top of page

ENGLISH VIDEOS

Kainaat English.png

Kainaat Astronomy in English

Subscribe Now!
Conversations about science, ethics, and society in collaboration with NPR/NEPM and IAU-OAO.

Chai on the Moon

Dr. Martin Braddock: Health Hazards on the Moon! | Chai on the Moon |
01:08:42

Dr. Martin Braddock: Health Hazards on the Moon! | Chai on the Moon |

Human settlements on the Moon are on the horizon. However. There are significant health challenges. For example, the lunar regolith can impact the respiratory and central-nervous system. Long-term exposure to radiation on the lunar surface can have lethal consequences. There will be significant health issues even on a planet like Mars. In this episode of Chai on the Moon, we have a conversation with Dr. Martin Braddock on health hazards on the Moon. 🎙 About Our Guest: Dr. Martin Braddock is a professional scientist, project manager and project leader working for a large pharmaceutical company. He is the founder of GENIXICOLSULTINg LTD. He has published over 170 articles in many journals including Nature, Cell, Human Gene Therapy and Nature Drug Discovery and more recently papers in astronomical journals for which astronomy is a passionate hobby. He is a member of Sherwood Observatory in the UK, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. And he has a PhD in Radiation Biology (from the Radiation Biology Unit, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell Oxfordshire). Dr. Martin Braddock is available as a speaker as well: https://astrospeakers.org/provider/martin-braddock Reference papers: Martin Braddock, Hazards of Lunar Regolith for Respiratory, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular and Ocular Function, November 2021, DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-81388-8_9 In book: The Human Factor in the Settlement of the Moon (pp.141-157) Konrad Szocik & Martin Braddock, Bioethical Issues in Human Modification for Protection against the Effects of Space Radiation, Space Policy, Volume 62, November 2022, 101505 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2022.101505 👨‍🚀 About the Host: Dr. Salman Hameed holds a PhD in astronomy and serves as the Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College. He is also a faculty member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. Beyond academia, he is the CEO of Kainaat Studios, a non-profit dedicated to science communication and outreach. 🌌✨ #astronomynews #nasa #alternative #spacerace #moon #hazards #documentary #podcast #astronomyadventures #astronomy #space #universe #science #biology #toxins Subscribe to our NEW Kids English Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdIRtt8-Og1q99bkK5XBhoQ Subscribe to our Kids Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDt7wgStPBzuxtcAf2qqnkg Subscribe to our Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UClJlxaRQLPsx0gPIHgIZffw For more information about Kainaat Studios: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Sign up to our mailing list to get unseen content and hear special announcements! https://www.kainaatstudios.com/newsletter Follow us for more: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kainaatstudios Twitter https://twitter.com/KainaatStudios Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kainaatstudios/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kainaatstudios LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kainaat Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation, Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal, Qazi Family Foundation and PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: AIIR Foundation, Ashraf Qazi, Aimen Khan, Slavena Emilova Molle and Abid & Farah Donation Fund Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Salman Mallick, Dr. Tariq Hameed, Asif Alam, Zubair Faiz, Dr. Kamran Manzoor, Dr. Arsalan Malik and Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:45 - Human settlement environment 00:08:28 - Effects of long-term low gravity 00:13:18 - Regolith challenges 00:18:25 - Regolith impact on health 00:21:03 - Preventive measures 00:30:00 - Neurological disruption 00:33:02 - Long term habitation 00:35:36 - Challenge of regolith on Mars 00:44:21 - Psychological difficulties 00:49:50 - Human Gene Modification 00:58:45 - Future on the Moon 01:05:32 - Show for All mankind
Dr. Jordan Carroll: Musk, the Alt-Right, and the Future of Space Exploration! | Chai on the Moon |
01:08:03

Dr. Jordan Carroll: Musk, the Alt-Right, and the Future of Space Exploration! | Chai on the Moon |

