ASTRO SPACE NEWS

A DIVISION OF MID NORTH COAST ASTRONOMY (NSW)

(ASTRO) DAVE RENEKE

SPACE WRITER - MEDIA PERSONALITY - SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT ABC/COMMERCIAL RADIO - LECTURER - ASTRONOMY OUTREACH PROGRAMS - ASTRONOMY TOUR GUIDE - TELESCOPE SALES/SERVICE/LESSONS - MID NORTH COAST ASTRONOMY GROUP (Est. 2002)   Enquiries: (02) 6585 2260       Mobile: 0400 636 363        Email: davereneke@gmail.com

Norfolk Island Stargazing Tour 2024  

A Magical Experience Under the Aussie Night Sky

Looking for the perfect holiday adventure that combines breathtaking views, clear skies, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian night sky? Join my partner Peter Davies and me for our Norfolk Island Stargazing Tour 2025—our fifth year of offering an unforgettable, celestial experience on one of Australia's most stunning islands!

The 2024 Tour Was a Blast!

This year's tour was one of our best yet, and we're thrilled to share just how magical it was. We had an amazing group of stargazers, perfect weather, and the clearest skies you could imagine. The highlight? Two to three nights of stargazing through our two large telescopes, where we marveled at the stars, planets, and deep space wonders that make the Aussie night sky one of the most spectacular sights on Earth. We couldn't have asked for better conditions—and the views were out of this world! 🌌✨

We kicked off the tour with a Welcome Drinks event, where we got to know each other and set the stage for the week ahead. And what better way to wrap up the experience than with a Farewell Dinner, where we shared stories and celebrated the incredible stargazing moments we'd had.

Special Highlights of 2024:

• Solar Viewing Day: Our solar viewing was a hit! With sunspots on display, we had front-row seats to one of the most exciting sights in the sky. Our guests were fascinated as we observed the sun up close—it's not something you get to do every day!
• Trivia Night: Our stargazing trivia night was a ton of fun! A perfect mix of learning and laughter, it brought everyone together for some friendly competition and stargazing facts.
• Island Exploration: No trip to Norfolk Island is complete without taking in all its natural beauty. We were lucky enough to explore the island's top attractions, from its rich history to its lush landscapes.

What's Included in the Tour:

• 7-Day Car Hire: Get out and explore the island at your own pace!
• Free Island Tour: See all the best bits of Norfolk Island, from the historical sites to stunning lookout points.
• Welcome Drinks 'Meet & Greet': We'll make sure you're well-fed and well-connected too with our magic farewell Dinner!
• 2-3 Nights of Stargazing: Enjoy a personal, guided stargazing experience through our large telescopes. The Aussie night sky will take your breath away.
• Solar Viewing: A special inclusion. View the Sun and take a snapshot using the latest USA solar viewing filters 

Looking Ahead to 2025: The Ultimate Stargazing Adventure

If 2024 was anything to go by, our 2025 Stargazing Tour is going to be even bigger and more spectacular! We're planning a much larger 7-day experience that will go even deeper into the wonders of the southern hemisphere's skies. Expect new celestial insights, more exciting activities, and plenty of chances to explore the island like never before. It's going to be one epic, starry week you won't want to miss!

So, if you've ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and immersing yourself in nature's wonder—while gazing up at the stars—this is your chance. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a first-timer, our Norfolk Island Stargazing Tour 2025 promises a truly magical experience.

Take a look at some of the incredible photos from this year's tour below and imagine yourself under those stunning skies next year. Don't wait too long to book—our spots fill up fast! We can't wait to welcome you to Norfolk Island for an unforgettable adventure among the stars!  Book early our seats fill fast. Contact Dave 0400 636 363 OR Email: davereneke@gmail.com

Could a supernova ever destroy Earth?

When Betelgeuse, a star located 650 light-years away, eventually explodes as a supernova, it will create a stunning display visible even during the day, appearing brighter than any planet and almost as bright as the full moon. This explosion will last for months but won't pose a danger to Earth due to its vast distance.

