Burning Man LIVE Black Rock Observatory - From the Playa to the Planets
Oct 4, 2025
Robin and Zoom Newhouse, father-son duo and astronomy enthusiasts, lead the Black Rock Observatory at Burning Man. They chat about transforming the desert into a cosmic hub with telescopes showcasing planets and deep-sky wonders. Their meteorite museum, housing ancient rock samples, and engaging space talks with renowned scientists make the observatory a unique educational space. They also discuss their passion for inspiring kids and explore the intriguing fusion of science and spirituality, all while sharing awe-inspiring experiences that connect humanity to the universe.
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Big Dobsonian, Bigger Reactions
- Zoom and Robin describe their 20-inch Dobsonian telescope and how it rotates to point across the sky.
- They recount showing Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and the Andromeda galaxy through the scope to amazed visitors.
Looking Back Millions Of Years
- Andromeda's light seen at Burning Man left that galaxy 2.4 million years ago, giving viewers a direct glimpse into deep time.
- Observing distant galaxies at the Playa connects people to the vast scales of space and time.
Place Telescopes Away From Bright Art
- Position telescopes away from Esplanade lights and art-car lasers to reduce local light pollution.
- Request placement toward open camping (e.g., 3 o'clock in G) to improve planetary and deep-sky views.
