We begin close to home with the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy, a hidden companion galaxy currently being torn apart by the gravity of our own Milky Way. From there, we travel some 70 million light-years away to the spectacular Antennae Galaxies, where two spiral galaxies are locked in a slow-motion collision that is both destructive, and strangely creative.

Along the way, we recall my recent conversation with astrophysicist Enrique López Rodríguez to explore the possibility of magnetic bridges and “superhighways” carrying gas, dust, and charged particles between galaxies, raising the astonishing possibility that the raw ingredients of future planets may sometimes originate far beyond their home galaxy.

And finally, we return to the question we teased last week: What about us? Is the long-predicted collision between the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy still inevitable? New observations from Hubble Space Telescope and Gaia suggest the answer may be far less certain than we once believed.

We'll also check in with this week's night sky, and wrap up our discussion of NightWatch.

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We start close to home by exploring our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and asking a deceptively simple question: where does a galaxy actually end? Along the way, we’ll explore spiral arms, dark matter, supermassive black holes, the hidden structure of our galactic halo, and the faint ghostly glow of Integrated Flux Nebula, dust clouds illuminated by the combined light of billions of stars.

We’ll also discover why our solar system doesn’t align with the Milky Way the way you might expect, how astronomers mapped our galaxy from the inside using radio waves, and what the night sky might look like if the Milky Way simply vanished.

Later in the episode: I report on a backyard observation of Amazon’s recent Leo satellite launch, plus, this week’s night sky highlights, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, Jupiter and Saturn, and a trio of deep-sky galaxies perfect for spring observing.

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We sit down with Professor Enrique López Rodríguez, an extragalactic astronomer at the University of South Carolina and one of the leading researchers in the United States studying magnetic fields in galaxies.

The conversation also dives into the complex behavior of supermassive black holes, some actively feeding and driving powerful outflows, others surprisingly quiet, and how these cosmic engines influence the evolution of entire galaxies.

Along the way, we’ll look at how modern astronomy is mapping the hidden forces that connect the universe.

And later in the show, we return to something a little closer to home with this week’s night sky, featuring the rising Flower Moon, bright evening planets, and a deep-sky tour through one of the richest regions of galaxies visible from Earth.

Links mentioned:

• Enrique Lopez Rodriguez online
• Survey of Extragalactic Magnetism with SOFIA

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Along the way, we dive into concepts like data reduction, radio interferometry, distributed computing with SETI@home, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in making new discoveries. We also take a hands-on detour, compiling a simple N-body simulation in Fortran and visualizing the results with Python—bringing a tiny gravitational universe to life.

Later in the show, we step outside for this week’s night sky, featuring a delicate crescent Moon with Earthshine, the Lyrid meteor shower, a beautiful pairing of Venus and the Moon, and a selection of deep sky targets for patient observers.

Links mentioned:

• My N-Body Fortran simulation
• Using AI to identify objects from Hubble data

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Radio astronomy has transformed our understanding of the cosmos, not by capturing images, but by detecting faint signals that have traveled across space for billions of years. From the accidental discovery of radio waves from the Milky Way by Karl Jansky, to the detection of the afterglow of the Big Bang, this field has revealed a hidden layer of reality that optical astronomy alone could never uncover.

We’ll explore how radio telescopes actually work, from signal capture and amplification to digitization and frequency analysis using the Fast Fourier Transform. Along the way, we’ll break down concepts like interferometry, beamforming, and deconvolution—techniques that allow astronomers to reconstruct images from incomplete data and even map the structure of our own galaxy using hydrogen emissions.

We’ll also take a look at one of the most remarkable achievements in modern astronomy: the first image of a black hole, created by the Event Horizon Telescope, a global network of observatories that effectively turned Earth itself into a single telescope.

And we’ll connect these advanced techniques back to everyday life. The same math and signal processing used to study the universe are also at work in your phone, your Wi-Fi router, and your headphones.

Later in the show, we reflect on a striking new image from the Artemis II mission, and step outside for a look at this week’s night sky, featuring dark skies, distant galaxies, and a subtle planetary alignment for early risers.

Links mentioned:

• Artemis II Wake-Up playlist on Spotify
• "Hello World" image from Artemis II

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Released in 1969 at the height of the space race, Bowie’s breakout hit arrived alongside humanity’s first steps on the Moon. The BBC even used it during their coverage of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, a strange pairing for a song about an astronaut who never makes it home.

