Join Leila and Conan for Opal Hour on RoxFM—your weekly mix of outback opal tales, stargazing updates, and local news. Expect awesome music, cosmic chats, and special guests from the opal industry. Catch Conan on ABC Radio on Thursdays! Since 2018, Conan has shared the universe’s wonders on the ABC North and West / Eyre Peninsula Space Show.
Now airing Thursdays at 9:20 AM, join Conan, Tom Mann, and Rebecca Tayler as they explore all things space from the heart of the South Australian outback.

Listen Live Online:

Catch Opal Hour on RoxFM 105.5 every Tuesday at 4:20 PM
Stream live at https://roxfm.com.au

Podcast Coming Soon!

Missed an episode? Our Opal Hour podcast will be available soon—stay tuned for links!

Aired initially live on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 at 4:20 PM on RoxFM 105.5

Last week’s Opal Hour took a deep dive into deep time—exploring the prehistoric landscapes beneath our boots, the marine monsters of the ancient Eromanga Sea, and the opalised fossils that make South Australia a true geological wonderland.

Hosts Leila and Conan broadcast live from the Andamooka Observatory, blending storytelling, science, music, and insight into the latest technology to guide listeners through over 100 million years of natural history.

Highlights from the Episode

The Eromanga Sea & Ancient Australia
110 million years ago, inland Australia was covered by the vast Eromanga Sea.

Marine reptiles like Kronosaurus and plesiosaurs swam through what is now the desert.

These ancient creatures were buried, fossilised, and in rare cases, transformed into opal.

The Great Artesian Basin, formed from this inland sea, continues to provide life-giving water to Andamooka and other outback towns.

Interview Spotlight: Leon Stafford – UV “Opal Hunting at Night’ from Coober Pedy

We were thrilled to chat with Leon Stafford, a true showman of the outback’s underground light show. Known for his Opal Hunting at Night business and custom torches, Leon shared:

  • Top UV Torch picks for 2025, with tips on choosing the best tech for fieldwork
  • Battery and safety recommendations for opal hunting at night
  • His origin story—from tinkering with torches to finding his first flash of fire in the ground
  • Leon’s passion for chasing opal by moonlight was downright contagious—and you can follow his work at Opal Hunting at Night on social media.

Segment: Opalised Fossils – Ancient Life Turned to Gemstone

South Australia is the only place on Earth where dinosaurs and marine reptiles turn into gemstones:

Fossils like Eric the Pliosaur, opalised shell beds, and even ancient plant roots have all been found in the opal fields of Coober Pedy, Mintabie, and Andamooka.

These aren’t just relics—they’re radiant. Fossil + Gem = Global Rarity.

Playlist from the Show

The soundtrack to Deep Time was loud, cosmic, and raw:

“65 Million Years Ago” – Hawkwind

“Godzilla” – Blue Öyster Cult

“Prehistoric Dog” – Red Fang

“Uluru Rock” – Earthless

Coming up on Episode 5: 10th June 2025