Episodios

  • Summer’s Starry Nights, a Nova Watch, and Planetary Adventures
    Jul 7 2024

    This week we journey through the night sky for the week starting July 7th. As the moon transitions from its New Moon phase to the First Quarter, we'll revel in the darker skies perfect for stargazing. We’ll also look at three more summer constellations: Scutum, Pegasus, and Cetus, uncovering their notable stars, clusters, and deep sky objects.

    We’ll discuss how to use averted vision to enhance viewing of dim objects, and we’re keeping an eye on T Coronae Borealis, a star that may go nova this summer!

    We also share practical tips for new astronomers, focusing on what to expect when observing planets through a small telescope.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

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    22 m
  • Dark Skies and Dazzling Sights: Summer’s Celestial Fireworks
    Jun 30 2024

    This week on Star Trails, join Drew as we delve into the astronomical highlights from June 30th to July 6th, 2024. With the moon transitioning from a waning crescent to a new moon, the darkest skies of the month unveil the perfect backdrop for stargazing.

    Witness Mars, Saturn, and the early morning planets, explore the intriguing lore behind the constellations Serpens, Delphinus, and Capricornus, and marvel at deep sky treasures like the Eagle Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.

    We'll also unravel the mystery of retrograde motion—a celestial phenomenon that puzzled astronomers for centuries. Tune in for a cosmic journey that connects us with the universe's grand ballet.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

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    15 m
  • Summer’s Cosmic Wonders and Martian Milestones
    Jun 23 2024

    Join us this week as we journey through the celestial wonders awaiting stargazers from June 23rd to June 29th, 2024.

    From the waning phases of the Moon to the best times to spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury, there's plenty to see. We also delve into the stories and features of the constellations Sagittarius, Cygnus, and Ophiuchus, highlighting the rich mythology and unique stars and nebulae within them.

    We'll also take a look back at the Mars Pathfinder mission, which landed back in 1997.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

    Más Menos
    13 m
  • A Strawberry Moon, the Summer Solstice, and a Star Going Nova
    Jun 16 2024

    Join us on this week's episode of Star Trails as we explore the wonders of the night sky for the week of June 16-22. We'll start with the transition of the Moon from its Waxing Gibbous phase to the breathtaking Strawberry Moon, coinciding with the Summer Solstice. Discover the mythological stories and astronomical significance behind the lesser-known summer constellations Sagitta, Vulpecula, and Corona Borealis.

    We'll delve into the mysterious and imminent nova of T Coronae Borealis. Plus, learn about solstices and equinoxes in our Astronomy 101 segment.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

    Más Menos
    14 m
  • Moon Pairings, Planetary Highlights, and the Afterglow of Creation
    Jun 9 2024

    Join us this week as we explore the night sky from June 9-15, 2024. Discover the celestial dance of the Moon with Regulus and Spica, and enjoy stunning views of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter in the early morning sky. We'll delve into the lore of the late spring constellations Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Aquila, and revisit some classic stars and deep-sky objects.

    Plus, journey back to the birth of the universe as we discuss the Cosmic Microwave Background -- the afterglow of the Big Bang!

    • Sky map for week starting June 9, 2024
    • The Sound of the Big Band
    • Cosmic Microwave Background

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

    Más Menos
    15 m
  • Planets on Parade, a New Moon, and How to Read a Star Chart
    Jun 2 2024

    Join us as we journey through the cosmos and uncover the celestial highlights for the week of June 2, 2024. A spectacular six-planet parade visible on the morning of June 3rd is the highlight for this week. Learn the best times and locations for viewing this rare planetary spectacle, as well as tips for spotting deep-sky objects like the Dumbbell Nebula and the Butterfly Cluster.

    In our Astronomy 101 segment, discover how to use a traditional star chart and save your night vision.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.

    Más Menos
    13 m
  • Neptune's Secrets and May's Stellar Highlights
    May 26 2024

    Join Drew as we journey through the cosmos and uncover the celestial highlights for the week of May 26th, 2024. We'll dive into the Moon's phases, the visibility of planets like Saturn and Mars, and explore stunning deep-sky objects such as the Sombrero Galaxy, and the Owl Nebula.

    Plus, don't miss our special segment on Voyager 2's historic encounter with Neptune on June 5, 1989, where we celebrate the spacecraft's remarkable contributions to our understanding of the outer planets.

    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Más Menos
    10 m
  • A Flower Moon, Parading Planets, and the Quest to Prove General Relativity
    May 19 2024

    Join us in this week's episode where the night sky comes alive with celestial wonders from May 19th to the 25th. Highlights include the Full Flower Moon, alongside some familiar constellations. The planets are lining up for a parade, and notable deep sky objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and the Ring Nebula offer both novice and seasoned astronomers a feast for the eyes.

    We also takes a moment to recount the historical 1919 solar eclipse expedition by Sir Arthur Eddington, which confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity and reshaped our understanding of the universe.

    For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Clear skies and happy stargazing!

    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    Más Menos
    10 m