As I read Firmament, I kept thinking about David Foster Wallace’s “This is water” story. Clark makes a strong case that the atmosphere is our water—something we swim through every day without noticing. The book’s structure is clever, with chapters like “Fields,” “Trade,” and “Vortex” that unpack complex ideas in accessible ways, often layering history with physics in a way that feels light but substantial. There’s a real sense of narrative and care in the way it’s put together, with connections between chapters and even a satisfying callback to the opening anecdote by the end. In the episode, I walk through some of the key ideas Clark explores and share why I think this book is a great entry point for anyone curious about how our atmosphere works—and why it matters more than ever in the context of climate change.

Season 1 Episode 2 - featuring a solo adventure through The Power of the Sea.

Right now, science is under attack in the United States. A haphazard and indiscriminate attack underway, orchestrated by an administration who doesn't understand science and doesn't care. Their aim is simple. Scare, harass, and belittle federal employees as a blatant attempt to create disorder and chaos. They want to cripple then privatize public services for the further enrichment of the worlds richest men at the expense and detriment of the public. DOGE has already laid off more than 800 at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and is planning to cancel leases at some of our most important weather prediction facilities. Scientific organizations are beginning to respond, for example take a minute and read this statement issued by the American Meteorological Society (AMS).

In the inaugural episode of the Book Science podcast, host Tripp Collins interviews Duane Hamacher, an Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne, about his book, The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders Read the Stars, co-authored with Indigenous elders. Over 15 years, Duane’s journey revealed the significant scientific insights embedded in Aboriginal astronomy, challenging initial dismissiveness towards these knowledge systems. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of the book, which intertwines technical astronomy with accessibility, themes of cultural science, and the integral relationship between Indigenous knowledge and the environment. The discussion explores Indigenous scientific observations—like the predictive prowess of Torres Strait Islanders, their sophisticated narratives around astronomical phenomena, and the cultural significance of these traditions. Duane also highlights upcoming projects that aim to further bridge Indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific understanding, advocating for a mutual respect and humility in learning from these rich cultural insights. 
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