Science fiction often imagines a diverse, multicultural future—think Star Trek 🌍✨. But some within the alt-right see space exploration as a domain exclusively for white supremacy. In this episode of Chai on the Moon, we sit down with Dr. Jordan Carroll to explore the unsettling intersection of science fiction and far-right ideologies, as discussed in his latest book, Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right 📖🚀. 🔬 Topics Covered: - How sci-fi has shaped political and racial narratives 🔥 - The alt-right’s vision of space exploration 🌌 - Star Trek vs. the alt-right’s imagined future 🖖 - The role of literature in challenging extremist ideologies 📚 🎙 About Our Guest: Dr. Jordan Carroll holds a PhD from UC Davis and is an acclaimed author, professor, and editor. His work has appeared in The Nation, Jacobin, Polygon, and more. His book Reading the Obscene won the MLA Prize for Independent Scholars. 👨‍🚀 About the Host: Dr. Salman Hameed holds a PhD in astronomy and serves as the Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College. He is also a faculty member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. Beyond academia, he is the CEO of Kainaat Studios, a non-profit dedicated to science communication and outreach. 🌌✨ #astronomynews #nasa #alternative #spacerace #musk #history #documentary #podcast #astronomyadventures #astronomy #space #universe #science #trump #moon Subscribe to our NEW Kids English Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdIRtt8-Og1q99bkK5XBhoQ Subscribe to our Kids Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDt7wgStPBzuxtcAf2qqnkg Subscribe to our Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UClJlxaRQLPsx0gPIHgIZffw For more information about Kainaat Studios: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Sign up to our mailing list to get unseen content and hear special announcements! https://www.kainaatstudios.com/newsletter Follow us for more: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kainaatstudios Twitter https://twitter.com/KainaatStudios Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kainaatstudios/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kainaatstudios LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kainaat Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios Credits: Written & Hosted by: Salman Hameed Edited by: Shehryar Shaikh Music: “Kainaat” by Umer Piracha Subtitles by: DigiCircle Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation, Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal, Qazi Family Foundation and PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: AIIR Foundation, Ashraf Qazi, Aimen Khan, Slavena Emilova Molle and Abid & Farah Donation Fund Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Salman Mallick, Dr. Tariq Hameed, Asif Alam, Zubair Faiz, Dr. Kamran Manzoor, Dr. Arsalan Malik and Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:05 - Dr. Jordan Carrol 00:03:00 - Space exploration for All 00:10:00 - Left-wing, right-wing, and more 00:13:36 - Space exploration and philanthropy 00:17:15 - Space in the middle of conflict 00:21:40 - Racial purity 00:26:45 - Speculative Whiteness 00:29:40 - Dune and the Alt-right 00:37:38 - Star Trek Alt-right 00:40:49 - Archeofuturism 00:44:06 - Narcissism 00:46:45 - UAP and Aliens for Alt-right 00:53:40 - Future in Space 00:58:50 - Shift in Ideology's impact on Space mission 01:02:40 - China in Alt-right view
Asif Siddiqi: Lessons from the History of Soviet Space Program! | Chai on the Moon |
58:36

Asif Siddiqi: Lessons from the History of Soviet Space Program! | Chai on the Moon |

The US and China are locked in a new space race, but what can history teach us? Looking back at the Cold War rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, we explore how space programs evolve under authoritarian regimes and what drives public fascination with space exploration. How does China’s space ambitions today compare to the Soviet push for the Moon in the 1960s? Joining us is Dr. Asif Siddiqi, a leading historian of the Soviet space program and Professor at Fordham University. He is the author of Challenge to Apollo: The Soviet Union and the Space Race, 1945-1974, and his research spans global space history, the Stalinist Gulag, and even music culture. His wide-ranging research interests include the Stalinist Gulag (he has a book coming out on that), he has edited a volume on music titled, One-Track Mind: Capitalism, Technology, and the Art of the Pop Song, and he has a book coming out on global space history, especially in South Asia and Africa. Don’t miss this deep dive into space history and the future of global space exploration! References: You can find most of Dr. Siddiqi's writings, podcasts, and videos at: https://www.asifsiddiqi.com/work 👨‍🚀 About the Host: Dr. Salman Hameed holds a PhD in astronomy and serves as the Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College. He is also a faculty member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. Beyond academia, he is the CEO of Kainaat Studios, a non-profit dedicated to science communication and outreach. 🌌✨ #astronomynews #nasa #sovietunion #spacerace #apollo #history #documentary #podcast #astronomyadventures #astronomy #space #universe #science Subscribe to our NEW Kids English Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdIRtt8-Og1q99bkK5XBhoQ Subscribe to our Kids Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDt7wgStPBzuxtcAf2qqnkg Subscribe to our Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UClJlxaRQLPsx0gPIHgIZffw For more information about Kainaat Studios: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Sign up to our mailing list to get unseen content and hear special announcements! https://www.kainaatstudios.com/newsletter Follow us for more: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kainaatstudios Twitter https://twitter.com/KainaatStudios Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kainaatstudios/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kainaatstudios LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kainaat Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios Credits: Written & Hosted by: Salman Hameed Edited by: Shehryar Shaikh Music: “Kainaat” by Umer Piracha Subtitles by: DigiCircle Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation, Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal, Qazi Family Foundation and PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: AIIR Foundation, Ashraf Qazi, Aimen Khan, Slavena Emilova Molle and Abid & Farah Donation Fund Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Salman Mallick, Dr. Tariq Hameed, Asif Alam, Zubair Faiz, Dr. Kamran Manzoor, Dr. Arsalan Malik and Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Prof. Asif Siddiqi 03:06 - Inauguration Speech 06:40 - Space frontier then and now 09:26 - Soviet frontier philosphy 14:05 - Spiritual and Science 15:48 - Cosmisim 18:00 - Chinese imaginary 23:40 - Science vs Authority 27:35 - Tools of propaganda 29:06 - State and science exploration 34:13 - Science to prison 39:38 - Global Science 47:17 - Space Race in 21st Century 50:26 - State-owned to Private companies 54:31 - For all Mankind
Jack Burns: What is Unique About Astronomy From the Moon? | Chai on the Moon |
51:11

