Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast

This week we start with Jupiter's dazzling conjunction with the waning Beaver Moon and look for meteors from the Leonid shower, which peaks tonight.We’ll also explore satellite-spotting with tips for catching sight of the International Space Station, China's Tiangong space station, and even SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. As a bonus, Drew talks about how space and astronomy connected him to the hobby of amateur radio, and how you can use amateur radio to interact with the ISS.Mentioned in this episode:Heavens Above (Track satellites and more)Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)NASA's Spot the StationGpredict (Satellite tracking software)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. 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.

In this week’s episode, we’re covering the sky highlights for November 10th through 16th. Get ready for the year’s last supermoon, and the bright close-up appearances of Jupiter and Saturn alongside our lunar companion. Plus, the Leonid Meteor Shower is coming. This “king of meteor showers,” is known for its legendary meteor storms!Also, we’ll take a look at cosmic rays—high-speed particles that travel across space, sometimes causing astronauts to “see” light with their eyes closed.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. 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.

Join host Drew in this special episode of Star Trails as he takes you inside a lively star party hosted by the Midlands Astronomy Club. Experience the unique camaraderie, captivating stories, and the rich tapestry of amateur stargazing culture as Drew chats with club veterans and newcomers alike.Afterward, stay tuned for an in-depth guide to November’s night sky, featuring highlights like Venus’ brilliant pairing with the crescent Moon, the Taurid Meteor Shower, and deep-sky treasures such as the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.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. 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.

Join us for a haunting Halloween edition of Star Trails as Drew teams up with the enigmatic "Eternal Watcher," a spectral voice from the cosmic beyond, to reveal the eeriest celestial wonders lurking in the night sky. Take a journey through the ghostly side of the cosmos, from the Witch Head and Ghost Nebulae to the "Eye of God" — a nebula that seems to gaze back at us.Alongside our celestial sights, we’ll explore myth and mystery with tales of Algol, the Demon Star, and the tragic tale of Orion, the eternal hunter.Also this week, be on the lookout for the Orionid meteor shower, Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and more!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. 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.

Join us as we explore the night sky from October 20th to the 26th. This week is packed with celestial delights, including the Orionid and Leonis Minorids meteor showers, planetary conjunctions, and the star of the show, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Drew will describe his efforts to spot and capture this spectacle, which is a must-see for any backyard astronomer.We’ll also discuss one of the biggest challenges for stargazers: light pollution. Discover how you can improve your stargazing experience even in brightly lit areas, and learn about the Bortle Scale, which measures night sky darkness. Drew will also discuss practical tips for reducing local light interference and maximizing your night sky enjoyment with filters and other techniques. Check out lightpollutionmap.info to learn more.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. 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.

The week of October 13-19 brings a cosmic lineup you won’t want to miss. We’ll explore the Full Hunter’s Moon, a supermoon that’s set to be the biggest and brightest of 2024. Saturn and Jupiter, which will be sharing the sky with the moon this week, creating stunning pairings you can spot just after sunset.Plus, we’ll explore the fascinating world of orbital resonances, where the gravitational dance between celestial bodies creates predictable patterns. From the three-body resonance of Jupiter’s moons to the distant influence of Neptune on the Kuiper Belt, these cosmic interactions are key to understanding the delicate balance that keeps our solar system running like clockwork.Don’t forget Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), which could put on a show from October 14th onward. This ancient comet, possibly last seen 80,000 years ago, will be visible near the western horizon after sunset. Grab your binoculars and catch a glimpse of this icy visitor before it’s gone!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. 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.

In this episode we take a journey through the night sky for the week of October 6th to the 12th. Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are dazzling planets to observe this week, with special highlights like Io and Europa's shadow transits across the Jovian surface. We also explore deep sky objects like the Owl Cluster, the Pleiades, and the striking Blue Snowball Nebula.We’ll investigate the lore of Perseus, the Greek hero turned constellation, and don’t miss the Draconid Meteor Shower, peaking on October 8th. As the Moon transitions from a Waxing Crescent to a Waxing Gibbous, it’s the perfect time for lunar observations, with plenty of craters and shadows to explore.Plus, we look at top picks for stargazing apps like SkySafari and Stellarium to help you navigate the night sky like a pro.Links mentioned in this episode:Jupiter's Moons Tool by Sky & TelescopeSkySafari AppStellarium Mobile / DesktopStar Walk 2PhotoPillsNightCap CameraStarry Night SoftwareHeavens-Above.comSpaceWeather.comFor 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. 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.

In this episode we journey through the night sky from September 29th to October 5th, 2024. As the week begins with a Waning Crescent Moon and leads into a New Moon on October 2nd, it’s the perfect time for deep-sky observation. Also, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), is making a rare appearance on the morning horizon.Later, we look at two lesser-known constellations, Lacerta and Equuleus, both of which present a rewarding challenge for stargazers seeking to broaden their knowledge.Finally, we dive deep into the lore surrounding Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Discover why cultures from Ancient Greece to Native America and even prehistoric peoples saw a bear in these stars and how the myth has endured across time and geography.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!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.

