Improving Science Literacy with Rachel Freed

In this episode, Tony Darnell and Dustin Gibson sit down to talk with Rachel Freed, president of the Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InStAR), to discuss her work in the astronomy community and other exciting things happening in astronomy!

About Rachel Freed

Rachel Freed Sonoma As featured on Sonoma News highlighting her field research in Australia at the Mount Burnett Dome.

Rachel Freed has been in the hobby for over 20 years, dedicating her time and research to help students excited about astronomy gain scientific literacy and opportunities to be more involved in astronomy. As co-founder ofInStAR,she works with other astronomers to find ways to improve the way students can be educated about astronomy and finds ways to make it more accessible worldwide. Freed works at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, providing virtual sessions for people who want to use the observatory remotely and more! Sit back and enjoy this exciting podcast with Rachel Freed!

Time Stamps for the Improving Science Literacy Episode

2:11 - Getting to know Rachel Freed

4:45 - The most fascinating part of astronomy for Rachel Freed

7:53 - Working with the Robert Ferguson Observatory & astronomers

10:31 - How things have changed in her field with COVID-19

12:23 - Astrophotographers and outreach now

15:09 - Goals in leveraging astronomy fascination into understanding science

18:34 - Robotic Telescopes, Student Research and Education (RTSRE)

19:39 - Educational partnerships around the world & creating resources for educators

24:00 - Institute for Student Astronomical Research - what it’s about, how it helps, and more.

27:45 - Future of the hobby & Starlink satellites

31:27 - The impact of getting involved in astronomy programs as a student

32:14 - The impact of Starlink satellites for astrophotographers & finding a middle ground

38:46 - What are people interested in researching the most: double star astrometry, exoplanet astrometry or CubeSat astronomy?

45:16 - Current state of science literacy & needs to improve

52:40 - Social media & its impact on kids in regards to education

1:00:21 - Advice for students interested in getting started in astronomy

What had the most impact on your passion for astronomy? Let us know in the comments below!

Other articles you might be Interested in

Getting Started in Astronomy Imaging

Taking images through your telescope has never been easier. What used to be complicated, time-consuming and expensive is now accessible to people who've never used a telescope before. Getting started in taking pictures of the night sky is orders of magnitude simpler than it was decades ago when film reigned supreme.

Now, with modest equipment budding astrophotographers can achieve amazing results right out of the gate, but navigating all that gear can be overwhelming. In this episode of Space Junk Podcast, we'll explore strategies and gear to get you off to a roaring start taking images that will please your family, friends and all your social media followers.

0 Comments

Read

Building a Backyard Observatory: What You Should Know

Building your own observatory is a great way to enhance your enjoyment of getting out under the stars. Whether it's a simple cover for your tripod-mounted telescope, an easy to build roll off roof on a shed, or a beautiful clam-shell dome with all the bells and whistles, having an observatory can increase the amount of time using your equipment while decreasing your stress level.

By Drew Evans

0 Comments

Read

Beginner Astronomy: Where to Go and What to Bring

Space Junk Podcast is back! In this episode, Dustin and Tony return to basics and discuss what it means to be a beginner in the hobby of amateur astronomy today and offer advice on where to go observing as well as some tips on what to bring with you.

By Drew Evans

0 Comments

Read