Podcast
Culture
Re-enchanting
Space
1 min read

Re-enchanting... the universe

In this third episode of Re-enchanting, Belle and Justin talk all things space with astronomer, author, and speaker, Dr Jennifer Wiseman.
Two scientists talk to each other at console in a space mission control room.
Jennifer Wiseman in the Flight Control Room at NASA's Johnson Space Center during Servicing Mission 4, the final shuttle visit to repair and upgrade the Hubble space telescope.
NASA/Michael Soluri.

"Science is a way of living out an appreciative faith."

Jennifer Wiseman

​​​​​Jennifer is the Director Emeritus of the program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and is also a senior astrophysicist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. 

As well as speaking about the unique nature of her stellar (literally) career, Jennifer talks through how she became so enchanted with ‘the night sky,’ how her faith informs her perception of the universe (and vice versa), and the often-misunderstood relationship between science and religion.  

Jennifer’s passion is evidence that science can, and does, cultivate a wonderfully curious life. This episode is as enchanting as it is mind-blowing.  

Review
Culture
3 min read

Most popular 2024: Belle Tindall

From wildness to digital hurting, Belle's top takes of the year.

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

On a TV chat show, guests look to one of their own talking to the audience.
Mirnada regales a chat show.

We’re wrapping up the year reviewing what articles were most popular with Seen & Unseen readers. Our second analysis is of Belle Tindall’s takes on the year’s events. What did our staff writer, well,  write about?

Musical highlights old and new featured prominently.  As Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah hit the Big Four-Oh, Belle captured its appeal to so many artists and listeners. The new musical highlight was the release of Nick Cave’s Wild God album. What of wildness? Several of Belle’s articles tacked this key theme of 2024.  She also returned to the hold live music has on a crowd. As well as reporting on Cave’s tour, her analysis of the appeal of Jack White’s stripped-back tour is excellent.

Did I forget to mention Taylor Swift? Sorry, Belle.

But life is not one big sing-a-long. It hurts. From the digital slight of ghosting to the true horrors of Nigeria’s violence, trauma was a recurring theme too.

Finally, Belle conduct some literary detective work after reading Miranda Hart’s new biography.

In reverse order

10 – The holy or the broken: Hallelujah at 40

What’s the magic sauce Leonard Cohen mixed into his masterpiece?

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Music, Sin, Suffering.

9 - Nigeria’s terror survivors share their stories

This violence is not gruesome fiction, it’s reality.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Freedom of Belief, Trauma.

8 – Did Nick Cave’s tour just take thousands to church?

He’s picking holes in the idea that religion is where freedom goes to die.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Belief, Music, Wildness.

7 - The Wild God we can't coerce

Weird and increasingly encountered beyond the wilderness.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Belief, Music, Wildness.

6- Ghosting is not immature, it’s plain cruel

The dehumanising behaviour hiding in plain sight.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Attention, Digital, Psychology.

5 - The utter miracle of disliking an election result

Voting is a profound act of love.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: America, Politics.

4 - Taylor Swift proves Mr Bennet right

Romanticism: ruining lives since 1800. And we love it.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Music, Resurrection, Romance, Taylor Swift.

3 - Nick Cave’s Wild God challenges a too comfortable culture

Eavesdrop on profound discomfort and raw wonder.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Belief, Joy, Weirdness.

2- Jack White’s breaking the biggest rule in rock 'n' roll

What if the greatest cultural moments were the ones barely anyone saw?

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Music.

1 - Miranda Hart's diagnosis of the unseen

Beyond a medical illness she's on to something supernatural.

Explore more articles on themes in this article: Books, Comedy, Trauma.

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