Episodes

  • Eclipse Countdown

    Eclipse Countdown
    Apr 5 2024
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville. A podcast celebrates that for two days over the next 15 months, Kerrville, TX, will be the Eclipse Capital of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox, will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network. Today, Tom and Andrew visit over the final countdown to the Eclipse and review their favorite stories from this podcast series. Eclipses and astronomy, a subject of fascination that has mesmerized countless individuals, trigger profound curiosity and captivation in their enthusiasts. Delving into this topic, Tom Fox and Andrew Gay bring their own unique perspectives into the conversation. Fox’s perspective is one that marries admiration for celestial events with an appreciation for their scientific and economic implications. His dialogue and interaction with experts like Ben Locwin and Mike Zeller have enriched his understanding of the nuances of different eclipses, highlighting their unpredictable and thrilling nature. Conversely, Andrew Gay’s enthusiasm for the subject was sparked later in life, in his mid- to late-twenties. His discussions with former NASA employees and avid eclipse chasers such as Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides and Jeff Stone have deepened his knowledge and fueled his interest in the world of astronomy. Gay espouses a philosophy of preparedness for upcoming eclipses while also embracing the uncertainties associated with these events, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience as a whole. Key Highlights: Passionate Enthusiasts Inspiring Wonder Through Eclipses Eclipse’s Economic Impact on Local Communities Chasing the Mystique of Total Solar Eclipses Resources: Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    15 mins
  • Mike Zeiler on Mapping The Path of The Eclipse

    Mike Zeiler on Mapping The Path of The Eclipse
    Feb 23 2024
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 15 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network. Today, Tom takes a solo turn to visit with eclipse chaser and tracker Mike Zeiler. Mike Zeiler is a seasoned expert in geographic information systems (GIS) with a particular focus on smart mapping and analytical capabilities. His passion for astronomy has led him to chase solar eclipses since 1991, witnessing numerous total, annular, and partial eclipses. This passion has also driven him to create eclipse maps and establish the renowned website, Great American Eclipse.  Zeiler's perspective on the 2024 eclipse preparation is centered on strategic planning and maximizing the chances of a successful viewing experience. He emphasizes the importance of selecting a location with favorable weather conditions and good mobility options in the event of patchy clouds on eclipse morning. His approach to eclipse chasing involves meticulous preparation and a willingness to travel to different parts of the world to witness these celestial events. His dedication to his passion is evident as he looks forward to upcoming eclipses in Spain in 2026 and 2027.  Key Highlights: Eclipse Chaser: Mike Zeiler's Celestial Journey Double Diamond Ring Phenomenon Prediction Platform 2024 Eclipse: Emphasizing Experience Over Photography Long-Term Eclipse Chasing Plans Around the World Resources: GreatAmericanEclipse.com Twitter Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    25 mins
  • Chap Percival on The Transformative Journey of Total Solar Eclipses

    Chap Percival on The Transformative Journey of Total Solar Eclipses
    Jan 19 2024
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 15 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capital of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network. Today, Tom and Andrew visit with noted eclipse chaser Chap Percival.  Chap Percival is a seasoned educator and advocate for safe and educational eclipse viewing, with a rich background in math and science education and a deep passion for astronomy. His perspective on safe and educational eclipse viewing is shaped by his extensive experience in the field, including his time as a planetarium director and his personal experiences witnessing six eclipses across four continents. Chap strongly emphasizes the importance of safety during eclipse viewing, recommending the use of eclipse glasses and cautioning against young children staring at the sun. He also encourages people to visit his website for more information and resources on safe viewing and his book on eclipses. Join Tom Fox and Andrew Gay as they delve deeper into this topic with Chap Percival on the next episode of The Night Sky podcast. Key Highlights: The Transformative Journey of Total Solar Eclipses Experiencing the Multidimensional Eclipse Journey Ethereal Transformation: Chasing the Eclipse Chap Percival's Eclipse Viewing Guide Resources: Go See The Eclipse: A Glimpse of God’s Glory by Chap Percival Eclipse Kerrville Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    27 mins
  • The Night Sky - Dr. Kim Arvidsson's Journey in Astronomy

