Stargazing in the Maldives | The INCREDIBLE centre of the Milky Way from Soneva Jani
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 жов 2024
- An astrophysicist on vacation involves travelling to see the changing night sky around the world - it's one of my favourite things. So when @discoversoneva invited me to Soneva Jani resort in the Maldives to give stargazing sessions to guests I was thrilled! To see the centre of the Milky Way with a truly dark sky in paradise was an offer I couldn’t refuse #astrotourism
---
👕 Check out my merch here: teespring.com/...
---
📚 "Space: 10 Things You Should Know": bit.ly/SpaceDrB...
📚 US & Canada version: "Space at the speed of light" (same book, different title, with some beautiful illustrations): www.penguinran...
📚 German translation "Das kleine Buch vom großen Knall" : www.dtv.de/buc...
---
🎧 Royal Astronomical Society Podcast that I co-host: podfollow.com/supermassive
---
🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when I post a new video!
---
👩🏽💻 I'm Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford. I love making videos about science with an unnatural level of enthusiasm. I like to focus on how we know things, not just what we know. And especially, the things we still don't know. If you've ever wondered about something in space and couldn't find an answer online - you can ask me! My day job is to do research into how supermassive black holes can affect the galaxies that they live in. In particular, I look at whether the energy output from the disk of material orbiting around a growing supermassive black hole can stop a galaxy from forming stars.
drbecky.uk.com
rebeccasmethur...
It was such a pleasure having you here! Genuinely learned loads from you! Keep up the good work, your videos help people like me a lot! Thank you so much 😁
Thanks for everything Maavin! 🤗
I second that
Next year you need to create two one week astronomy vacations with Dr. Becky as the main draw for getting people to sign up :-)
@@Josh_D78 I'd love use stargazing and discussions with Dr. Becky as an incentive to go back to the Maldives! Scuba during the day, astronomy at night!
Having dark skies is a privilege indeed. I can remember ink-black nights on a remote island, lying in the dunes, staring at the Milky Way above... Funny thing is, when you can see trillions of stars, recognizing the constellations is more difficult than from a light-polluted suburban environment.
Your enthusiasm is so fantastic. It's always fun to hear people who love what they do.
that was absolutely my thought, while I watched this video. And I would love to attend a lecture by Dr. Becky about the night skies in such an amazing environment.
It's like double the enthusiasm, because there's the added excitement of being at a luxurious tropical island resort.
the word "jealous" isn't even covering what i'm feeling right now XD happy for you, this looks amazing
probaly because it's not jealusy you feel, but feeling envious (;
jealusy: afraid someone will take what you have from you
envious: wanting something someone else has. ^^
@@luminguard ok, so as a non-native speaker, i always thought these 2 can be used interchangeably in some situations XD but yeah makes sense haha
@@Attila_Beregi ah, I'm danish myself, so also a non-native speaker, but had it beaten into my head by my english teacher every time i used the wrong one xD
@@luminguard hahaha noice
I'd rather Dr. Becky enjoy it, she knows how. I try to enjoy life, something sucks me under, an undertow of sorrow. GO Beckers!!!!!!!!! you lift me up.
omg I'm a 52 year old brick layer and i had a little cry at this ......go Becky x!
I recognize the enthusiasm in your voice because it's been in mine this past year. I've moved out of the city to a rural community, bought my first telescope (8" Dob.), and saw the rings of Saturn, the Andromeda galaxy, and the Orion Nebula for the first time. Now that I've learned a lot of the constellations, walking outside at night is like walking into a room full of friends. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm, it's infectious!
Agree - I have a bad habit of talking to the stars while observing. I am sure my wife sometimes thinks I am having an affair or something
@@glenchapman3899 😂😂that's so adorable
I have habit of getting excited after every click , especially if its a clear sky city cuz our city is soooo polluted, its hard to even see orion😕
I never understood the "I feel so small" when looking at the universe. I never felt so large compared to the micro and sub-atomic. So awesome that you got to do that. Thanks for sharing.