Jack Burns: What is Unique About Astronomy From the Moon? | Chai on the Moon |

Can our Moon help us explore some of the earliest epochs of the universe? Can there be telescopes on the far-side of the Moon that can study an era before galaxies or before even the first stars? Is there a way to protect astronomy on the Moon from competing commercial and national interests? Our guest, Professor Jack Burns, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics, both at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder, and is Vice President Emeritus for Academic Affairs and Research for the CU System. He has been thinking and advocating about telescopes on the Moon for over forty years, and he is the Principal Investigator of NASA's FARSIDE: A Low Radio Frequency Interferometric Array on the Lunar Farside. Relevant Links: https://www.colorado.edu/faculty/burns/ https://www.colorado.edu/project/lunar-farside About the host: Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios. Credits: Written & Hosted by: Salman Hameed Edited by: Shehryar Shaikh Music: “Kainaat” by Umer Piracha Subtitles by: DigiCircle Major Support for Kainaat Studios Provided by: Sahr Foundation Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal PixelEdge Aimen Khan Slavena Emilova Molle AIIR Foundation Our Space Orbiter Donors for Kainaat Studios: Dr. Abdul Nadir Dr. Asad Ansari Dr. Salman Mallick Dr. Tariq Hameed Asif Alam Zubair Faiz Dr. Kamran Manzoor Dr. Arsalan Malik Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you want to donate to the non-profit Kainaat Studios, please visit https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters 00:00 - Intro 04:50 - Why have a Telescope on the Moon 07:33 - Cosmic Dark age 12:40 - What kind of Telescope is ideal for the Moon 19:05 - Fixed point observation 24:38 - Policy impact 29:30 - Construction on the moon 31:24 - Value and Profit obstacle 35:30 - Other Telescopes and mineral research 41:25 - Regulations framework 45:20 - 2050 developments on the Moon

Mr. Universe

🚨 INDIA-PAKISTAN CRISIS: How Critical Thinking Can Cut Through Media LIES 🔍 | Mr. Universe |
21:38

🚨 INDIA-PAKISTAN CRISIS: How Critical Thinking Can Cut Through Media LIES 🔍 | Mr. Universe |