But the real story of Space Oddity goes deeper. Through subtle harmonic shifts, borrowed chords, and unconventional production techniques, the song itself begins to drift, mirroring the fate of its protagonist, Major Tom.

We’ll explore: How the song quietly abandons its musical “home,” why instruments like the Mellotron and Stylophone create a sense of distance, the role of stereo mixing, reverb, and tape-era studio tricks in shaping its sound, and how Bowie’s use of characters allows the story to resonate on a deeper level.

Along the way, we trace the song’s journey beyond Earth itself, including Chris Hadfield’s performance aboard the International Space Station.

More than 50 years after its release, Space Oddity remains a haunting reflection on what it means to leave home, and what happens when you don’t come back.

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Drew visits Melton Memorial Observatory and sits down with director Martin Bowers to explore what a nearly 100-year-old, urban observatory still offers today. From public viewing nights to hands-on learning, we look at how these classic domes continue to connect people with the night sky, even under city lights.

Then, we zoom out to the bigger picture.

From Mount Wilson Observatory and Palomar Observatory to Mauna Kea Observatories and Paranal Observatory, we trace how observatories evolved from simple telescopes into powerful instruments that reshaped our understanding of the universe.

All of it built on a simple idea: gathering light, photon by photon.

Plus, a quick look at what’s in the night sky for the week of April 5th.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Melton Memorial Observatory Website
• Melton Facebook Page

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We explore the Kuiper Belt, a vast disk of icy remnants left over from the formation of the planets, and travel even farther into the mysterious Oort Cloud, a distant, spherical halo of objects that may extend halfway to the nearest stars. Along the way, we uncover the discoveries that reshaped our understanding of the Solar System, from the first detection of Kuiper Belt objects to the controversial reclassification of Pluto after the discovery of Eris.

We also follow the journey of the Voyager spacecraft, now drifting through interstellar space yet still deep within the Sun’s extended domain, and examine the ongoing search for the elusive Planet Nine, a world that may exist only as a gravitational whisper in the darkness.

And then there are the visitors: interstellar objects like ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov, fragments from other star systems passing briefly through our own.

In this week’s night sky report, we look ahead to the April 1 Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, and highlight what you can still observe under bright moonlight, including Jupiter, several star clusters, and a beautiful close pairing of the Moon and Regulus.

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For most of human history, we assumed moons were quiet, lifeless companions like our own. But as spacecraft ventured deeper into the outer solar system, a very different picture emerged.

Some moons erupt with volcanoes. Some hide vast oceans beneath miles of ice. Some have weather, rivers, and lakes, made not of water, but methane. And a few of them may have the ingredients necessary for life.

We’ll explore these strange worlds, from Io and Europa to Titan and Enceladus, and take a closer look at what makes them so dynamic. Along the way, we’ll revisit Pluto and its surprisingly complex family of moons, and consider why the outer solar system is teeming with these objects while the inner planets remain mostly bare.

Finally, we’ll step outside for a guided tour of the night sky for the week of March 22–28, including a waxing crescent Moon, brilliant Venus in the evening sky, Jupiter and its Galilean moons, and the arrival of spring’s galaxy season. We'll also check in on our book discussion with a look at Chapters 8 and 9 in Nightwatch.

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But the story of Pluto is far more complicated—and far more fascinating—than that single vote.

In this episode of Star Trails, we reopen the case. From Percival Lowell’s search for the mysterious “Planet X” to Clyde Tombaugh’s painstaking discovery using a blink comparator, we trace the strange history of the ninth planet. We’ll examine the discoveries that led to Pluto’s controversial demotion, meet the astronomers who helped redefine what a planet is, and follow NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft as it revealed Pluto to be a dynamic and surprisingly complex world.

Along the way we explore Pluto’s bizarre orbit, its giant moon Charon, its icy surface and hidden mysteries—and the poetic moment when the ashes of its discoverer finally returned to the distant world he found.

And later in the show, we step outside for a look at the night sky for the week of March 15–21, including dark skies near the new moon, the arrival of the vernal equinox, brilliant Jupiter in Gemini, and a few deep-sky treasures worth tracking down with your telescope.