No, that's an odd way of looking at it, isn't it? Then again, only I can truly look up and think 'I am master of all this!' 8)
I feel we are in an amazing position concerning size. Considering the vast reaches of space being teeny tiny atoms of hydrogen floating around, to all the microbiology going on inside of us that we can compare to the global ecosystem. Then on the large scale, we are mere atoms ourselves compared to stellar bodies. Whether you look to the microscopic or macroscopic, there is wonder and amazement to be found.
@@falsenames "Whether you look to the microscopic or macroscopic, there is wonder and amazement to be found."
Stargazing is my favorite pastime. I can't imagine doing it somewhere as beautiful - and dark - as this.
It was a dream come true ❤️
For those almost 8 mins of the video I felt myself being there and enjoying the beautiful sky. Hope to visit one day. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Dr B you are just glowing with energy , what a brilliant video to watch on a dark miserable November night - thanks
Dr. B, you have certainly arrived as an "influencer!"
I only watched because I'm incredibly jealous,
but also because it was interesting,
and also because your enthusiasm is absolutely infectious!
Plus, I remember when it was you and Brady, and a few subscribers.
So, WAY to GO!
PS - Why aren't there more dinosaur constellations?
Well, there's the Gamma Ray Godzilla Constellation
I don't think she wants to be an "influencer". I think she wants to be a science communicator.
Started humming the Thunderbirds theme when the telescope popped out of the floor 😁 Wish I could click the Like button more than once!
Yet another reason why I want to do astrophysics, this is really helping me decide which area to go into thanks
Same dude!
This practically brings tears of joy to my eyes. Besides your being a gorgeous young lady who is very smart and accomplished and very delightful…I love watching your videos…what’s really neat is your excitement in looking at the night sky, and that’s where I really identify with you. When I watch your videos, I’m smiling right along with you…I can’t help it. I wish I could have been there (like thousands of others). I have a 10” Meade SCT and when I set it up to show friends the rings of Saturn and Jupiter’s moons and cloud bands or a globular cluster, they laugh at me because I’m talking a mile-a-minute telling them all I know about astronomy…just like you! 😀. Well, I don’t know nearly as much as you, though. That’s where it would be so much fun, to learn so much from you. From one kid to another: Thank you, Dr. Becky! Thank you for your videos, this one especially.
What I love most about your videos is the passion that you bring to your work. This video demonstrated that passion squared! You helped me imagine what it would be like to be able to see our skies in such an amazing place! Thank you so very much for sharing your love and passion for the Universe!
Thanks Richard!
When you are joyfully working on your holiday that is when you know you are where you are supposed to be. Super happy for you.
This is your most exciting video yet (that I have seen, at any rate). I can't imagine (say) Patrick Moore being anywhere near as visibly moved as you are here. And it's infectious! I live in a city in a place where whenever there is anything interesting going on in the sky (meteor showers, comets, whatever) it always clouds up. And the light pollution is such that we can barely see Orion or Cassiopeia on a good night. Which is why your videos are "must see" and cheer me up no end. Thank you!
Thanks Colin! So lovely to hear my videos bring a bit of cheer
So happy for you! Looked like so much fun!
What an amazing opportunity to experience! ❤ SOOO HAPPY FOR YOU 🥳
Thanks Aaron! I’m still pinching myself 😅
I am always elated when I see someone so passionate about what they do. The vibe is infectious, Dr. Becky! Cheers!
Amazing. Thanks for bringing us into your incredible life. These are bucket list items for me you are doing, and it's your profession.
Quick story about me, I used to want to be an astronaut/astrophysicist, however I found out early high school that I'm dyslexic and struggle with math. It shattered my dreams, but I still love the stars. Your channel helps me learn and enjoy the universe more. Cheers.