NASA Believes International Space Station Leak Can Be 'Catastrophic'

NASA has growing concerns about an ongoing air leak on a Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS) that has been going on since 2019. According to SpaceNews, Bob Cabana, a former NASA astronaut who now chairs the ISS Advisory Committee, raised the issue during a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

James Webb Space Telescope discovers mysterious 'red monster' galaxies so large they shouldn't exist

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has spotted a trio of gigantic "red monster" galaxies in the early universe, and they could rewrite our understanding of how stars and galaxies first formed. The enormous galaxies — each 100 billion times the mass of our sun and nearly as massive as the Milky Way — are more than 12.8 billion years old, having formed within a billion years of the Big Bang.

The Exploration Company (TEC) raised $160 million to fuel development of cargo to space stations.

  Venture capital firms Balderton Capital and Plural were the lead investors in the round which also included French government-backed investment vehicle French Tech Souveraineté and German government-backed fund DeepTech & Climate Fonds.

TEC's core product is Nyx, a capsule that can be launched from rockets into space carrying passengers and cargo. Nyx is reusable so once it has dropped its payload, it can re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and be used for the next mission. "It's a big market, and it's growing about a bit more than 10% per year because more nations want to fly their astronauts and more nations want to go to the moon," Hélène Huby, founder and CEO of TEC, told CNBC in an interview.

"So there is an increased demand for sending people to stations, sending cargo to stations," she said. This part of the market has very few players. Some of the biggest are SpaceX which has a capsule called Dragon. There are also rivals from China and Russia.

"We said, 'okay, let's build this capacity in Europe so that Europe can have its own capsule and also the world needs an alternative solution. [We] cannot only bet on SpaceX," Huby said. TEC is currently developing the second version of Nyx which it expects to launch next year, followed by a final version in 2028. This model will be partly financed by the European Space Agency.

Huby said the company has signed $800 million in contracts to use its capsule. These include mission contracts with companies including Starlab, which is designing a new space station, and Axiom Space. There is increasing activity in space among nations including China, the U.S. and India. One of the most ambitious projects is the NASA-led Gateway, which will be the first space station to orbit the moon.

"If you have more people, you also have a need for more cargo. So this is what is happening around the Earth and around the moon," Huby said. Huby sees TEC being a key player when it comes to developing the technology that is needed to return cargo to Earth once it has been in space. "This is also where we where we believe our vehicle is going to play an important role," Huby said.

New study of Apollo 16 moon samples reveals hidden lunar history

Scientists continue to piece together the moon's complex history using lunar samples collected during NASA's Apollo missions over half a century ago.

A fresh analysis of lunar dust collected by Apollo 16 astronauts in 1972 offers a clearer picture of the effects of asteroid strikes on the moon, allowing scientists to reconstruct billions of years of lunar history. The findings could also help upcoming crewed missions pinpoint precious natural resources for establishing moon bases, scientists say.

After landing in the heavily-cratered Descartes region in the lunar highlands, astronauts John Young and Charles Duke collected roughly 200 pounds (96 kg) of material from the moon's surface. Chemical analyses of soil-like pebbles in those samples, which the astronauts had gathered by raking across the landing site, have revealed the presence of various noble gasses including argon and xenon. These trapped gasses serve as useful timestamps of space weather processes like solar wind and asteroid impacts that have helped shape and reshape the moon's surface over billions of years.

Most of the samples collected during the Apollo era have already been scrutinized. To take advantage of new science and technology, NASA cracked open one of the last sealed samples, collected during the Apollo 17 mission, just two years ago. Much of our knowledge about the moon and its evolution comes from these samples, including the moon's true age being 40 million years older than we thought. 

But researchers say this new study of trapped lunar gasses is already revealing new chapters of lunar history.

"We can build a much more complete picture of the history of this part of the moon during the early solar system, where heavier impacts on the lunar surface in its first billion years or so gave way to less intense periods from two billion years ago or so," study lead author Mark Nottingham of the University of Glasgow in the U.K. said in a recent statement.