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Along the way we explore how the solar system formed, why the inner planets are rocky while the outer planets became giants of gas and ice, and why the distant ice giants remain some of the least explored worlds we know.

Later in the episode we share a personal observing report after attempting to spot a SpaceX rocket launch from hundreds of miles away, offer up tips on how you might see one yourself, and we'll walk through what’s visible in the night sky for the week of March 8–14.

We’ll also continue our NightWatch book club with Chapters 6 and 7, exploring the realities of visual astronomy and how patient observation reveals the subtle beauty of the deep sky.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Spaceflight Now website

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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After months of exploring distant stars, nebulae, and black holes, March begins with a tour of our own neighborhood: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, four rocky worlds born from the same protoplanetary disk 4.5 billion years ago, yet shaped into radically different outcomes.

We’ll visit Mercury, the tiny planet that helped confirm Einstein’s General Relativity and inspired the hunt for a phantom world called Vulcan. We’ll step into Venus, Earth’s “twin” turned runaway greenhouse furnace, and then we’ll zoom out on Earth itself as if we’re alien astronomers reading its oceans, oxygen, and technosignatures from afar. Finally, we’ll head to Mars, a planet that once hosted flowing water, may have been habitable long ago, and still tempts us with the unresolved question of past life.

After the break, I nerd out about my electric car and trace an unexpected history of EVs in space, from the lunar rovers parked on the Moon to a Tesla Roadster orbiting the Sun.

In the sky report, the week’s headline event is a total lunar eclipse: the Full Worm Moon turns coppery red in Earth’s shadow, the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 visible across much of North America. Plus: Jupiter shines in the evening sky, and Mercury and Venus linger low in twilight.

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Most stars don’t explode. They grow old. We’ll follow the Sun’s future as it swells into a red giant, sheds its outer layers, and becomes a dense white dwarf held up not by heat, but by quantum mechanics itself. Along the way, we’ll examine planetary nebulae like the Ring Nebula and the Dumbbell Nebula, and look at real red giants such as Betelgeuse and Aldebaran that foreshadow stellar endings.

Then we turn to the massive stars — the ones that collapse, detonate as supernovae, leave behind neutron stars and magnetars, or cross the final threshold into black holes. We’ll discuss how gravity overwhelms every known force, how black holes are categorized by size, and why even these seemingly eternal objects slowly evaporate over unimaginable timescales.

In the night sky report, we cover the waxing Moon, a six-planet evening “parade,” Jupiter shining high after sunset, and a beautiful lunar encounter with the Pleiades.

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From there, we leave the realm of statistics and tour a handful of “highlight reel” stars: neighbors like Proxima Centauri and Barnard’s Star, navigational royalty like Canopus, famous oddballs like Vega, and cosmic heavyweights like Antares and WR 104, the so-called “Death Star” that’s (probably) not aimed at us after all.

This week's night sky lands in the sweet spot of the month: A New Moon on February 17 brings genuinely dark evenings, followed by a delicate crescent return. Watch the young Moon pass Saturn on February 19, with Mercury about five degrees south.

Finally, in our book club, we continue with Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson, covering Chapters 4 and 5. We talk old-school printed star charts, seasonal sky “guideposts,” why the Milky Way is a river of unresolved starlight, and Dickinson’s legendary warning about “Christmas trash scopes.”

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We explore stellar nurseries like the Orion and Eagle Nebulae, where young stars actively sculpt their birth clouds, and look at star clusters, both open and globular, as living communities that reveal how mass determines a star’s fate. Along the way, we unpack one of the strangest facts in astronomy: that the smallest, coolest stars may live for trillions of years, far longer than the universe has existed so far, and how we know that’s true.

Later in the show, we step outside and survey the night sky for February 8–14, demystifying the so-called “planetary parade” by using it as a guide to the ecliptic — the shared path planets follow across the sky.

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In this episode, we take a deep dive into what a star really is, and just as importantly, what it isn’t. We’ll talk about how stars form, why they live such turbulent lives, how light escapes their interiors over immense spans of time, and why the stars we see from Earth are not representative of the galaxy as a whole.

Along the way, we’ll challenge common assumptions about color, brightness, and magnitude, explore the strange world of brown dwarves and “failed” stars, and reflect on why nearly everything around us exists because earlier generations of stars lived and died long before the Sun was born.