The world held its breath last week as Pakistan and India—two NUCLEAR-ARMED nations—came dangerously close to WAR in their worst conflict in 50 YEARS! But amid the escalating tensions, social media and news outlets on BOTH sides flooded the public with dangerous MISINFORMATION. In this eye-opening episode of Mr. Universe, hosts Monte Belmonte and Astrophysicist Salman Hameed (who brings unique cross-cultural perspective as a Pakistani scientist) break down: - 🧠 How scientific CRITICAL THINKING skills can help anyone identify fake news - 🌍 The GEOPOLITICAL realities behind the Pakistan-India conflict - ⚠️ Why MISINFORMATION spreads so rapidly during international crises - 🔬 Practical METHODS to verify claims before sharing them Could the same analytical thinking used in ASTRONOMY help us navigate complex geopolitical tensions? Discover how science-based reasoning can be your most powerful tool in an age of information warfare! 🌟 Join us for this timely discussion on international relations, media literacy, and how scientific thinking extends far beyond the laboratory. An edited version of this segment airs on The Fabulous 413 on NPR/NEPM Listen Here: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1155727495/the-fabulous-413 #indiapakistanconflict #indiapakistanwar #indiapakistantensions #fakenewsmedia #nuclearwar #southasiageopolitics #factchecking #nasa #astronomynews #science #spaceexploration #space #astronomyadventures #podcast #trump #jwst #cosmology #astronomyinurdu #kainaat Subscribe to our Kids Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDt7wgStPBzuxtcAf2qqnkg Subscribe to our Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UClJlxaRQLPsx0gPIHgIZffw For more information about Kainaat Studios: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Sign up to our mailing list to get unseen content and hear special announcements! https://www.kainaatstudios.com/newsletter Follow us for more: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kainaatstudios Twitter https://twitter.com/KainaatStudios Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kainaatstudios/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kainaatstudios LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kainaat Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios Credits: Hosts: Monte Belmonte & Salman Hameed Editor: Shehryar Shaikh Music: "Gates of Gagashah" by Zohaib Kazi Images: NASA, BBC, Inverse Magazine, Cambridge University, ESA, Wikipedia, JWST, ESO, Eater and Capri Sun Group Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation, Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal, Qazi Family Foundation and PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: AIIR Foundation, Ashraf Qazi, Aimen Khan, Slavena Emilova Molle and Abid & Farah Donation Fund Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Salman Mallick, Dr. Tariq Hameed, Asif Alam, Zubair Faiz, Dr. Kamran Manzoor, Dr. Arsalan Malik and Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate
🔴 URGENT: 50% Science Budget Cuts? What NASA & NSF Slashes Mean for Astronomy 🔭 | Mr. Universe |
26:44

🔴 URGENT: 50% Science Budget Cuts? What NASA & NSF Slashes Mean for Astronomy 🔭 | Mr. Universe |

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: The Trump Administration has proposed a shocking 50% cut to NASA science funding and NSF budgets. What does this mean for the future of American astronomy, space exploration, and scientific research? The potential consequences are alarming. In this essential episode of Mr. Universe, hosts Monte Belmonte and Astrophysicist Salman Hameed delve into: - 🪐 The critical role of NASA and NSF funding in driving groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and technological innovations. - 📉 The direct impacts these budget cuts could have on both ongoing and future space missions. - 🔬 The implications for America's position as a leader in global scientific research and innovation. - ✊ Practical steps YOU can take to advocate for the preservation of vital science funding by pressuring Congress. This discussion transcends astronomy; it is about safeguarding the future of American science. Join us for this vital conversation on science policy, federal funding, and how you can make your voice count! 🗣️ Take action today! Visit the American Astronomical Society's Week of Action page: https://aas.org/posts/news/2025/05/week-of-action An edited version of this segment airs on The Fabulous 413 on NPR/NEPM Listen Here: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1155727495/the-fabulous-413 #nasa #nsf #astronomynews #science #spaceexploration #space #astronomyadventures #podcast #trump #musk #jwst #webbtelescopeupdates #cosmology #astronomyinurdu #kainaat Subscribe to our Kids Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDt7wgStPBzuxtcAf2qqnkg Subscribe to our Urdu Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UClJlxaRQLPsx0gPIHgIZffw For more information about Kainaat Studios: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Sign up to our mailing list to get unseen content and hear special announcements! https://www.kainaatstudios.com/newsletter Follow us for more: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kainaatstudios Twitter https://twitter.com/KainaatStudios Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kainaatstudios/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kainaatstudios LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kainaat Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios Credits: Hosts: Monte Belmonte & Salman Hameed Editor: Shehryar Shaikh Music: "Gates of Gagashah" by Zohaib Kazi Images: NASA, BBC, Inverse Magazine, Cambridge University, ESA, Wikipedia, JWST, ESO, Eater and Capri Sun Group Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation, Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal, Qazi Family Foundation and PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: AIIR Foundation, Ashraf Qazi, Aimen Khan, Slavena Emilova Molle and Abid & Farah Donation Fund Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir, Dr. Asad Ansari, Dr. Salman Mallick, Dr. Tariq Hameed, Asif Alam, Zubair Faiz, Dr. Kamran Manzoor, Dr. Arsalan Malik and Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you wish to donate, please visit: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate

IAU Collaboration

How Serious is the Problem of Light Pollution? |IAU OAO - Kainaat| Cosmic Gup Shup
22:32

How Serious is the Problem of Light Pollution? |IAU OAO - Kainaat| Cosmic Gup Shup

This video on the challenge of increasing light pollution is a part of collaboration between International Astronomical Union's Office for Astronomy Research (IAU OAO) and Kainaat Studios. A companion essay for this video is available at: https://www.iau.org/public/themes/light_pollution/ Stars in the night sky have played a crucial role in the history of humans on this planet. They have not only helped us in providing appropriate times for planting crops and in finding directions in the middle of deserts and oceans, but our queries about their nature have also sparked some of the biggest revolutions in human perceptions of our place in the universe. But now the increasing glow from our light bulbs is threatening the existence of various species on the planet. A new study suggests that the night sky may be brightening at a rate of 7-10% each year! In this episode of Cosmic Gup Shup, astrophysicist Salman Hameed talks about the steps we can take to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky, which holds an important place in various cultures and societies. For information on light pollution and the steps that you can take to help, please visit: International Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ International Astronomical Union Commission: https://www.iau.org/public/themes/light_pollution/ IAU Light Pollution Brochure: https://www.iau.org/public/images/detail/light-pollution-brochure/ Papers mentioned in the video: Kyba et al. 2023: Citizen scientists report global rapid reductions in the visibility of stars from 2011 to 2022 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq7781 Fabian et al. 2023: Why flying insects gather at artificial light https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.11.536486v1 Hamacher et al. 2020: Whitening the Sky: light pollution as a form of cultural genocide https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.11527 For more information about IAU OAO: https://www.iau.org/public/oao/ For more information about Kainaat Videos: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ About the host: Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios. Credits: Written & Hosted by: Salman Hameed Edited by: Shehryar Shaikh Music: “Kainaat” by Umer Piracha Subtitles by: DigiCircle Images: Wikipedia, NASA Major Support for Kainaat Studios Provided by: Sahr Foundation Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal PixelEdge Aimen Khan Slavena Emilova Molle AIIR Foundation Our Space Orbiter Donors for Kainaat Studios: Dr. Abdul Nadir Dr. Asad Ansari Dr. Salman Mallick Dr. Tariq Hameed Asif Alam Zubair Faiz Dr. Kamran Manzoor Dr. Arsalan Malik Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you want to donate to the non-profit Kainaat Studios, please visit https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:05 IAU OAO - Collaboration 02:17 Cultural legacy of stars 05:12 Earth at night 06:10 Impact of light on animals 10:02 How bad is light pollution? 13:18 What can we do to reduce light pollution? 20:22 Conclusion

Science & Society

Ethan Siegel - What should good science communication look like?
01:09:41

Ethan Siegel - What should good science communication look like?

Ethan Siegel is a Ph.D. astrophysicist and author of "Starts with a Bang!" (https://www.startswithabang.com/) He is a science communicator, who has taught physics and astronomy at various colleges. He has won numerous awards for science writing since 2008 for his blog, including the award for best science blog by the Institute of Physics. His two books "Treknology: The Science of Star Trek from Tricorders to Warp Drive" and "Beyond the Galaxy: How humanity looked beyond our Milky Way and discovered the entire Universe". Nisse Greenberg worked full time for The Story Collider, and has been involved in storytelling for 10 years now, teaching for The Moth and Story Collider as well as producing shows all over the place. https://nissegreenberg.com/ Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios. You can find more information about Kainaat Studios here: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Reference articles: The humiliating truth behind Harvard astronomer’s “alien” spherules: https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/truth-harvard-astronomer-alien-spherules/ A science communicator’s 4 rules of persuasion https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/science-communicator-4-rules-of-persuasion/ Credits: Hosts: Nisse Greenberg & Salman Hameed Editor: Shehryar Shaikh Music: "Butterfly in Space" by Zohaib Kazi Support for Kainaat Studios is provided by: Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation Qazi Family Foundation PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal Ashraf Qazi Aimen Khan Slavena Emilova Molle Abid & Farah Donation Fund AIIR Foundation Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir Dr. Asad Ansari Dr. Salman Mallick Dr. Tariq Hameed Asif Alam Zubair Faiz Dr. Kamran Manzoor Dr. Arsalan Malik Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you want to donate, please visit https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:00 - Deciding factor on what to talk about 00:06:05 - How has it changed over the years 00:10:55 - Target Audience 00:18:55 - Difference in teaching to content creation 00:24:00 - Approach on a selected topic 00:31:08 - How science should be communicated 00:39:20 - Style of Science 00:45:31 - Responsible ways of doing science 00:48:00 - Translating scientific conflict to public 00:56:50 - What questions to ask 01:02:10 - Future of Science Communication
James D. Lowenthal - Why You Should Care about the Dark? | International Dark Sky Week 2025 🌍✨
49:10