While analyzing samples collected during the Apollo 16 mission, Nottingham and his colleagues used mass spectrometry techniques to catalog various noble gasses and their abundance in the samples, which helped them "determine how much time the samples spent exposed on or near the moon's surface," Nottingham said in the statement.

Chemical makeup of gasses trapped in these "regolith breccias" — a result of moon dust fusing into rock under the sheer force of asteroid impacts — show they stood exposed to solar wind and asteroid impacts for a prolonged period.

The specific exposure ages varied widely between samples, from 2.5 billion years ago to less than a billion, suggesting the moon's soil around the landing area is "well mixed," with some of it dredged up to the surface by more recent impacts, the new study reports.

Nottingham says that studies like this one will help scientists better understand where noble gases and other elements might be found on the moon and in what abundance, helping humanity better plan for future lunar exploration.

"It's remarkable to think that the samples Apollo 16 brought back more than half a century ago still have secrets to reveal about the moon's history, and that they could yet help shape how we explore the solar system in the decades to come," Nottingham said.

NASA generated $76 billion for US economy in 2023, report says

NASA's efforts in science, exploration and beyond are helping drive economic growth across America, according to an agency study.

Seniors don't have to stop pursuing various astronomical interests like stargazing because they're getting on in years. Looking at the stars, or even taking a telescope outside and checking out the moon, or just enjoying a meteor shower is a fantastic way to spend unique quality time with your grand-kids or mates. It's relaxing too.

Now is a great time to step outside and learn something about our Solar System and the Universe around you. There are numerous goodies awaiting you up there, and once you've located them, you can use their positions to help identify a handful of other bright stars.

Even with a small telescope, you can see Saturn's rings, which are still an eye opener! Stargazing need not be complicated, if you can find the Moon, you're on your way to becoming a backyard astronomer. On some nights, the Moon can serve as a great locator to help find other objects as well.

Stunning and hard to miss at the moment is Venus shining brilliantly in the western sky just before sunset. Venus was called the 'goddess of love' in Greek mythology, but we know it better as the 'evening star. Jupiter, Mars and the world's best stars and constellations are in your line of sight for November as well

Once you've found these few planets, you can then identify some constellations and a handful of bright stars, even if you live in a city. The brightest is Sirius, which can be found late in the evening just to the right of the famous constellation Orion, or what Aussies call the 'Saucepan.'

There! Well done. You've observed more than you might realise. You've now learned to look back in time. Sirius is 8.6 light years away, meaning that the light you saw took a bit over 8 years to get here... travelling at 300,000 kilometres a second! Sorta boggle the mind huh?

Other stars even farther away are visible, most light years away. Our galaxy contains billions of stars, but the most adept sky watchers can see no more than 6,000 of them without a telescope.

Sooner or later you'll probably want a better view. This doesn't need to cost a lot or be extremely complicated. If you have a pair of good binoculars you're on your way. A small telescope, one that can magnify 60x or more, will reveal an even more stunning sight,

Nothing in the night sky is easier to study than the Moon. With no equipment, you can make out the 'face' and see subtle colour differences on the surface. See stunning views of craters, and study the region where shadows fall into deep dark canyons.

Looking at the Moon is a sneaky way to look back in time. Most of the craters are ancient, many having formed more than 4 billion years ago when asteroids and comet impacts were more common. Look also for bright streaks radiating outward from craters. These are formed by material cast out by impacts. What violence!

Remember I run the monthly Mid North Coast Astronomy group here in Wauchope. Always available for anyone interested in joining or just coming along for a night under the stars. I also give slide talks to groups and clubs. Email me at davereneke@gmail.com or see my website www.davidreneke.com.

China's Space Tourism Takes Flight: A New Era Begins 

China's first space tourism venture took a small step toward commercial reality last week, when it sold the first tickets on its rocket to space.