That’s the hardest part. Coming back to reality after being away at such an incredible location. Not just for the incredible ocean views, but the nite sky would be phenomenal! 👏🏻
Truly fortunate you were able to experience this at least once. I know the vast majority of us would never get this opportunity. Thank you for sharing!! 👏🏻👍🏻
Your enthusiasm is contagious in a good way. Thank you for sharing this trip with us.
Brilliant & lovely. Enjoyed watching you nerd out while the people were eating dinner.
Peak nerd
@@DrBecky Ha! Indeed. Thanks for the laugh.
i feel so bad that at 43 years old im learning new stuff about the stars and different viewing location in the world, in which you can see more of the universe then in other place like here in the U.S. But i will admit your videos grew on me because at first i was like another person doing an astronomy videos bah, bah, bah, but it was how you simplify every thing and it made your video very intriguing. Now, im always looking for your new videos but keep up the amazing work and congratulation on your channel success.
Thanks Tracy! I’m glad you enjoy them
You are such a beautiful person, and your enthusiasm and passion radiates from you with light of a thousand burning suns! It’s refreshing and addictive. I’m glad I found your channel!
Your exuberant hope and excitement is what makes you unique as an astrophysicist and a You Tuber. Keep on looking up Dr. Becky. The world needs you.
Somehow, the enthusiasm, set in the Maldives, is even more drawing than your "usual" wonderful videos.
That looks like a great spot. Having clear skies with little to no light pollution was what I though was normal growing up. I feel sorry for the world that does not have this.
Dr Becky, you need to come to New Zealand we have a big dark sky reserve here and even if not in it you can generally find a place away from lights reasonably easy (especially in the south island).
Yes! Would love to come to New Zealand 🥰
@@DrBecky Just need to find a speaking engagement 😊 Darwin, Australia is pretty good for star gazing as long as you come in the dry season.
Feels weird that people actually live in places with completely dark skies. I watched the light pollution in my town and the nearest towns. The result wasn’t surprising since I’ve never seen more stars than I can count on my hand. One day I will visit a place with way less light pollution and for the first time see a clear sky without any sight of light pollution
Like a little kid who has just been given the keys to the sweet shop, that place is amazing, nice blog.
I live on an island in Southern Thailand at more or less the same latitude as the Maldives. I have zero light pollution and exactly the same sky as you saw in the Maldives. Its amazing. The only tricky thing is polar aligning my telescope as Polaris is very low on the horizon - I've never actually managed how to figure out how to do it properly!
Which Island do you live in?
@@Ancorarte I live on Koh Lanta
I have to confess,I had to listen to this after I watched it. You look so stunning and glowing with enthusiasm that I was distracted. But thanks for the content. You just added a new thing to my bucket list.
There might have been a time where I'd be jealous of others having such luxuries but, for a teacher and researcher of your caliber, that's no longer the case. In fact, if I could, I would ensure that all curious minds who are exploring the known unknowns of the Universe, to have such an experience.
This doesn't come from a place of gratitude entirely either, but it's based in science. The neuroscience of language and knowledge. Experiences like yours that are vivid and that last a lifetime add to the foundation of your knowledge and experience as an astrophysicist. You've been offered entirely new perceptions and meanings for your subconscious to consider when it thinks about all things black hole. This leads to more precise inferences, the next 'wh' question and finding the next known unknown. The next mystery. And I wouldn't be surprised if the next paper you put effort into has a lot more weight than the brilliant work you've already contributed.
Hard work and dedication got you where you are but it's the meaningful experiences that start people from your cloth on that journey. And now you have another one that has the lens of science to focus it through. I'm excited to see what you do next.
One of the reasons why I love watching and learning from your videos is your enthusiasm. You clearly love what you do and you definitely deserved a trip like this. Even if I am a little jealous as I stand outside in 40° weather throwing a ball for my dog.
That's really cool that you got to do something like this. What a great experience the bedroom with the opening roof and to be to see the stars.... I don't think I'd ever want to go to sleep in a room like that.
