Manx Sky at Night

Howard gets ready for the Eclipse, reviews the recent Starship launch, and previews Manx stargazing prospects in April

As well as telling us what stars will be visible over the Island during January, Howard Parkin has also drawn up a stargazers calendar - significant sights to be seen in our Manx Dark Skies during the coming year - and if you'd like a copy, email your request to howardparkin@manx.net The music break is from Sailor In the second half of the programme, Howard brings us up to date with the latest developments in space exploration - there's lots of activity both on the ground and in space - and there's no sign of any of it slowing down!

In the November edition of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what will be visible (weather permitting) in the sky during the coming weeks - the music break is Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Power of Love, and after that we'll be talking about space - and discussing some interesting and very unexpected data which has come back from the James Webb Telescope. If you have any questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin discusses the movement of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in the coming weeks - and will there be more meteor showers during November? And there's even a ghost story - with music to match it, from The Specials Part two keeps us updated with just some of the current space stories - including - are the scientists really sure that there is life on other planets? Howard explains it all!

The skies are getting darker earlier - which is good news for stargazers! Amongst the many topics Howard covers in this month's programme are the Equinox on 22nd September, a possibility of seeing Jupiter, Saturn, and the Andromeda Galaxy - as well as a moon that's full, red, blue, and super - but not sturgeon! The music break is Moonhadow by Cat Stevens In the second half of the programme, Howard goes into space - with news about Voyager, Boeing Starchaser and Artemis 3 Questions can be emailed to Howard, and will feature in the next edition of the programme - howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we should be looking for in our August dark skies - including the Summer Triangle, a full Blue Super Moon (that might actually be red!), the appearance of Jupiter and the possibility of a dramatic Perseid Meteor Shower. The music break is Good Morning, Starshine by Oliver and after that, Howard brings us up to date with some of the top stories about the race into space. Howard welcomes questions, and suggestions for stargazing or space-related topics for future programmes - email howardparkin@manx,net

Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what to look out for in our July dark skies, and after a break for a Glastonbury-inspired music choice, he looks at some of the big stories in recent space travel and exploration news. Howard welcomes your questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what we can look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of April and recalls some of the highlights of stargazing in March. After the music break with Enya, it's time for the latest space news.

We're nearing the end of the 'best' time for stargazing, as the nights become ever-so-slightly lighter for longer - so Astronomer Howard Parkin says 'make the most of these next weeks before the clocks change the end of March!' There's a brilliant conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in early March - Mars is still bright overhead, and we discuss the exciting prospect of the Aurora Borealis The music break is Venus by Shocking Blue, and in the second half of the programme Howard brings us up to date with yet more stories of the race to get into space! Steve Bowen is due to head out on a mission and has promised to look out for the Isle of Man as he passes over us! Howard well remembers Steve's visit here in 2012, and ahead of this latest mission, Howard sent Steve good wishes from everyone on the Island! If you have any star or space-related questions, you're welcome to email Howard - howardparkin@manx.net

For this month's edition of the MANX SKY AT NIGHT, resident Astronomer Howard Parkin takes us on a tour of the IOM Observatory. Group visits, and visitors on Club Nights are always welcome - email Howard if you'd like more information - howardparkin@manx.net

If the skies are clear enough, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible during November; there are a couple of meteor showers in prospect - the Taurids and Leonids - and there may even be some fireballs visible! After the music break, Howard shares latest updates from the world of space exploration, and there's an invitation to a fascinating talk on 19 November at The Observatory, organised by the IOMASO - booking details can be found on Eventbrite or email howardparkin@manx.net in case of difficulty.