China is making significant strides in the field of space tourism, as evidenced by Deep Blue Aerospace's recent sale of its first tickets for sub-orbital flights. This historic event took place during a livestream on the popular e-commerce platform Taobao, where two seats were offered at an introductory price of ¥1,000,000 (approximately $140,000). This price is notably lower than the expected future cost of ¥1,500,000 ($210,000), incentivizing early adopters to secure their place among the stars.

The sale attracted an impressive three million viewers, marking a milestone for public space tourism in China, despite the limited availability of only two tickets. The lucky ticket holders will embark on an exhilarating 12-minute journey, which will take them past the Kármán line—the recognized boundary of space—allowing them to experience approximately five minutes of weightlessness.

The vessel designated for this adventure is the Nebula-1 rocket, China's first reusable launcher, designed to carry a 7.9-ton capsule affectionately named "Rocketaholic." This capsule features six windows, providing passengers with stunning views of Earth and the cosmos. Deep Blue Aerospace claims that Nebula-1 can complete up to 50 flights, emphasizing sustainability in this emerging industry.

Deep Blue Aerospace plans to devote the next three years to extensive research and development, conducting numerous safety tests before the anticipated launch in 2027. This focus on safety is especially crucial given recent incidents in extreme tourism, which have raised public concerns.

The ticketing terms include a ¥50,000 ($7,000) deposit, a non-disclosure agreement, and a unique clause that requires passengers to bring back any waste generated during their flight, highlighting the growing awareness of space debris issues. Additionally, ticket holders can expect options for rebooking and refunds under certain conditions, as well as merchandise like t-shirts or model rockets included with their purchase.

As Deep Blue Aerospace moves forward with its plans, this venture represents a significant step toward making space travel accessible to civilians. With ambitious goals and a commitment to safety, the company could pave the way for broader participation in future space exploration, igniting excitement for what lies beyond our planet.

NASA launches space mission to Jupiter moon, Europa, in search for life

NASA has launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft on an almost 10-year mission to learn whether conditions on Jupiter's moon could sustain life in what scientists believe could be a deep ocean hidden beneath its icy surface.

The spacecraft, which is supposed to travel 3 billion kilometres (1.8 billion miles), was launched on Monday on board SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket from a NASA facility on Florida's east coast

The launch, delayed by several days due to Hurricane Milton, came a day after SpaceX launched its fifth Starship test flight from Texas and returned the rocket's booster to land for the first time.

Europa's hidden ocean

Europa is one of Jupiter's 95 known moons, and scientists believe it could have an ocean up to 120km (80-mile) deep, hidden beneath a thick ice sheet covering its surface. In 2013, the Hubble Space Telescope spotted what appeared to be geysers erupting from the surface of Europa, which is the largest of the 95 moons, discovered by Italian astronomer Galileo in the early 17th century.

Now, scientists want to get a closer look at what could be thermal vents on the ocean floor. These vents could potentially support life and provide a potent energy source.

"It's a chance for us to explore not a world that might have been habitable billions of years ago, but a world that might be habitable today — right now," programme scientist Curt Niebur told The Associated Press news agency.

The Europa Clipper is equipped with massive solar panels, making it the biggest craft built by NASA to investigate another planet. It is about the size of a basketball court and has a budget of $5.2bn.

Closer look

Though it is not NASA's first mission to Jupiter, the agency says it is the first one designed to conduct a detailed study of Europa. The spacecraft will fly closer than previous missions, within about 25km (nearly 16 miles).xAfter orbiting Jupiter, it will make 49 close flybys of Europa before ending the mission in 2034 with a planned crash into Ganymede, another of Jupiter's moons.

In the 1970s, the Pioneer spacecraft and two Voyager missions provided the first detailed photos of Europa from a distance.xSince then, NASA's Galileo and Juno spacecraft have also come close enough to capture images of the moon.The spacecraft carries nine science instruments, including radar to see below the ice, and cameras that will map virtually the entire moon.

Among the challenges the Clipper faces to reach Europa is passing through Jupiter's bands of radiation, which requires special protection for its instrument controls, which are cased in thick aluminium and zinc walls.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Juice spacecraft, launched last year, is also headed to Jupiter.