I also definitely need to get an observing platform that rises out of the ground! Would save heaps of time setting up every time the sky is clear!
I’d be willing to bet that’s anchored into bedrock, or whatever the floor is there, and about as isolated from the building as can be! Less jitter 🙂
It certainly solves the problem of having a crowd inside a dome sized for a 16 inch SC reflector. But you can see that they have had to add a few layers of defense against water intrusion for their $18,000 telescope.
Absolutely incredible. This is a dream vacation.
It's so fascinating that we don't understand much of the universe and all we have to do, is to look up and it's always there, always staring back at us, always !!
Yes always there. Behind the clouds.
Wow. What an experience. All that hard work definitely paying off. What a career. Super jealous.
I’m just watching this video smiling, because I’m so happy that you got that opportunity. Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person 😊
Damn... What an amazing place! 😮
Fantastic... Thanks a BUNCH for sharing, dr. Becky!!!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Awesomeness. What a totally stunning place. Looked and sounded like you had the best time.
What a beautiful paradise that place is.
Wow what a smashing hit. Obviously you made a great impression. Maybe they will invite you back every year. It was great to see you having fun at maximum capacity. I loved seeing the stars from Mauna Kea.
Your love at what you do is amazing Dr Becky. Don't stop please.
Watching Dr Becky getting excited about the Southern night sky, reminded me of the fact - which blew my mind at the time I heard about it - that to me, down here in Johannesburg, the Moon Dr Becky sees in Oxford, would appear to be upside down.
Never forget landing in Sydney, Australia 4 years ago. It was night, my first time in Southern Hemisphere, and the first thing I noticed was the upside down moon 😂 I was amazed
i was in the navy and crossed the equater 5 times and the captain let me keep my telescope on board only if i let other sky enthusiasts also use it on nights with no flight ops(I was on an aircraft carrier) .It really was a treat to see a whole different sky, so I know the lost feeling you mentioned.
Did you carry a compass?
I've worked hard my life to not be jealous of others, to appreciate what I have.... and that's now blown!!....I'm seriously jealous and also happy for you too. Amazing experience and I'm sure everyone learned loads from you...
Omg I want to go there. I dream of seeing that view. Just looking into the galactic centre. Just wow
We are so lucky to have you, to make looking up, fun again!
Thank you, Dr Becky.
Jealous of the trip, btw.
so happy you got to experience that and reconnect with the wonder of the night sky in such a stunning place. Stay curious and keep the wonder Doctor Becky!
I envy you for this trip and the incredible views of the equator night skies! I hope your guests could appreciate their luck to have you as their guide. And the Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain 15 inch tube looked very impressive! It‘s so funny that everybody freaks out about Saturn and his ring. I personally find Jupiter and his dancing moons more impressive…!
Back when I lived in the south of Spain I loved watching the sky at night. Just watching all the stars and objects, no matter what they were, still sometimes drives tears into my eyes about how beautiful the sky is. I love these videos from you for bringing back good memories.
I'm so glad for you, Dr. Becky. It's more than evident that you enjoyed this unique and amazing opportunity: good for you!!
Viewing the night sky keeps me humble. I try to look up and will do so as long as I can still see.
Hi Dr. Becky, I'm so glad that you got to experience the majesty of the southern night skies which we get to enjoy all year round here in the land of Oz. The Milky Way from Sagittarius to Canis Major is particularly special; so many glorious star clusters and nebulae. My favourite is the area around the Carina Nebula as it's littered with beautiful open star clusters like the Wishing Well Cluster NGC 3532. And there are so many great galaxy fields like the Fornax cluster which is close to the where the Hubble Ultra Deep Field was shot and also the Grus quartet. There are some great books on the southern sky... you'll have to check them out, cheers.
Becky, you are a BLAST (in the best sense).
Your enthusiasm is amazing as is your dedication to your chosen field.
