14: David Moore - Astronomer

In 1994, the great scientist Carl Sagan said that, “Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark.” Twelve years later, Gary Barlow said, “All the stars are coming out tonight.” What links these two proclamations? Beyond Andy’s personal view that Sagan could have replaced Robbie, absolutely nothing. But it’s one way of saying that this week’s episode of Be Grand is about the stars and its absolutely fantastic guest is astronomer David Moore! David is the founder of Astronomy Ireland and is familiar to many of us from his close encounters with real-life extraterrestrials Zig and Zag on The Den. In a star-studded discussion, David goes into detail on everything from what we could really expect should aliens ever make contact to what cosmic vistas you should make space for on your interstellar bucket list. Also, prepare to have your mind blown as David tells some amazing stories about how solar eclipses have altered the course of human history on more than one occasion. So, please do enjoy an episode that famous pop star Carl Sagan would refer to as a “humbling and character building experience” and that Take That themselves have officially called “Please stop calling our clients. Mr. Barlow categorically does not want to meet you for a cup of tea and a quick game of snooker.”