After the break, we turn our attention to the night sky for February 1st through the 7th. The week opens under the light of the full Snow Moon. We’ll talk about a close lunar encounter with Regulus in Leo, and a selection of star clusters and overlooked regions that still shine through imperfect conditions, including the Beehive Cluster, M67, Monoceros, and a charming little cluster in Orion known as “the 37.”

We also kick off the Star Trails book club with the first three chapters of NightWatch by Terence Dickinson. We’ll discuss why this classic guide remains so valuable, how different editions compare, and why books are still some of the best companions you can bring to the night sky.

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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In this episode we step back from targets, charts, and techniques to talk about something every stargazer eventually encounters: the myth of the perfect night. Clear horizons, steady seeing, and flawless gear. Astronomy culture often presents these moments as normal, when in reality they’re exceptions. Most nights are compromised, interrupted, or quietly frustrating. It’s the nature of the hobby.

We explore how social media and memory itself smooth over disappointment, how unmet expectations can drain motivation, and why so many astronomers quietly drift away without realizing nothing is actually “wrong.” From dew-soaked star parties and missed comets to long stretches of waiting and adjusting, this episode hopes to show those imperfect nights still matter.

If you’ve ever packed up early, felt discouraged, or wondered whether the struggle was worth it, this one’s for you.

In the second half of the show, we'll turn our attention back to this week's night sky, and check in on recent solar activity that lit up the skies with auroras last week. If you caught the aurora, or tried to and came up empty, I’d love to hear your story. Photos, sightings, and near-misses are all welcome at the show website.

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From that realization, we peel back the layers of motion that shape the night sky. We explore why stars rise and set, why the Moon never shows us its far side, how planets appear to reverse course in retrograde motion, and why familiar constellations are only temporary arrangements. Along the way, we talk about tidal locking, libration, axial precession, stellar proper motion, and even the subtle wobble of the Sun itself around the solar system’s barycenter.

In the second half of the show, we turn our attention to the backyard with this week’s night sky report, featuring dark, Moon-free skies, brilliant Jupiter, Saturn in the southwest, a close Moon–Saturn–Neptune pairing, and excellent conditions for deep-sky favorites like the Beehive Cluster.

We also officially kick off the Star Trails Book Club, beginning with NightWatch by Terence Dickinson, one of the most beloved guides to the night sky ever written.

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Along the way, we explore Orion’s rich mythology, his role in ancient cultures, and the remarkable deep-sky objects hidden within his outline, including stellar nurseries, dark nebulae, and the vast structures shaping this region of the Milky Way.

We also journey back thousands of years to ancient Egypt to examine the intriguing and controversial Orion Correlation Theory, which suggests a connection between the cosmos and the pyramids of Giza. What does the evidence really say, and why does Orion continue to draw humans into stories that link sky and stone?

To round out the episode, we’ll check in on the night sky for January 11–17, including the Moon’s phase, visible planets, and observing highlights, plus a look at recent space news featuring the discovery of a mysterious “failed galaxy” known as Cloud-9.

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Along the way, the episode explores the idea of the sky as a clock, the power of naked-eye and binocular observing, and the winter night sky anchored by Orion, Jupiter, and the Great Nebula.

It also branches into a backyard stargazer’s reading recommendation (Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson) and a fascinating moment from astronomy’s past, the long search for the nonexistent planet Vulcan, and how Einstein’s theory of general relativity finally explained Mercury’s strange orbit. This episode sets the tone for the year ahead: astronomy as a practice, not a performance.

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In this short holiday episode, we reflect on what the solstice means from an astronomical perspective, why ancient cultures saw it as a rebirth of light, and how it gifts modern stargazers with long, early nights and some of the most iconic sights in the sky.

We tour the familiar winter constellations as Orion rises into prominence, with the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, Sirius, and the steady guideposts of the northern sky all on display. This week also features some of winter’s planetary beacons, with Jupiter blazing brightly, Saturn lingering quietly in the early evening, and Mercury making a brief predawn appearance for sharp-eyed observers.

The episode also includes a spoiler-free book recommendation for listeners who enjoyed November’s deeper dives into time dilation, interstellar travel, and the limits imposed by physics. Drew shares thoughts on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, author of The Martian.