I have never been that excited about anything.
being able to feel your happiness through your body language and voice was great. so happy you got to have such a wonderful experience like that
Thanks for making this clip to share what u see. I too have no privilege to see the exciting southern night sky in person.
Dr. Becky, you totally deserved this. You're an amazing science communicator!
Good for you doc. It is very nice to see you haveing fun. Good for who invite you there! Now back to work and finding new galaxies and new ideas for sharing with all of us. A good day to everyone!
Very happy u got to experience this. Not really sure why but it made me happy. Your videos are always great to learn something.
this is probably THE video where you sound the most excited. Could not help smiling the entire video.
God bless you for your love and enthusiasm for the stars .. this was an awesome video - very inspiring .. Thanks Dr Becky - you rock as always !
Youre so amazing Becky!!!! And this looks like a total dream place. Maldives has been on my list for ages (this is the girl from instagram who drew the Gorilla btw)
Thanks Emily! Your art amazes me, I could never do that!
@@DrBecky Ahahaha you're welcome Becky :) But for the record, what you do amazes me just as much, I couldn't do it either.
WoW Dr Becky you had me in giggles, what a fab break, well done you deserved it, and you looked fab as well, great outfit,
But, the break of a life time, the telescope that appears from the floor WoW, was so interesting, thanks 🙏 for sharing 😘
Brilliant. You are so lucky, Dr Becky. Thank you for taking us along. :)
So glad you got to have that experience and get to see more of the southern night skies. It looks like you had a blast and got to have a lot of fun as well as being able to share your passion with others.
Seeing the other hemisphere is something every astronomer should do at least once. It’s the experience of a lifetime.
The first time I went to Australia I took binoculars and star charts with me. The second time I lugged a telescope through Kingsford-Smith...it’s like visiting another planet, the constellations from home are all upside down and you have a whole bunch of new ones. My first view of The Pointers and the Southern Cross was from the plane en route from Honolulu to Melbourne. My first view of the Eta Carinae region was from St. Kilda Beach in Melbourne. My first view of the Magellanic Clouds was from a highway rest area in northern Victoria. 😀
Amazing 👏 🙀 😯 😮 😍You are the best ambassador to the stars!
I love how you were smiling ear to ear the whole time! I'm so jealous, but I'm also glad you got to go and have fun!
Dr. B good to see you enjoying yourself and thanks for sharing and giving back. Really gave me a chuckle and put a smile on my face. Thx !
What a great experience! Hoping they bring you back. I’m sure that 341,000 subscribers would love to join you on the next round.
It's great fun with your experiments and observation.
Although the tropics can be frustrating at night with cloud covers. Most of the time when there is hype of a meteor shower, I go "oh yeah. Ok."
We love the clouds during the day though.
I am super envious Dr becky , I have alway's wanted to go to the maldives but I have really wanted to see the night skies in both hemispheres , but to see them from the same place ? super double green envious , but then again your the one super brain . Glad you got the opportunity.
That is a magnificent resort. We were at the StR Maldives for our 25th anniversary in 2019. I couldn't believe the clarity and beauty of the skies vs what we get on the East coast of the US. Breath taking.
Huge fan from Maldives here! Can't believe you actually visited my country. I can finally recognize the sky in this video. Love your videos. Please visit again if you get a chance.
OMG, that must have been amazing. Every time I look up and see the stars in my area (East Texas). I feel so small and fascinated. I wonder how Voyager 1 and 2 are doing. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Well this is on my bucket list 🤩 your energy and enthousiasme is amazing to watch !
way to go Dr. Becky
It's because of astrophysicists like you, and other astronomers that I don't feel alone in the fact that every night, I contemplate our place in the universe and imagine the wonders awaiting us. Thanks for your amazing videos!!
Dr. Becky is ADORABLE on vacation. This was fun, thanks
Knowledgeable video Dear 💖 thank you for sharing 🙏😀🎉 keep uploading more and more videos 💞🎉💖
Good for you Dr. Becky.
