“Physics & Astrophotography” unveils a conversation as wide open and fascinating as the night sky. The latest episode of the Tomorrow Makers podcast brings together Penn College physics professor Dave Richards and his former student Bryan Schaefer, who is now an instructor of CNC machining & automation at his alma mater.
The stars aligned when these two curious minds “collided” in a classroom. As a student, Schaefer took three of Richards’ classes: astronomy, the science of spaceflight and physics. (Back when Richards was in college, he also had “a really good professor who explained things very clearly,” and “physics, to me, explains the rules of how nature works.”) Oh, the power of inspiration!
Schaefer is now eye-deep in astrophotography and shares a range of tidbits on astronomical equipment (including the budget-conscious, homemade kind) to stargazing venues (yes, the world-famous dark-sky park, Cherry Springs State Park, located just 70 miles northwest of Williamsport, is part of the discussion).
Richards, a 30-year member of the Penn College faculty, also shares his stellar perspectives, and the discussion dips into the professor’s more down-to-earth science pursuit: homebrewing.
Before the podcast concludes, these two intrepid explorers offer their adventurous wisdom to young students who are looking to learn more and get out of their comfort zones.
Let’s explore! (And to explore more, visit the podcast site to find past episodes. Share ideas for future podcasts by email.)