The Celestial Tales
A podcast where we explore the night sky using mythology and astronomy. Join me, Gemma Kerr, as I tell the stories that various cultures have linked to the constellations; as well as explaining the science behind the stars!
Research
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project - studying how listening to a storytelling podcast may affect people's relationship with astronomy. I am now looking for participants to provide feedback for this research. Participation is completely optional and should only take around 10 minutes. Please note that you must be 18 or over and have listened to one of the first 3 episodes of The Celestial Tales to take part. For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here:
https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Thank you!
Episodes
Dec 23, 2021
Dec 23, 2021
13 min
The Longest Night - Winter Solstice
In this mini episode we explore some of the Yule stories behind Christmas - meeting characters from Pagan, Wiccan, and Norse Mythology.
In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what the winter solstice is and why it happens.
Happy Holidays everybody!
Research Survey
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project. For more information, and to get involved (by end of Dec 2021), find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Music
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Dec 12, 2021
Dec 12, 2021
28 min
Constant as the Northern Star - Polaris
This time we explore the North Star, Polaris, through a story from Hinduism. We'll meet Dhruva, a young boy whose family troubles will lead him to discover his own power. We'll learn that sometimes the best thing you can do is stay right where you are.
In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what's so special (or not?) about Polaris.
Research Survey
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project. For more information, and to get involved (by end of Dec 2021), find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Music
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Indian Meditation by Liron
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7634-indian-meditation
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Oct 26, 2021
Oct 26, 2021
31 min
Tricks and Treats - Atoq
In a bit of a Halloween special, we explore a 'dark constellation' called Atoq, through a collection of Andean myths surrounding the fox.
We'll meet Fox and watch him try to be taken seriously after a pretty unlucky start. There will be tricks played and treats given, though they might not all work out as expected.
In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what exactly a dark constellation is, and what causes it; as well as getting excited over a very cool photograph.
Announcement
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project. For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Music
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
No Frills Cumbia by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3571-no-frills-cumbia
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Sep 21, 2021
Sep 21, 2021
29 min
Swan Song - Cygnus
In episode 2 of The Celestial Tales, we explore the recognisable constellation of Cygnus through the tale of Orpheus, from Ancient Greek mythology.
We'll join Orpheus on two of his quests as he discovers the power of music and learns that, when a god is giving you instructions that your life depends on, you really should be listening carefully!
We'll discuss just some of the many interesting objects in and around Cygnus, including two very famous asterisms (and get clearer on what asterisms are).
Content warnings:
While nothing is graphic, there are themes of death and grief in this episode - frequently mentioned from 14 minute mark onwards.
Announcement
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project. For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Music
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
A Lost Map Of A Heaven by Shaoqing "Luna" Li
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5070-a-lost-map-of-a-heaven
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
22 min
Master of All Trades - Orion
In episode 1 of The Celestial Tales, we explore the well-known constellation of Orion through a character from Irish Mythology.
Lugh is a young Irish god ready to find his place in the world - and prove that he has a skill or two up his sleeve.
We talk about some of Orion's most famous features, and begin to explain what fuels them.
Content warnings:
While nothing is graphic, there are occasional violent moments, including violence directed at children.
4:14 - 4:38 - mention of child murder
12:44 - 14:04 - description of battle including death
Announcement
The Celestial Tales is part of a research project. For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO
Music
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Teller of the Tales by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4467-teller-of-the-tales
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
1 min
An introduction to The Celestial Tales podcast. Listen to this first to find out what it's all about!
Music:
Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Welcome to The Celestial Tales
My name is Gemma and I am the creator and host of The Celestial Tales. I have a background in maths and physics (obviously with a focus on astronomy!). My interest in these subjects came from loving the mythological stories I heard as a child.
Now, as I pursue an MSc in Science Communication, I wondered if I could encourage others to participate in astronomy by sharing the stories that inspire me. So whatever your level of knowledge in astronomy, sit back and listen to these stories as we explore the sky together! Thank you