Such a great experience.
Such a WOW... Great
Wow, YOU are so lucky. I'm glad for you, that you have the credentials and subscribers to qualify for a trip like this. You deserve it, congratulations!! I truly enjoy your content.
I love your endless enthusiasm about science and astronomy. Glad to see you also enjoying life! Thanks for sharing.
I’m really appreciating that you’re not a professional UA-camr, you’re a professional astronomer, yet your vids are so well edited and produced. Obv the content is great too but I’m amazed how you find the time to run such a cool channel as well as doing all your research. Great stuff!
Fantastic video! I agree with you; I've always been baffled by all of the people who say the vastness of the universe makes them feel insignificant when it makes me feel hopeful and empowered. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for all your great work!
Amazing footage! I can only imagine what the stars in the Maldives look like in person. I have been to three places where I felt that my views of the expanse were absolutely stunning: 1.) Sedona, Arizona; 2.) A tiny mountain Tarahumara village in the Sierra Madre Occidental in southwestern Chihuahua, Mexico; and, 3.) Anywhere in West Texas (in my case, parked at a rest area along the road outside of Marfa, Texas on my way to Chihuahua, Mexico). Without a proper camera, it is so difficult to capture what the naked eye can see. However, I could simply stare out in wonder for hours.
The first time I went to a dark sky location was in my childhood, at a secluded beach in Brazil. I was 10 years old, and I saw all the glory of the Milky Way and objects that were never possible for me to see before. I just lay on the beach at night, feeling like I could fall into space, It changed my life forever and cemented my love of astronomy for life. This video is awesome, and I'm so glad you got to go, Becky! Your content always brings a huge smile to my face and keeps me motivated about the science. Truly wonderful.
A few years ago, we had four solid weeks (!) at a lovely tropical resort. About 9°N. They have a salt water swimming pool, so one could float more buoyantly. Relatively dark skies, as they're not wealthy enough to waste power. It was fantastic to lie in the warm water, in the late evening, and gaze upwards at the somewhat unfamiliar southern constellations, against a very dark black-sky background. (PS: I bought your book !!)
The absolute joy!
You're amazing Dr Becky. Looks like you had a great trip.
Love your videos Dr Becky. So glad you done this to share it with your audience. Thank you ❤️
Very happy that you were able to experience that Dr. Becky! Now I have the Maldives on my list of places to visit. "Sea & Sky" what more can one ask for? 👍👍😉😉💖💖
Awesome doesn't nearly begin to express what that trip must have been like! I'll have to add that to the options list for 20 year wedding anniversary destination in a couple of years, I'm sure Mrs Dave wouldn't object! And that first day back at work feeling never gets any better, I have to endure that every 8 weeks working monthly rotations! Look forward to your next exotic destination!
I am very happy for you to get to experience this. Hopefully they will invite you back again.
That special guest appearance by the shooting star was the candle on the cake!
What a place!! You totally deserve it, Becky!
Yeah it was awesome...thanks a lot Dr Becky for teaching us such beautiful staffs about stars and astronomy and astrophysics through youtube....i love to watch your videos ...all are amazing and super exciting!!💙🤍
Specially,the skygazing scenes of Maldeves are really amazing!😍😍😍🤩
Dr Becky, that is the same thing I feel looking at the nights sky, HOPE!!!!
Beautiful, can only imagine. I grew up and lived my life in NYC (light pollution anyone?) and was always happy if I could pick out Orion. Travelled to Eire years ago (you're usuual latitude), spent time in deep in Mayo and looked up.....didn't feel insignificant, but defintely felt small; amazed that all of this exists and blessed that I could see it and amazingly (in a galactic sense) was given the sentience to appreciate and wonder. Can't imagine the views where you were.
And you are thanking me for being able to to these things. I thank you for making great videos.