Finally, as a holiday gift to listeners, we introduce Liminal Horizon, a new music project featuring three albums of space-inspired, planetarium-style music designed for stargazing, night drives, and quiet contemplation.

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Along the way we’ll ride with nuclear-pulse starships, bust the myth of the Bussard ramjet, and imagine skimming just outside the maw of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. We’ll talk about why time only runs forward, what it really means to “move through spacetime,” why black holes make clocks crawl, and how modern quantum ideas try, and mostly fail, to sneak backward time travel in through the side door without breaking causality.

In the second half of the episode, we park the starship and focus on the actual sky. December is one of the richest observing months of the year, so while the podcast takes a short holiday break, you’ll have a clear roadmap: the final Cold Supermoon of the year, the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers, Mercury’s dawn cameo, Jupiter and Saturn in the evening, and the full cast of winter constellations. We’ll lay out a simple three-session observing plan to carry you through the month: supermoon and giants, Geminid weekend, and a quiet solstice night under the Ursids.

It’s an episode about time travel that ends with the most accessible time machine we have: walking outside, looking up, and catching ancient photons from the deep past on a cold December night.

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From the Big Bang to the heat death of everything, each of Taylor’s albums becomes a chapter in the cosmic timeline. We’ll travel through the Primordial Universe, the formation of the first stars, galaxy evolution, black hole fireworks, the rise of dark energy, and the long, cold future of the cosmos — all through a Swiftian lens.

Later in the episode, we return to our usual sky tour. We’ll explore the waxing crescent Moon, bright views of Jupiter and Saturn, and the early arrival of the winter constellations. And we’ll take a moment to marvel at Hubble’s breathtaking new mosaic of the Andromeda Galaxy, detailed enough that you can zoom in and see individual stars in another galaxy.

Think of this episode as a cosmic mix tape!

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We’ll explore the idea of “sad astronomy”: the loneliness of deep space, the slow death of stars, the fragility of spacecraft, the silence of the cosmic void, and why so many stargazers feel a mix of awe and melancholy when they look up.

Along the way we wander through pop culture – the films Contact, and Interstellar, the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, the ghost glow of old light, the Arecibo message, Voyager’s endless journey, and the overview effect, the transformative shift astronauts feel when they see Earth from above.

It’s a meditation on distance, death, meaning, and the strange comfort found in the cold geometry of the cosmos.

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We fire up a real quantum computer to generate pure randomness — the seed for a million-universe simulation of the famous Drake Equation. Each run explores how many intelligent civilizations might exist in our galaxy, from barren voids to thriving cosmic metropolises. The results are startling, the implications profound, and the method delightfully nerdy.

Along the way, we revisit the roots of the Drake Equation, the strangeness of quantum mechanics, and the poetry of probability. Then we step outside to the real night sky: the waning Moon, Saturn’s thinning rings, Jupiter’s bright rise, and the Taurid fireballs streaking through November darkness.

I also share how I photographed the recent Full Beaver Moon using Stellarium, PhotoPills, and The Photographer’s Ephemeris.

This episode blends code, cosmology, and contemplation.

Links mentioned:

• Sampling the Drake Equation with Python
• My Full Beaver Moon Cityscape
• Photo tools: Stellarium, PhotoPills, and The Photographer's Ephemeris

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Then we turn from backyard observing to deep-space communication with a hands-on look at the Arecibo Message — the radio transmission beamed from Earth in 1974 as humanity’s mathematical greeting to the stars. We’ll break down what that signal said, how it was constructed, and whether an alien civilization could ever decode its meaning. Along the way, Drew recreates the original 1,679-bit message using Python code, transforms it into sound, and decodes it again to reveal the famous stick figure, DNA helix, and planetary map.

It’s a story about logic, language, and what it means to say hello to the universe — a reminder that every beam of light and burst of radio energy carries a trace of who we are.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Along the way, we revisit humanity’s attempts to speak into the void — the Arecibo Message, the golden records aboard Voyager, and the global volunteer army of SETI@Home. We also consider the possibilities: is the eerie silence a warning, a mystery, or simply a distance too vast for even radio waves to cross?

