Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just southwest of Calgary, the University of Calgary’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory supports research, teaching, and public outreach in astronomy and science. Jennifer Howse, the Observatory’s Education Specialist, oversees its outreach and school programs, helping connect people of all ages to the night sky. In this interview, PhD student Solveig Thompson speaks with Jennifer about the importance of science communication, our connection to the sky across the generations through storytelling, and the growing need to protect our dark skies.

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is located under the starry skies of the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).

Information about upcoming public nights at the Rothney Observatory can be found at https://science.ucalgary.ca/rothney-observatory/public-events.

• Mentor: Jennifer Howse, Education Specialist, Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, University of Calgary
• Host: Solveig Thompson, astrophysics PhD student, University of Calgary
• Edited by: Josué Ibarra Molinas, physics PhD student, University of Calgary
• Produced by: Becky Booth, astrophysics PhD student, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.