In this episode, we welcome the arrival of the autumnal equinox, signaling longer nights perfect for stargazing. The week of September 22nd to 28th is a great starting point for fall observations, including Saturn, Jupiter, and a picturesque crescent moon near Mars. We’ll also explore the intriguing constellation Cassiopeia and its rich mythology.Later, Drew shares unforgettable stargazing experiences while traveling through the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, from witnessing Venus at 36,000 feet to watching the Northern Lights dance over the Big Dipper. We’ll offer up some tips on how you can enjoy astronomy while on vacation.Lastly, Drew wraps up with a recommendation for a fascinating astronomy book that blends the history of planet-hunting with Einstein’s revolutionary theory of relativity. Check out The Hunt for Vulcan.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!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.

In this episode we explore an extraordinary week of lunar events from September 15-21, 2024. Mid-week we’ll experience the spectacle of the Full Harvest Moon, which also happens to be a supermoon, and witness a partial lunar eclipse visible across the Americas, Europe, and Africa.Later, we journey to the mysterious far side of the Moon, exploring its geology, historical significance, and the groundbreaking missions that have uncovered its secrets.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!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.

In this episode we take a look at the night sky for the week starting September 8th, including a closer look at the prominent constellation Cygnus, and some of the deep sky objects you can see this month.We’ll also explore quasars—some of the most mysterious and powerful objects in the universe. Learn about these cosmic beacons that shine from the early universe, powered by supermassive black holes.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!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.

Join us on this week's episode as we explore the night sky from September 1 to 7. With the New Moon providing darker skies, it’s a perfect time to observe deep sky objects, plus, spot the dazzling Venus at dusk.We also unravel the lore behind the constellation Pegasus and explain how the Moon’s subtle wobble, known as lunar libration, lets us glimpse more of its surface than you might expect.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!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.

Join us on this week's episode as we explore the night sky from August 25 to 31. This week, Mars, the Moon, and Jupiter come together in a stunning celestial triangle visible in the early morning hours. We'll also take a deep dive into the constellation Andromeda, home to the nearest spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way.Plus, discover the fascinating world of pulsars—nature's most precise cosmic clocks.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!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.

Join us for another journey through the cosmos for the week starting August 18th. We start with the breathtaking Full Sturgeon Moon, a blue supermoon that will dazzle the night with its brilliance. We'll also discuss what makes a moon "super" and "blue."As the Moon cozies up to Saturn, we share tips for observing this close encounter, along with updates on other planetary highlights this week, including Jupiter, Mars, and Venus. For the early risers, we explore the elusive Zodiacal Light and its mystical glow in the pre-dawn hours.We'll also venture deep into the cosmos and take a look at the emerging science of gravitational waves. Discover how these ripples in space-time, predicted over a century ago, are opening a new window into the universe and reshaping our understanding of cosmic events.Links:How does LIGO work?Ripples of Gravity, Flashes of LightFor 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!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.

This week features the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower, a Mars-Jupiter conjunction, and Saturn is at opposition.We’ll also explore the fascinating world of radio astronomy, uncovering the history, technology, and groundbreaking discoveries of this unique field.Resources mentioned:Radio JOVE ProjectSociety of Amateur Radio AstronomersFor 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!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.

Join us for another journey through the cosmos for the week starting August 4th. In this episode we’re taking a look at nebulae — those vast, colorful clouds of gas and dust that play a crucial role in the life cycle of stars. Discover the different types of nebulae, from the bright emission nebulae like the Orion Nebula to the mysterious dark nebulae like the Horsehead Nebula. Plus, find out which nebulae are best for amateur astronomers to observe, especially with the darker skies brought by the New Moon this week.There are some interesting stargazing events this week, including the close encounter of the crescent Moon and Venus, Mars and Jupiter in Taurus, and the highlight of the month — the Perseids Meteor Shower, which peaks next week.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!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.

This week, we’re taking a look at the diverse and complex world of galaxies. From the spiral beauty of the Milky Way to the mysterious elliptical giants, we’ll uncover the secrets of these colossal structures.Later in the episode, we’ll highlight a stunning celestial alignment involving the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter.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!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.

Summer is an excellent time to view the Milky Way. In this episode we’ll explore the structure of our home galaxy and highlight prominent constellations and deep-sky objects along the vast galactic plane.We’ll also welcome this month’s Full Moon, known as the Buck Moon. Plus, get updates on the visible planets and tips for the best stargazing experiences.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!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.

Join us for the week of July 14 to July 20. In this episode we dive into the Summer Triangle and discover the myths and scientific marvels behind the stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb. Learn how to spot these celestial gems along with other deep sky objects in the summer sky.Get up early for the conjunction of Uranus and Mars on July 15. Also, this month marks the start of observation for the dazzling Perseid meteor shower, which is always an anticipated astronomical event. We talk more about meteor showers and how to view them in the second half of the episode.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!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.

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!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.