Plus, your night sky report for October 26 through November 1, 2025 — featuring a first-quarter Moon, Saturn and Jupiter shining bright, Mercury at greatest elongation, and a visit from Comet Lemmon.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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But before venturing into that darkness, the night sky itself offers reason to stay up late. The Orionid meteor shower peaks under a new moon, delivering pristine, moonless skies for deep-sky observing. Saturn still commands the early evening, Jupiter gleams after midnight, and the autumn constellations fill the heavens with galaxies, clusters, and nebulae ripe for exploration.

Plus, a listener’s question sparks a timely detour into the strange beauty of black holes and the now-iconic image of a glowing ring surrounding a dark center. Is it art, or reality? We explain the physics behind those haunting visuals and how Einstein’s relativity sculpts light itself into the illusion we see.

So settle in beneath the cooling autumn sky, and listen as we wander the universe’s silent necropolis, where every dying star leaves behind a spark, and even the ashes of creation still shimmer with light.

Mentioned in this episode:

• What do black holes look like?

Then, we step into a stranger realm: The House of a Thousand Mirrors.

In this eerie cosmic funhouse, light bends, time folds, and a single distant galaxy can appear dozens of times across the sky. We explore the phenomenon of gravitational lensing — from the elegant Einstein Cross to the ghostly arcs of Abell clusters, and even a supernova that appeared twice in two different years. It’s astronomy that feels like science fiction, except it’s real.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Then, as the night deepens, we open the cosmic case files: five enduring unsolved mysteries of the universe. From the invisible grip of dark matter to the baffling Hubble tension, these are the riddles that defy physics and haunt the night sky.

Whether you’re observing from your backyard or just viewing the stars in your imagination, this episode blends practical stargazing with spine-tingling cosmic intrigue.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Here’s what’s happening in the night sky from September 28 – October 4:

• September 28: A waxing crescent Moon appears, climbing higher each evening.
• September 30: The Moon reaches first quarter, brightening the evening skies.
• Saturn is well placed for evening viewing, glowing steadily in the south.
• Jupiter rises late at night into the pre-dawn hours, a bright beacon in the east.
• It’s the quiet buildup before a busy October — meteor showers, conjunctions, and cosmic curiosities await.

The next episode (October 5) will feature a special segment on the unsolved mysteries of the cosmos—from strange planetary tilts to unexplained cosmic signals. Think of it as an astronomy-flavored Unsolved Mysteries.

Until then, clear skies!

In the second half of the show, we dive into the strange and fascinating world of “time in space.” From NASA engineers living on Martian sols with their custom-built Mars watches, to the Omega Speedmasters strapped to Apollo astronauts’ suits, to the atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites that literally rely on Einstein’s relativity to keep us from getting lost—this is a journey through the cosmic heartbeat that guides explorers and Earthlings alike.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Back under Earth’s skies, the nights begin in darkness. The week opens with a fresh New Moon, offering deep-sky windows before the crescent brightens. Saturn dominates the evening hours, Venus and Jupiter rule the dawn, and the Aurigids meteor shower brings a chance of surprise streaks before sunrise. We’ll also shine a light on three quieter constellations — Lacerta the Lizard, Aquarius the Water-Bearer, and Capricornus the Sea Goat — exploring the lore behind their faint patterns and the clusters, doubles, and globulars tucked among their stars.

From new moons both near and far, to the myths written across our own skies, this is a week for patient eyes, and a reminder of how scale and story intertwine in 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. Also, connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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In the second half, we widen the frame to reveal the Milky Way’s “hidden companions”—dozens, maybe hundreds, of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies quietly orbiting our own. We unpack why they’re so hard to see (surface brightness, not just brightness), how modern surveys like SDSS and DES ferret them out, and why they matter for big questions about dark matter, galaxy growth, and the “missing satellites” problem.

Links in this episode:

• Sloan Digital Sky Survey
• The Dark Energy Survey
• Gaia Sky

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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You’ll learn when and where to spot the Venus-Jupiter conjunction, how Mercury is making its return, and why August’s meteor showers come with both brilliance and baggage this year. We’ll even travel back to 1972 to revisit one of the most spectacular meteor events ever witnessed in daylight: the Great Daylight Fireball.

