On The Fly

In this episode, Rediscovering Galileo . . . Today, we’re turning our telescopes back in time to explore Galileo Galilei's work and how amateur astronomers today can experience his groundbreaking discoveries for themselves. If you listened to last week's podcast, Planetary Pursuit , you might have heard me say that Jupiter is “my favorite planet." Here’s why– Galileo’s Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, published in 1632, challenged the geocentric model of the universe—the belief that everything orbits around Earth. Instead, he advocated for the Copernican model, which places the Sun at the center of our solar system. This book was not just a scientific treatise but also a revolutionary act that put Galileo in conflict with the Catholic Church. Galileo presented his arguments as a dialogue between three characters: Salviati, who supported the heliocentric model; Simplicio, who defended the traditional geocentric view ; and Sagredo, an open-minded observer....

In this episode, Civil Discourse . . . Civil discourse is simply this - respectful conversation that promotes understanding among individuals with different perspectives, enhancing the learning experience - characterized by dialogue that supports the societal good. Seriously, are you concerned about the current state of education for young people? Are we teaching our children to follow the same old rules passed down from generation to generation, or are we encouraging creativity and innovation in our children. If you answered yes to these questions, let me re-introduce you to Dr. Don Hanley and his new blog, Hope for a Better World . Dr. Don's blog is launching today, October 7th, 2023. Join us as we explore history, philosophy, education, and self-esteem. I’m proud to partner with Dr. Don; our goal is to create a virtual space where you can share your views with like-minded individuals and challenge the status quo. Now retired and approaching his 91st birthday, Don’s writings inc...

2018 is upon us, have you taken time lately to gaze at the heavens? During this winter holiday viewing the moons of Jupiter reminded me to  . . . dream lofty dreams. In 1632 Galileo Galilei published his seminal work Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. My 1953 hardcover copy is of the cherished books in my library. It reminds me that persistent efforts leads to discoveries that benefit future generations. In the forward, is a reminder of the power of the written word as penned by Albert Einstein, “A man is here revealed who possesses the passionate will, the intelligence, and the courage to stand up as the representative of rational thinking against the host of those who, relying on ignorance of the people and the indolence of teachers in the priests and scholars garb, maintain and defend their positions of authority.” Galileo is considered one of the most influential thinkers in history, why? First his uncanny ability to use his senses to skillful...