    The Night Sky - Dr. Kim Arvidsson's Journey in Astronomy
    Sep 28 2023
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville, a podcast that celebrates that for two days over the next 15 months, Kerrville, TX, will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox, will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network produces this podcast. Join hosts Tom Fox and Andrew Gay on the latest episode of “The Night Sky” as they interview Kim Arvidsson, an associate professor of astronomy and physics at Schreiner University, who has a rich background in astrophysics, having studied at Lund University in Sweden and Iowa State University, and later working as a postdoc at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Arvidsson’s passion for astronomy was ignited during his childhood when he witnessed the return of Haley’s Comet and learned about Voyager Two’s exploration of Uranus and Neptune. This fascination with the predictability of astronomical events led him to a career in astronomy, where he now focuses on observational studies of star-forming regions. As an educator, he takes great pleasure in witnessing his students’ “light bulb” moments as they grasp and articulate complex concepts. Join Tom Fox and Andrew Gay as they delve into Dr. Kim Arvidsson’s career and contributions to astronomy education on this episode of The Night Sky podcast. Key Highlights: ·      Dr. Kim Arvidsson's Journey in Astronomy ·      Dr. Arvidsson's fascination with celestial events ·      Astronomical Luck: Upcoming Dual Eclipses ·      Eclipse prediction through ancient observations ·      Exploring the Cosmos: Beyond Gazing at Stars Resources Kim Arvidsson Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    51 mins
  • Bruce Barton from the Hill Country Astronomers

    Bruce Barton from the Hill Country Astronomers
    May 5 2023
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville, a podcast that celebrates that for two days over the next 18 months, Kerrville, TX, will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox, will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network. Join hosts Tom Fox and Andrew Gay on the latest episode of "The Night Sky" as they interview Bruce Barton, a member of the Hill Country Astronomers, about the rare and exciting upcoming solar eclipses coming to Kerrville. With over 80 members from various counties, the Hill Country Astronomers Club is at the forefront of astronomy in the region. Barton shares his expertise about the rarity of a total solar eclipse, occurring only once every 4-500 years at any location on Earth. He also reveals that the last total solar eclipse to occur near Texas was in 1878, and the next one won't happen until 2048. The hosts and guests then discuss personal experiences of watching a total solar eclipse, emphasizing the need for safety glasses and the unique nature of the experience that photos don't do justice. The hosts offer resources for listeners to learn more about the Hill Country Astronomy Club and the local dark sky group. Take advantage of this fascinating episode filled with expert knowledge and personal stories about the wonders of the night sky. ·      The Rarity of Solar Eclipses ·      Chasing the Total Solar Eclipse in the Fog ·      Eclipse Tourism Challenges in Small Towns ·      Hill Country Astronomy Club Outreach Programs ·      Embracing the Solar Eclipse Experience ·      Contact Recommendations for Listeners Notable Quotes: “If I were to rank it from, say, 1 to 10, it's an 11.” “The instant that it went total, I was a crow magnet man. I was absolutely gobsmacked.” “But as beautiful as those photographs are, they cannot do justice. To what you will see with your own eyes during a total solar eclipse.” ‘Basically, we're there to provide an avenue for people who are interested in the night sky to become more familiar with it.” Resources Hill Country Astronomers Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    26 mins
  • Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides-the Eclipse Evangelist

    Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides-the Eclipse Evangelist
    Apr 14 2023
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 18 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.  On the latest episode of The Night Sky with host Tom Fox and guest Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides, they discuss the upcoming eclipse coming to Kerrville. Whitesides, who has a passion for eclipses, shares her experiences and love for witnessing such a rare and incredible event. The 2024 solar eclipse will be a special one for Kerrville, as the center line will cross the interstate 10, which passes through the city. Whitesides shares her story on how she came to decide on Kerrville as the place to witness this rare event. If you're interested in witnessing the solar eclipse in 2024, here are three tips to make the most of it: 1. Plan ahead: Book your accommodations and travel plans in advance so you can secure the best spot to watch the eclipse. 2. Pack the right equipment: Be sure to bring eclipse glasses, a camera, and a tripod to capture the moment. 3. Take it all in: Remember to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the eclipse and enjoy the experience. Whitesides shares her excitement for this eclipse and evangelizes about it. If you want to learn more about the upcoming eclipse in Kerrville, be sure to listen to this episode of The Night Sky. Notable Quote "It was just amazing. And just had me in tears. It was so beautiful. It was so overwhelmed. It was an incredible experience." Resources Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides Eclipse Evangelist Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    25 mins
  • Karen Taylor-the Eclipse is Coming to Kerr County

