larry shares the story behind launching the family-owned winery, the passion and perseverance that helped shape its success, and the fascinating science that goes into every bottle, from vineyard conditions and fermentation to flavor profiles and the art of blending. Joanna and Larry also discuss the connection between science and winemaking, the evolution of the wine industry over the past two decades, and what guests can expect from this unique Nantucket experience featuring Moon Tsai wines.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about asteroids that might crash into the Earth.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with Heather Packard from Mass Audubon for an important conversation about the growing movement to ban anticoagulant rodenticides across Massachusetts. They discuss the devastating impact these poisons have on wildlife and ecosystems, why immediate action is needed, and how local voices can help create statewide change. Heather encourages listeners to TAKE ACTION by May 19 and call their Massachusetts state representative to ask Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the House Ways & Means Committee to strengthen Sections 74 and 75 of the Mass Ready Act by including language from H5217, which would phase out the use of anticoagulant rodenticides statewide. The goal is for each of the 160 state representatives to receive at least 10 calls from constituents because, together, communities have the power to advocate for wildlife and be the voice for the voiceless. Learn more and take action at bit.ly/CallYourMAReps.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about UFOs and what they might really be.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director of the Maria Mitchell Association and Curator of the Mitchell House archives and special collections, for a fascinating conversation about everything new and exciting happening at the MMA this year. From newly acquired historic properties and the stories behind them, to the important environmental work being done aboard the Harbor Watch boat and through the harbor buoy program, Joanna and Jascin explore how the organization continues to connect science, history, and the Nantucket community. They also preview upcoming educational programs, special events, and the much-anticipated MMA fundraising Circus July 23-26.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the alien comet and how it got here.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about why Pluto should be a planet again.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the difference between how the sky looks when you are in Australia rather than Nantucket.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the difference between the far side of the Moon and the dark side of the Moon.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Nantucket's Dark Skies.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about NASA's return to the Moon and the movie Project Hail Mary.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket one hundred years ago.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about plans to launch a million satellites into orbit around the Earth.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the center of our Milky Way galaxy and its supermassive black hole.

Geoff Clayton is an astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Little Red Dots which have been discovered at the edge of the Universe by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how six of the planets are lining up in the sky at the end of February.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how the Sun's high activity is continuing to produce Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections, and Aurorae.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Jupiter is visible in the night sky these cold nights.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the Artemis II mission to the moon the will launch in February.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the plans of Schmidt Sciences, run by our own Wendy Schmidt, to build a new space telescope.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station.

On this week's episode of the Maria Mitchell Association podcast The Nature of Nantucket, host Joanna Roche speaks with Holly Greenberg—professor at Syracuse University and Director of Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene. Holly shares the story behind her public-art project raising awareness of bird deaths from window collisions, where over 10,800 handmade fabric birds visualize this hidden crisis. She also reflects on her Nantucket origin story, how the island shaped her creative journey, and her father's early connection to the Maria Mitchell Association itself. Listeners can learn more about Holly's work at hollygreenberg.com.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

On this episode, host Joanna Roche sits down with Dr. Jackie Milingo, Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association, to examine the controversial space startup Reflect Orbital. The company proposes launching a constellation of orbiting mirrors designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth, providing illumination and solar energy after sunset. Drawing from the company's stated goals, Joanna and Dr. Milingo discuss what Reflect Orbital is trying to achieve and why many scientists believe the concept poses serious concerns for the planet, including increased light pollution, disruption to astronomical research, impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, and the growing problem of congestion and debris in Earth's orbit.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what causes the seasons.

On this episode, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association speaks with Kim Schulam, Stranding Coordinator for the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, about the dead sperm whale that washed ashore on Nantucket's North Shore on November 18. Kim walks us through the response process, including how her team conducted tests and examinations to learn more about the whale and what may have caused its death. She also explains the careful planning and coordination required to remove such a large marine mammal from the beach, ultimately leading to the decision to tow the whale 60 miles offshore to ensure it would not return to Nantucket's shoreline.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what a meteor shower is and how to see it.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director, curator, historian and true expert on all things Nantucket, for a nostalgic walk through MMA's rich past. Together they revisit the stories, personalities and unforgettable characters who helped shape the organization, from the influential Edith Folger Andrews to the passionate Eileen McGrath, Elizabeth Yager and many others. It is a heartfelt conversation full of history, legacy, laughter and memories, celebrating the people who made the Maria Mitchell Association what it is today.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Cosmic Rays and how they affect the Earth.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about the interstellar comet which is flying past the Earth and then out of the Solar System.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes back Dr. Jackie Milingo, the MMA's Director of Astronomy, for another mind-expanding conversation, this time exploring the very fabric of the universe. Together they dive into the space-time continuum, unpack the relationship between time and space, and discuss the tantalizing possibilities of time travel, multiple dimensions, and the enigmatic nature of black holes. Along the way, they touch on some of the most intriguing phenomena in modern astrophysics, making complex ideas accessible, engaging, and full of wonder. It's a compelling episode for anyone curious about how our universe works and how much more there may be to discover.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes back Dr. Jackie Milingo, the MMA's Director of Astronomy, for a fascinating deep dive into the wonders of our skies. Together they unpack what the Northern Lights really are and why Nantucket has recently had such spectacular views. The conversation then moves to the science behind sunspots and, for a fun twist, a thoughtful look at the mysteries surrounding aliens and UFOs and UAP's. It's an enlightening and entertaining episode for sky-watchers and curious minds alike.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how Nantucket's Whaleships navigated the oceans.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Nikoline Bohr who is an artist, treasure hunter, and program assistant at the Maria Mitchell Association. Nikoline shares the story of her journey to Nantucket, her educational background, and how her creative spirit and curiosity fuel both her art and her love of uncovering hidden gems. She also gives us a look behind the scenes at her work with the MMA and what inspires her on and off the island. To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/. 