Will China Put the First Woman on the Moon?

In the vast expanse of space, a new race is heating up, and this time, it's not just about rockets, rovers, or the glory of being first—it's about rewriting history. The world is waiting to see which nation will claim the honour of sending the first woman to the Moon. And now, it's not just the United States in the running, China is vying for the lead.

NASA, of course, has the legacy. From 1969 to 1972, twelve American men walked on the lunar surface, a feat that etched the U.S. into the annals of space exploration. But in the decades since, lunar exploration took a back seat. Now, under the Artemis program, NASA promises to send the first woman to the Moon by 2025. Yet, just as the U.S. is revving up, another player has entered the game—China.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been making quiet, but steady, progress. While NASA announces its moves openly, China operates with a sense of mystery, keeping the world on edge. In 2003, China launched its first astronaut into space, becoming only the third country to do so. Since then, their advancements have been remarkable. In 2019, they became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon's far side, a feat no one else has achieved. And now, whispers suggest that one of China's next lunar astronauts might just be a woman.

China's push toward the Moon has been fuelled by a determination to showcase its technological prowess and national pride. In 2021, they launched the Tiangong space station, sending their first female astronaut, Wang Yaping, to live aboard it. She followed in the footsteps of Liu Yang, China's first woman in space in 2012. Both are highly trained, and either could be a future candidate to walk on the Moon.

But China's approach is different. Unlike NASA, with its clear timelines and public goals, China prefers to keep its plans under wraps. We know they aim for a lunar mission in the late 2020s, but could they be further along than they're letting on? NASA's grand plans have faced delays before, and if that happens again, China could quietly step ahead, sending the first woman to leave her mark in the Moon's dust.

It's more than just a race between nations. This is a geopolitical chess match with high stakes. If China lands a woman on the Moon first, it will send shockwaves through the global space community, challenging the U.S.'s long-held dominance.

For China, this isn't just about making history—it's about showing the world that they are a force to be reckoned with, and that their vision for space includes equality. A Chinese woman on the Moon would symbolize progress, strength, and the nation's rise as a space power.

The countdown is on. Will it be NASA or China that makes history. Whoever plants the first female footprint on the Moon will change the course of space exploration forever. It would be more than a victory for space exploration—it would be a fitting tribute to the women who were once kept out of the space program, their dreams grounded by outdated norms.

We'll watch the moment unfold in vivid HD color, a historic step forward, not just for one nation, but for all women who've fought to break barriers. This long-overdue achievement will shine a spotlight on their contributions and inspire future generations to aim even higher, proving that the sky is truly no limit.

What's That Bright Star In The West?

Have you ever noticed that stunningly bright 'star' setting in the West and wondered what it was? Surprise—it's not a star at all! It's the planet Venus, our closest planetary neighbour and often mistaken for a UFO because of its brilliant glow and unusual movements. But don't let its beauty fool you—Venus is nothing like Earth, even though it's sometimes called our twin due to its similar size.

In mythology, Venus was named after the Goddess of Love, but in reality, this planet is far from romantic. It's a hellish world with a thick, toxic atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide, and its surface is covered by swirling clouds of sulphuric acid. These clouds trap heat, creating a runaway greenhouse effect that makes Venus the hottest planet in our solar system. Surface temperatures reach a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt lead!

Imagine standing on Venus—if you could survive the crushing pressures. On Venus, you'd weigh about 90 times more than on Earth, as if you were three kilometres beneath the ocean. The planet's surface is rusty and mountainous, with thousands of large volcanoes, some of which might still be active today. So, yes, Venus may be our "twin," but it's definitely the ugly one.

Another strange thing about Venus is its rotation. Unlike Earth, Venus spins backward, so the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Even more bizarre, its day is longer than its year! Venus also shows phases, just like the Moon, making it a dazzling sight through a telescope.

