In episode 107 of the Access to Inspiration podcast, host Sue Stockdale interviews Gary Fildes, an astronomer and the founder of the Keilder Observatory in the UK. Gary's passion for astronomy and his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject have contributed to the success of the observatories he has worked at.

They discuss the distinction between being an astronomer and an astrophysicist and how Gary's interest in astronomy was sparked by childhood experiences with a telescope and seeing the Milky Way. Gary reflects on his journey to making astronomy his career and the challenges he faced in a working-class environment that didn't prioritize science.

About Gary Fildes

Gary Fildes is an outreach astronomer, specialising in public engagement centres in astronomy. Fildes is the Founder and ex - CEO Lead Astronomer of the Kielder Observatory in the UK and is currently lead Astronomer at the Grassholme Observatory which he also founded. An author and with numerous TV and media appearances under his belt. Fildes has firmly established himself as a leading light in the UK astronomy scene. Gary’s experience and knowledge in the development of accessible, exciting and inspiring astronomy centres is unparalleled.

In recognition of Gary’s achievements, he was awarded an honorary MSc degree in Astrophysics from Durham University in 2012. Then in 2017 he was also awarded an honorary degree from the University of Sunderland. He has presented on BBC TV and many radio shows. It is widely acknowledged that these observatories success is due to Gary’s ability to communicate his passion, enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of astronomy to all who want to listen.

In July 2016, Gary published his first book ‘An Astronomers Tale’ a bricklayers guide to the Galaxy.

Connect with Gary Fildes via Website : Twitter : YouTube : Facebook : LinkedIn

Time Stamps
00:33 Passion for astronomy leads career.
09:09 Passion and determination lead to success.
10:08 Importance of astronomy for society.
14:04 Inspiration and passion through astronomy.
19:09 Preserving dark skies is crucial.
23:26 Passion for astronomy fuels education.
27:53 Passion and enthusiasm are infectious.

Key Quotes

• "Astronomy is the source of everything, the foundation of our understanding of the universe."
• "Astronomy is not just a job for science, but also for philosophy and religion, as it explores the true nature of reality."
• "Astronomy saved my life and gave me purpose. It is a passion that fuels my every day."
• "Dark skies are a human right, and preserving them is essential for our connection to the universe."
• "The observatories I have built are my contribution to inspiring and educating others about the wonders of astronomy."
• "The universe is a vast and interconnected system, from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies."
• "Stargazing collectively allows us to share our experiences and deepen our understanding of the universe."
• "Astronomy is an accessible, holistic, natural resource that should be embraced by all."
• "The curiosity and passion for astronomy should be nurtured in young minds, as it can inspire future innovators."

This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations. Find out more at squadcast.fm

Read the transcription for this episode on www.accesstoinspiration.org and connect with us:

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Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra (he/him)
Producer: Sue Stockdale (she/her)