Ciara Guy

Ciara Guy

Science Communication

“Per aspera ad astra (Through hardships, to the stars)”

My obsession with the night sky goes all the way back to my earliest years; I’m often reminded that as a baby, I would refuse to go to sleep until I had seen the Moon. As a grown-up, I can only imagine what a difficult time it must have been for my family during a New Moon.

Since then, I have completed a Master’s degree in Space Law, with my research focusing on the protection of dark skies from space-based light pollution (a.k.a those pesky satellites!) I am a huge advocate for the protection of a dark night sky as an entirely unique natural environment that connects every human being, all over the world, past, present and future. An evening at Kielder Observatory on a crisp, clear night is probably one of the best ways to understand this.

Favourite Astronomer: Jill Tarter - Her dedicated and sincere approach to the age-old question of  ‘Are we alone?’ is one that should inspire persistent and continued curiosity, even in the face of doubt.

Favourite constellation: Orion - Its presence signals that our darkest, wintery night skies are upon us, and soon my favourite telescope object, Sirius, will be visible! (And that it’s time for an extra layer of thermals)

Favourite space-related film: Arrival - Studying Space Law means analysing and interpreting a lot of the language we use in our space governance instruments. I’m a big fan of Arrival’s exploration into human nature and the role of linguistics in our first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence in a uniquely calm and quiet sci-fi setting. Not to mention the score is excellent!