Throughout the year, Venus transforms from the 'Morning Star' to the 'Evening Star,' and this celestial dance has confused cultures for centuries, leading people to believe Venus was two different planets. Its breathtaking glow has sparked UFO sightings too, as its brilliance and movement make it seem otherworldly—though in some ways, it is.

The history of Venus is also tied to exploration. Captain James Cook's famous voyage to Australia in 1769 wasn't just about new lands—it was primarily to observe the Transit of Venus from Tahiti. These transits, where Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, were crucial in calculating the size of the solar system. These rare events happen in pairs, eight years apart, but then over a century passes before the next one. The last transit was in 2012, and the next one won't be until 2117.

Landing on Venus is out of the question for humans. The crushing atmosphere and scorching temperatures make survival impossible. In fact, one Russian probe did manage to land on the planet decades ago, only to be destroyed within hours by the immense heat and pressure. But you can still marvel at Venus from the comfort of Earth. With just a pair of binoculars, you can spot it easily in the night sky.

Venus is a favourite target during my home astronomy visits, and I highly recommend checking it out tonight. For more information, visit my website at www.davidreneke.com or give me a call at 0400 636 363. The wonders of the universe are just a glance away!

Spring astronomy in Australia offers a bonus not many other countries enjoy– crisp clear skies! Our mid -north coast skies Spring astronomy in Australia offers a bonus not many other countries enjoy– crisp clear skies! Our mid -north coast skies are sparkling now so why not get outside tonight with me under the stars from your own backyard. You won't be disappointed with so much on offer for October.

Remember, the starlight you see coming from all those constellations tonight left there hundreds, and in most cases thousands of years ago, and it's just arriving now! Remember, when you stargaze, you're looking back in time. Your telescope is your time machine, coupled with imagination it can take you anywhere!

If you're new to astronomy the hardest part is learning all those stars. Relax! It's a lot easier than you think, but you won't do it sitting inside at your keyboard and monitor. Some people say that we spend too much time indoors and not enough time observing the things around us, like the moon, stars and planets.

But what if your screen, in this case your Smartphone or tablet, can actually help you appreciate the skies more? Well they can and they're amazingly simple to use! Here's some of my favorite free apps. 'Sky View' will identify almost everything above your head at night and it's fantastic! Try 'The Moon' for your lunar viewing, then download an accurate new Aussie app 'ISS Flyover' to catch the space station passing over for a week ahead. It's a small charge but worth it.

This one is a knockout. On your tablet or laptop download an app called 'Star Chart.' It puts a virtual planetarium right in your pocket. It uses state of the art GPS technology that will show you the current location of every star and planet visible from Earth. Cool huh?

For even more realistic night sky experiences install 'Stellarium' on your laptop or iPad. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, just do it. It's free and has so much to offer you will be surprised. An alternative is the popular program 'Celestia.' A world of creative wonder awaits you.

Planets, stars, and star patterns have shaped our lives. Remember standing out in your backyard as a kid trying to count 'em all? I did. This fascination with the stars and the night sky extends to almost all indigenous cultures throughout the world. Hey, ever wondered if you can use your phone as an Astro-camera, well you can!

With most smartphones today you can photograph your night sky without needing a connected computer or much post-processing. Plus, the images you capture can be immediately shared with family and friends and posted on social media. For the best results, you should attach your phone to a camera tripod to hold it steady. Don't laugh, I've even taped mine or used Blu-Tac!

Smartphone astrophotography lets you easily record a snapshot of what you see through your telescope as well. To take any kind of image of the night sky means a long exposure, which means stability. If you're seriously keen, I recommend buying the Celestron NexYZ adapter. You can then easily start taking photos of lunar eclipses, lunar craters, planets, the phases of the Moon.

The app 'NightCap Camera' ranks highly on the list of the best night vision camera apps. With it, you can take amazing low light and night photos. All you need to do is just hold steady and tap the shutter. Simple huh!

