Honoring a Legend: My Interview with ABC Australia about Greg Quicke's Paddle Out

I had the incredible honor of being featured in an interview with ABC Australia to commemorate the life and legacy of my dear friend and mentor, Greg Quicke, affectionately known as "Space Gandalf." The article, "Hundreds gather on Cable Beach to pay tribute to Broome astronomer, tour guide, and TV star Greg Quicke," by Mya Kordic captures the heartfelt tribute that took place on Cable Beach in Broome, where Greg’s family, friends, and the community came together to celebrate his extraordinary life.

The article can be found here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-06/hundreds-gather-farewell-broome-astronomer-greg-quicke-/104053032?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web

Greg Quicke was a pioneer in the field of educational astronomy, known for his engaging and accessible tours in the Kimberley region of Australia. His ability to connect celestial phenomena with everyday life and his infectious passion for the stars left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Over his 28-year career, he inspired more than 100,000 people with his knowledge and love for the night sky.

The paddle out on Cable Beach was a fitting tribute to Greg, who was not only a revered astronomer but also a beloved figure in the Broome surf scene. Friends and family gathered in a circle in the ocean, holding a minute’s silence and laying wreaths and flowers to honor his memory. It was a deeply emotional event, reflecting the immense impact Greg had on all our lives.

In my interview with ABC Australia, I shared some of my fondest memories of Greg and how he influenced my own journey in astronomy. One poignant memory was when I sought his advice during a difficult time. Greg told me to walk down Cable Beach until my worries were gone. His wisdom and spiritual approach to life continue to resonate with me and many others.

Greg's philosophy of "Earth Turning Conscious" and his teachings about the interconnectedness of life and the cosmos have left an indelible mark. He was more than an astronomer; he was a storyteller who brought the universe to us in a language we could all understand. His legacy lives on through the countless people he inspired to look up and wonder at the night sky.

I traveled from Colorado to attend this memorial, and the sense of community and shared love for Greg was palpable. The outpouring of grief and gratitude highlighted just how many lives he touched. As we stood together on Cable Beach, I was reminded of the immense power of his teachings and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Greg Quicke’s impact was truly worldwide, and his passing is a significant loss for the global astronomy community. However, his spirit and teachings will continue to guide us. He once said that the stars are our ancestors, and now, he joins them, lighting up the cosmos he so dearly loved.

To read the full article and learn more about the tribute to Greg Quicke, please visit ABC Australia’s coverage.  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-06/hundreds-gather-farewell-broome-astronomer-greg-quicke-/104053032?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web

Thank you, ABC Australia, for allowing me to share my memories of Greg and for highlighting the profound impact he had on so many lives.

Cheers,

Luke Huxley

Celebrating Our Coverage in Shoutout Colorado

We are thrilled to share that AstroTours.org has been featured in Shoutout Colorado! This article dives into the journey of how AstroTours.org came to be, the inspiration behind it, and the incredible experiences we offer. You can read the full article here.

In this feature, I had the opportunity to talk about the profound influence Greg Quicke, affectionately known as Space Gandalf, had on my journey. Working with Greg at Astro Tours Broome in Australia was a dream come true. His unique approach to making astronomy accessible and engaging deeply inspired me. When I returned to Colorado, I realized there was a gap in hands-on, guided astronomy experiences, and that’s when AstroTours.org was born.

Greg’s philosophy of “Earth Turning Conscious” and his ability to connect celestial phenomena with everyday life continue to guide me. His recent passing has been a significant loss, but his teachings and spirit live on through AstroTours.org. Every time I guide a tour, I strive to embody the joy and wisdom he shared, inspiring awe and understanding of the night sky.

AstroTours.org is dedicated to bringing the wonders of the cosmos to people of all ages, and we are proud to carry on Greg’s legacy here in Colorado. Thank you, Shoutout Colorado, for this amazing feature and for allowing us to share our story.

Clear skies,

Luke Huxley

CANDLED: Join Us for a Free AstroTour in Georgetown, Colorado!

This program has been canceled due to rain! Please visit us for the next free one on Aug 15th

AstroTours is excited to announce a free stargazing event in Georgetown, Colorado, on July 26th from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for stargazers of all ages to connect with the cosmos and learn about the wonders above us.

Event Details:

• Date and Time: July 26th, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Starting Location: Strousse Park, Georgetown

• Trail: Rutherford Trail

• find out more at the town of Georgetown's website: https://georgetown-colorado.org/event/astrotours-2/

We will kick off the event at Strousse Park (just on Sixth st and Rose st in Georgetown, right across the street from 511 ROSE and Guanella Pass Brewing Company) at 9:00 PM before walking over to the Rutherford Trail. As we hike up the trail, we will be treated to an immaculate view of the night sky, perfect for our stargazing activities. Please remember to dress warmly or in layers and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven.

What to Expect: This family-friendly event offers an exciting exploration of the cosmos using large telescopes, professional astronomers, and lasers. Here’s what you can look forward to discovering:

• Stars: Learn about the different types of stars and their life cycles.

• Planets: Get a close-up view of planets in our solar system.

• Constellations: Identify and understand the stories behind various constellations.

• Celestial Navigation: Discover how to navigate using the stars.

• Satellites: Spot human-made objects orbiting Earth.

• Nebulae: Observe these stunning birthplaces of stars.

• Distant Galaxies: Look far into the universe to see other galaxies.

• Shooting Stars: If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a meteor!
  

Why Attend? AstroTours provides a unique, hands-on experience that brings the wonders of the universe closer to you. Our professional astronomers will guide you through the night sky, explaining the celestial objects and phenomena we observe. This is a fantastic chance to ask questions, learn, and be inspired by the beauty and vastness of space.

Event Tips:

• Dress warmly or in layers to stay comfortable during the evening.

• Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on the trail.

• Bring a flashlight (preferably with a red filter to preserve night vision).

• Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the start of the tour.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to explore the night sky for free in the beautiful setting of Georgetown, Colorado. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just curious about the stars, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all.

For more details, visit our website at AstroTours.org.

We look forward to seeing you under the stars!

Contact Information:

• Town of Georgetown

• Address: 404 6th St., P.O. Box 426, Georgetown, CO 80444

• Phone: 303.569.2405

Join us for a night of cosmic discovery and wonder. See you there!