James D. Lowenthal - Why You Should Care about the Dark? | International Dark Sky Week 2025 🌍✨

Light pollution is often overlooked — but it’s quietly transforming our world. As bright city lights drown out the stars, astronomers aren't the only ones who are affected. Wildlife behavior is disrupted, ecosystems are thrown off balance, and even human health is at risk. This International Dark Sky Week, we shed light on the importance of darkness. In this special episode of Chai on Science and Society, astrophysicist Salman Hameed sits down with James Lowenthal, the Mary Elizabeth Moses Professor of Astronomy at Smith College and a leading voice in the global movement to protect our night skies. Together, they explore: 🔭 How astronomical observations are compromised by increasing urban light 🦉 The surprising effects of artificial light on nocturnal animals, from birds to insects 🧬 The connection between light exposure and disrupted sleep cycles, mental health, and even hormonal imbalances in humans 🌃 What cities and individuals can do to reduce light pollution and restore natural darkness 🌌 Why reconnecting with the stars may be essential for our cultural and scientific imagination From skyglow to smart lighting solutions, and from grassroots advocacy to international dark-sky parks, this episode brings attention to a silent crisis — and how we can all be part of the solution. 🌌 International Dark Sky Week 2025 is a global event held from April 20 to April 26, dedicated to raising awareness about light pollution, protecting night skies, and promoting astronomy and environmental conservation. Founded by DarkSky International, this annual event invites communities around the world to turn off unnecessary lights, enjoy stargazing, and learn how artificial light affects wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. 🌠✨ Join us in celebrating International Dark Sky Week 2025 by learning how the preservation of darkness can bring brighter outcomes for our planet. Here is Professor Lowenthal's extensive resource on light pollution: https://www.science.smith.edu/~jlowenth/lightpollution/lightpollution.html For International Dark Sky Week: https://idsw.darksky.org/ For information on light pollution and the steps that you can take to help, please visit: International Dark Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ International Astronomical Union Commission: https://www.iau.org/public/themes/lig... IAU Light Pollution Brochure: https://www.iau.org/public/images/det... #darksky #lightpollution #astronomynews #stargazing #nightsky #preservation #ecotourism #wildlifeconservation #podcast #astronomyadventures #astrophysics #environmentalawareness #environmentalprotection #environmentalscience #environmentalimpact #darkyskyweek #JamesLowenthal #urdu Salman Hameed has a PhD in astronomy and is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science & Humanities at Hampshire College, and a member of the Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of the non-profit Kainaat Studios. You can find more information about Kainaat Studios here: https://www.kainaatstudios.com/ Credits: Host: Salman Hameed Guest: James Lowenthal Editor: Shehryar Shaikh Music: "Butterfly in Space" by Zohaib Kazi Support for Kainaat Studios is provided by: Galactic Orbiters (Founding Supporters): Sahr Foundation Qazi Family Foundation PixelEdge Stellar Orbiters: Dr. Zafar Iqbal & Dr. Mehr Iqbal Ashraf Qazi Aimen Khan Slavena Emilova Molle Abid & Farah Donation Fund AIIR Foundation Space Orbiters: Dr. Abdul Nadir Dr. Asad Ansari Dr. Salman Mallick Dr. Tariq Hameed Asif Alam Zubair Faiz Dr. Kamran Manzoor Dr. Arsalan Malik Junaid Qurashi Thank you to all our other monthly donors as well! If you want to donate, please visit https://www.kainaatstudios.com/donate Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:00 - Importance of seeing the Milky Way 08:59 - Dark Sky International week 14:12 - Dedicated Dark Sky places 18:17 - Astro tourism 20:15 - Environmental issue 27:13 - Light's impact on the ecosystem 35:02 - Measures to reduce light pollution 37:28 - Balance of Safety and lights 41:53 - Dark sky week awareness
bottom of page