    Karen Taylor-the Eclipse is Coming to Kerr County
    Apr 6 2023
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 18 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.  Get ready for an exciting episode of The Night Sky as hosts Tom Fox and Andrew Gay welcome Karen Taylor, Executive Director of the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the upcoming solar eclipse event that is expected to attract thousands of tourists to the area. Karen shares insights on the limited hotel availability and the local businesses' preparations for the expected influx. Tom and Andrew discuss the efforts made by the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce to educate its members on the traffic, safety concerns, and preparations for the event. Listen in as they share locals' thoughts on the event and how the Ingram School District is providing eclipse glasses to all students. Plus, exciting silent and live auction items up for bid, including a G Harvey painting and concert ticket packages. Don't miss the special guest speaker Jeff Stone, who provides information on safety issues related to the eclipse. Join the conversation, check the website for upcoming events and get ready for a night sky full of stars! Key Highlights  ·       Preparing for Eclipse Tourism in Kerr County  ·       Preparing for Total Eclipse Tourism in Kerr County ·       Potential Traffic and Safety Issues for Eclipse Event ·       Solar Eclipse Preparations and Celebrations in Ingram School District ·       Upcoming auction items and donors for charity event ·       Chamber Events and Eclipse T-Shirts Notable Quotes “The chamber should be promoting and networking and bringing our businesses together.” “ It's well worth it just to hear him talk in addition to everything else.” “We still have tables for sale, and we also have individual tickets. The Total Eclipse tables are $1500, the Annular clips tables are a $1000 and individual tickets are $60.” “It really is a big deal. And We're not talking about 150000 people. We're talking about 150000 people that live for this stuff.” Resources West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    24 mins
  • Leslie Jones on the Local Impact of the Eclipses on the People of Kerrville and Kerr County

    Leslie Jones on the Local Impact of the Eclipses on the People of Kerrville and Kerr County
    Mar 17 2023
    Welcome to The Night Sky: A Podcast on the Eclipses Comes to Kerrville a podcast which celebrates that for two days over the next 18 months, Kerrville, TX will be the Eclipse Capitol of the World. This podcast, hosted by Andrew Gay and Tom Fox will celebrate these two eclipses and discuss how the town of Kerrville will prepare for an influx of a quarter million (or more) visitors. This podcast is produced by the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network.  This episode, featuring guest Leslie Jones, is an especially exciting one. Jones provides fascinating insight into the coming total solar eclipse that will be visible in Kerrville, Texas. She explains how the city is planning to serve as a hub of information, while the eclipse itself will pass between Goat Creek Road and the city. This is an event that only happens once in a lifetime and one that should be marked on everyone's calendar. During the podcast, Leslie provides some advice on what to do in preparation and encourages listeners to let him know if they decide to view the eclipse. The podcast also mentions that the Kerrville Independent School District will be calling school on the date of the eclipse, April 8th, so parents should be prepared to have their children out of school. Key Highlights Include ·       Visiting Kerrville for the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse [01:47] ·       The Total Eclipse in Texas: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event [05:37] ·       The Role of Kerrville in Future Planning [09:04] ·       Preparing for KIC's School out on April 8th [12:47] ·       Planning a Private Event in Your Community [16:24] Notable Quotes 1.     "An annular eclipse happens when the moon covers the sun's center leaving the sun's visible outer edges to form a ring of fire and or an analyst around the moon." 2.     "The total solar eclipse that we are going to have in April of 2024 you have to have your glasses on leading up to totality. During totality, you don't you can take them off to experience and then obviously when totality ends, and it starts leaving, you'll need to put those glasses back on. Because again, you're staring at the sun. So that's bad. It's bad for your eyeballs." 3.     "This is literally a once in a lifetime event for us here in Texas.” 4.     I know. It's pretty exciting. Wow." Resources Leslie Jones on LinkedIn Andrew Gay on LinkedIn Tom Fox on LinkedIn
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    18 mins