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how astronomers get their data at Observatories.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Jascin Finger, Deputy Director of the Maria Mitchell Association and Curator of the Mitchell House archives and special collections, for a fascinating conversation about cemeteries and the stories they hold. Jascin shares her deep knowledge of stone monuments, how they're cared for and cleaned, and why cemetery history is such a rich and revealing way to understand a community. Along the way, listeners will hear some surprising and delightful stories pulled from the archives….proving that there's a lot more life found among the stones than you might expect.Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about how astronauts may soon return to the Moon.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about Daylight Savings Time and why we have it.

This week on the show, host Joanna Roche sits down with John Barentine, Principal Consultant and Expert at Dark Sky Consulting, for an engaging conversation about his journey into the world of astronomy and his transition to becoming a dark sky consultant. John shares fascinating insights into his work, including the importance of measuring light pollution with a sky quality meter and the urgent need for solutions to protect our night skies. Tune in to learn more about the impact of light pollution and how Dark Sky Consulting is leading the charge in preserving our celestial wonders. For more information, visit https://www.darkskyconsulting.com/.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, welcomes Elisa Kermani who is the MMA's Natural Science Museum Manager. Elisa shares her Nantucket origin story and the journey that led her to a life dedicated to animals and education. From her early days at Walt Disney World's The Seas exhibit in Florida to working with dolphins in Hawaii, Elisa's path is filled with fascinating experiences that ultimately brought her to the island where her passion for science and wildlife inspires visitors every day. Learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about some threats to Nantucket's dark skies.

Geoff Clayton is an Astronomer at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about planets orbiting other stars.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche, Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, sits down with Dr. Jackie Milingo, the new Director of Astronomy at the MMA. Jackie shares her inspiring journey into the stars, from the moment she first saw Halley's Comet as a child, to studying astronomy at the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma, and later teaching as a visiting professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Now on Nantucket, she talks about what drew her to the island, her passion for astronomy education, and her vision for the future of the MMA's astronomy programs. 

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association continues her conversation with RJ Turcotte, Nantucket's Water Keeper, exploring the science behind PFAS contamination and its local implications. RJ explains what PFAS are, how they differ from microplastics, and why both pose significant challenges to Nantucket's delicate marine and freshwater ecosystems. Together, they examine current research, sources of pollution, and what's being done to protect the island's environment for future generations.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what interests him most in astronomy: dust in space.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche of the Maria Mitchell Association sits down with RJ Turcotte, Nantucket's Water Keeper, to hear his inspiring island origin story. RJ shares how his first connection to Nantucket began as a Boy Scout visiting the island, a spark that eventually led him to his current role as a guardian of Nantucket's waters. He explains what being a Water Keeper truly means, the responsibilities that come with the position, and the journey that brought him to this vital role in protecting the island's environment and community.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about what caused all the craters on the Moon and why the Earth doesn't have many craters.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche sits down with Silas Gilbert, Head Brewer at Cisco Brewers for the past eight and a half years. Silas and Joanna talk about “Stargazer”, a brand-new beer brewed in collaboration with the Maria Mitchell Association that is being premiered at their launch party on October 1st from 4-7pm. Silas shares his journey to Nantucket, what inspired his passion for brewing, and offers an inside look at how beer is made and its rich history. It's a conversation that blends science, craft, and community that raises a glass to curiosity and collaboration.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about gravitational waves produced by two black holes merging into one.

This week on the show, host Joanna Roche sits down with John Barentine, Principal Consultant and Expert at Dark Sky Consulting, for an engaging conversation about his journey into the world of astronomy and his transition to becoming a dark sky consultant. John shares fascinating insights into his work, including the importance of measuring light pollution with a sky quality meter and the urgent need for solutions to protect our night skies. Tune in to learn more about the impact of light pollution and how Dark Sky Consulting is leading the charge in preserving our celestial wonders. For more information, visit https://www.darkskyconsulting.com/.To learn more about the Maria Mitchell Association visit https://www.mariamitchell.org/.

Geoff Clayton is the Interim Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association. This week Geoff talks about new evidence for Life on Mars.

This week on the podcast, host Joanna Roche welcomes Ginger Andrews, Field Ornithologist for the Maria Mitchell Association. They dive into the details of the Association's upcoming birding trip to New York City's Central Park on Saturday, September 20th. Ginger shares her personal connection to the park, the timing of the fall migration, and the bird species participants can expect to encounter, along with a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this field trip so special.For more details about the Maria Mitchell Association, visit mariamitchell.org.