TELEGRAPH RETREAT COTTAGES NSW AUSTRALIA

Award winning cottages, set among native bushland in the Port Macquarie countryside. Share this beautiful rural retreat with the kangaroos, kookaburras and wallabies as you relax in the spa or enjoy a glass of locally produced wine by the wood-burning fireplace, in your own private accommodation. Telegraph Retreat Cottages offer three secluded cottages, spread over nine acres of land, you will enjoy hotel style luxury surrounded by nature and an abundance of wildlife.

Whether you are seeking a romantic couples retreat, a family farm stay or a great location for a group of friends or family to come together, we have the perfect space for you! Nestled amongst the trees, yet only five minutes off the Pacific Highway and fifteen minutes north of the thriving NSW coastal town of Port Macquarie and thirty minutes from Crescent Head, Telegraph Retreat Cottages provide a selection of traditional Australian Federation style cottages for you to unwind and enjoy the moment or explore the region in comfort. Telegraph Retreat Cottages 126 Federation Way Cooperabung NSW 2441 0447047083 bookings@telegraphretreat.com.au Website: https://www.telegraphretreat.com.au/

**Leave a message or comments on this website Email me directly : www.davereneke@gmail.com

NB/ Please Include Your Name and Email address If You Require An Answer.

'ASTRO DAVE' RENEKE - A Personal Perspective

I've often been asked what I do, where I've been and what sort of activities I've engaged in throughout my 50 years involvement in astronomy and space. Here is an interview i did with Delving with Des Kennedy on Rhema 99.9 recently. 

David Reneke, a highly regarded Australian amateur astronomer and lecturer with over 50 years of experience, has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of astronomy. With affiliations to leading global astronomical institutions, David serves as the Editor for Australia's Astro-Space News Magazine and has previously held key editorial roles with Sky & Space Magazine and Australasian Science magazine.

His extensive background includes teaching astronomy at the college level, being a featured speaker at astronomy conventions across Australia, and contributing as a science correspondent for both ABC and commercial radio stations. David's weekly radio interviews, reaching around 3 million listeners, cover the latest developments in astronomy and space exploration.

As a media personality, David's presence extends to regional, national, and international TV, with appearances on prominent platforms such as Good Morning America, American MSNBC news, the BBC, and Sky News in Australia. His own radio program has earned him major Australasian awards for outstanding service.

David is recognized for his engaging and unique style of presenting astronomy and space discovery, having entertained and educated large audiences throughout Australia. In addition to his presentations, he produces educational materials for beginners and runs a popular radio program in Hastings, NSW, with a substantial following and multiple awards for his radio presentations.

In 2004, David initiated the 'Astronomy Outreach' program, touring primary and secondary schools in NSW to provide an interactive astronomy and space education experience. Sponsored by Tasco Australia, Austar, and Discovery Science channel, the program donated telescopes and grants to schools during a special tour in 2009, contributing to the promotion of astronomy education in Australia. BELOW Is the recorded interview  

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PARTNER & ASTRO SUPPLIER

Many thanks to Peter and the crew at ASTRO ANARCHY Queensland. A New business with the amateur astronomer firmly in mind.  Astro Anarchy has the experience, the stock and the knowledge to set up the first timer, to assist in the development of our hobby for the experienced observer OR cater to any other size need or desire in the field of amateur astronomy. 

ATRO ANARCHY AS OUR SPONSOR: My business partner Peter Davies and I have set up a new Astro Tourism business focusing on the recently 'Dark Sky Town' accredited to Norfolk Island. We call it 'Norfolk Island STARGAZING'. When approached, Pete from Astro Anarchy had no hesitation in organizing and supplying all our Telescopes, Binoculars and associated gear to get started. Nothing was any trouble allowing us more than enough time to set up and become fully operational. He and he and his business come highly recommended for anyone wanting any astronomical gear in Australia.

Web: https://www.astroanarchy.com.au/    Sales: sales@astroanarchy.com.au   Phone: 0412 085 224

'Astro Dave' Is Radio-Active 

Heard On DOZENS Of Stations Weekly - CLICK for past interviews