# Photon by Photon: A Journey Through Observatories

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/star-trails-a-weekly-astronomy-podcast-6777620/photon-by-photon-a-journey-through-observatories
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/star-trails-a-weekly-astronomy-podcast-6777620/photon-by-photon-a-journey-through-observatories.md
Podcast: [Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/star-trails-a-weekly-astronomy-podcast-6777620)
Published: 2026-04-05T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/star-trails/2687389
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/250148/2687389/star-trails/2026_04_03_18_00_29_5b936ec3-15a4-42a8-8694-bb08eefeba7b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/star-trails-a-weekly-astronomy-podcast-6777620/episodes/photon-by-photon-a-journey-through-observatories
Duration seconds: 1543

## Resource

This week we step inside one of astronomy’s most iconic spaces: the observatory. Drew visits Melton Memorial Observatory and sits down with director Martin Bowers to explore what a nearly 100-year-old, urban observatory still offers today. From public viewing nights to hands-on learning, we look at how these classic domes continue to connect people with the night sky, even under city lights. Then, we zoom out to the bigger picture. From Mount Wilson Observatory and Palomar Observatory to Mauna Kea Observatories and Paranal Observatory, we trace how observatories evolved from simple telescopes into powerful instruments that reshaped our understanding of the universe. All of it built on a simple idea: gathering light, photon by photon. Plus, a quick look at what’s in the night sky for the week of April 5th. Links mentioned in this episode: Melton Memorial Observatory Website Melton Facebook Page Connect with us on Bluesky @ startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast . If you’re enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee ! Also, check out music made for Star Trails on our Bandcamp page! Podcasting is better with RSS.com ! If you’re planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

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## Transcript

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