Howard Parkin explains what we can look out for in our dark skies over the Island, during the months of October (given some clear conditions of course!) Mars Jupiter and Saturn are visible now, and this is a great time to see the Milky Way in all it's glory! Other October highlights include the Draconids meteor shower peaking on 7 October in the North sky in the evening; the Orionid meteor shower peaks on 21 October after midnight in the Eastern sky; and there's a partial (25%) solar eclipse around 10am on 25 October The music break this month is Neil Young's Harvest Moon Space news includes more information about the delays to the SLS launch - due mainly to poor weather conditions; an update on the Starlink launch; and more great images from the James Webb Space Telescope - now sending back amazing pictures from Mars, Jupiter and Neptune. Howard is always pleased to answer your astronomy questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Manx Radio's Resident Astronomer HOWARD PARKIN is back with more information about what we can see (if we have good clear conditions) in our wonderful Isle of Man dark skies during the weeks of September. The first planned launch window for the Artemis 1 Moon Mission was missed due to a mix of technical and weather difficulties, but Howard's enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, this important event, is well worth a listen - plus there's other space news - some of it directly linked to the Isle of Man! If you have queries or questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Join Howard Parkin, as he reflects on some of the best stargazing he's enjoyed during July, and previews some of the activity in the night skies during August - including the possibility of another meteor shower! This month's music choice is inspired by a question from a listener in Northamptonshire - contact Howard via email - howardparkin@manx.net In the second part of the programme, Howard talks about the latest images from the James Webb Telescope and brings us the latest news on the ever-changing space scene.

Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes the stars, planets and other sights that might be seen in the skies over the Isle of Man during the month of July - if we get clear conditions. Tonight's music break is a 1950's moon-themed song from Dean Martin And Howard will, as usual, be taking a look at the latest stories from the world of space exploration, and asking the question - generating electricity in space? Science fact .... or science fiction ?? Listen - and judge for yourself! Howard is always happy to receive your questions or comments email : howardparkin@manx.net Manx Sky at Night is aired live on Manx Radio at 21.30 on the last Sunday of every month

Astronomer Howard Parkin takes his monthly look into our Manx skies, and describes what we might see, given the right conditions, in our dark skies during the month of June. Tonight's music break is Telstar by the Tornados - but why ? Howard explains! And there's more news from the world of space exploration - including a report on the amazing James Webb Telescope as it gradually prepares to start work! Howard welcomes your questions and queries - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

As usual, it's a podcast of two halves! Astronomer Howard Parkin begins with a look ahead to some of the things we can see in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May - the planets all visible in the morning sky; Venus and Jupiter very close and the possibility of a spectacular meteor storm around 14th May, with a lunar eclipse on May 16th - Howard has all the details in this month's programme. He's also got an update on a big story concerning the Isle of Man Astronomical Society Observatory .... After the music break - Frank Sinatra's very appropriate Fly Me To The Moon - Howard will update us on the amazing amount of activity in space! Amongst other topics, he talks about the Axiom Mission, the NASA SLS launch, the postponement of Exomars - and the latest news on the incredible James Webb Telescope.... Howard is always pleased to receive your comments or questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net The next edition of the Manx Sky at Night is on the final Sunday of May - 29th May 2022 - broadcast live at 21:30 and available immediately afterwards as a podcast

Once again, Manx Radio's resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, explains how to enjoy the dark skies over our Island in the weeks of March when the planets will start to show the first signs of the end of Winter. After the music break (Barry Manilow - with a planetary connection!) it's all about space - and telescopes - it's all good news from the amazing James Webb Telescope - but the Hubble is still going strong! If you have queries or question for Howard, he is always happy to receive your emails - howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what will be visible - in the right weather conditions - in our Manx dark skies during the month of February. After a rather unusual music break (you have to listen and work out the space connection!) Howard gives an update on the latest activities in space - he reports on the progress of the amazing Webb Telescope, and talks more about Starlink - set to make the Internet more accessible than ever, and the Isle of Man will play an important part in its development. There's news too about the first Axiom mission - the first private space station, which might be launched in just a few weeks' time. If you have any questions for Howard to answer in the next edition of the programme - on the final Sunday of February - you can email him - howardparkin@manx.net

For the last time in 2021, resident astronomer Howard Parkin identifies what we can look for in the dark skies of winter. There's plenty of planetary activity, another meteor shower and a rare opportunity to see Mercury. And Howard has produced a 'calendar' of what we can expect to see in the skies throughout the coming year - if you'd like a copy of his guide to the Manx night skies in 2022, email him - howardparkin@manx.net The music break this week is Jubel's Dancing in the Moonlight In the second part of the programme, Howard has some fascinating facts and figures about the amazing James Webb Telescope which finally launched on Christmas Day. He explains a lot about its features and what it hopes to achieve - laying the foundations for a subject that we will be discussing in much greater detail during the coming year (and beyond!) Howard also has a report on a very special visit to London, and information about upcoming talks he'll be giving round the Island during January and February 2022