Then we ask a strange but very real question: what does space smell like? Astronauts have reported scents of welding fumes, gunpowder, even barbecued steak. We’ll explore the chemistry, the molecules responsible, and the surprising connection between nebulae and that curious post-EVA aroma.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Later in the show, we journey beyond Neptune to meet a newly discovered distant object named Ammonite—a cosmic fossil whose strange orbit may upend one of the most compelling mysteries in astronomy: the existence of Planet Nine.

We'll explore how this icy world fits into a tiny family of ultra-distant objects known as sednoids, and why its misaligned path challenges the idea of a hidden giant planet at the edge of our solar system.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Later in the show, we check out a brand new discovery that may have finally cracked a thousand-year-old puzzle. Betelgeuse, the red supergiant in Orion, has long puzzled astronomers with its strange long-term brightness variations.

Now, thanks to cutting-edge observations from the Gemini North telescope, we may finally know why. Spoiler: Betelgeuse isn’t alone.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Then, in the second half of the episode, the night gets stranger. We’ll revisit the legendary Wow! Signal from 1977—a mysterious 72-second radio burst that never repeated. It’s the perfect launchpad into the latest real-life cosmic mysteries, including bizarre radio pulses, celestial Morse code, and signals that challenge everything we thought we knew about stars and space.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We’ll check in on Venus dancing near the Pleiades, Saturn’s steady climb toward opposition, and Jupiter’s quiet return to the predawn sky. You’ll also hear what deep-sky targets are best viewed under the darkening moonlight—like the Dumbbell Nebula, Ring Nebula, and the Milky Way’s glowing heart through Sagittarius.

Later, we flip the telescope around and ask: What does Earth look like from other worlds? From Venus’s twilight view of our blue planet, to Mars’s telescopic gaze, to Saturn’s distant snapshot in “The Day the Earth Smiled”, and the iconic “Pale Blue Dot” image, we reflect on how our planet appears in someone else’s sky—and what that perspective tells us about ourselves.

Mentioned in this episode:

• 2025 Titan Shadow Transits
• Earth from Mars and Other Postcards of Home

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Then we turn our eyes to the night sky, where the Full Buck Moon rises low on the horizon, showing off the inspiring Moon Illusion. We’ll cover what planets are visible, what to look for in the coming nights, and keep in mind, meteor shower season is right around the corner.

Finally, we journey to the outermost reaches of the solar system, to the Kuiper Belt and the distant, mysterious Oort Cloud. These frozen zones may hold the keys to our cosmic past and are home to icy relics like Comet Bernardinelli–Bernstein, one of the largest comets ever discovered.

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social

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In the second half of the show, we check out some of the most fascinating space news of the season, including:

• An asteroid that could impact the Moon in 2028
• The largest comet ever discovered, already active far beyond Saturn
• A distant spiral galaxy challenging our ideas about how galaxies form
• And a breakthrough in the decades-long search for the universe’s missing matter

Then, we zoom in on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which just released its first images from the largest astronomical camera ever built. From new asteroids to deep galaxy clusters, Rubin is poised to change everything we know about the dynamic sky.

Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social

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There’s also a stunning series of planetary pairings, including Venus and the Moon at dawn, and a twilight dance featuring Mercury, Mars, and Regulus. Plus, we preview a lunar occultation of Mars and offer tips for timing the event in your local sky.

Later we venture far beyond the Solar System to investigate blazars: relativistic jets from feeding black holes in distant galaxies. We break down how these dynamic cosmic particle accelerators are helping scientists unlock secrets of the universe, one ghost particle at a time.

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 Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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But we’re also turning back the celestial clock. To honor the summer solstice on June 21st, the longest day of the year. We’ll explore how ancient cultures around the world used the sky to tell time, navigate, worship, and survive. From Stonehenge’s solar alignment to the jaw-dropping mechanics of the Antikythera device, we’ll journey through the earliest forms of astronomy and the tools that shaped humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.

Along the way, we’ll marvel at Polynesian star compasses, Babylonian eclipse charts, Chinese supernova records, and the mythological constellations that connected skywatchers across continents.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We’ll also track the current planetary lineup, including Mercury’s brief appearance next to Jupiter and some early morning views of Venus and Saturn. Then, in the second half, we shift our focus to the Sun, which is ramping up toward solar maximum.

We’ll explore the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle, why we’ve been seeing auroras farther south than usual, and what all of this means for ham radio operators and other technology.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We take a look at some of the action around the Galactic Core, home to deep sky gems like the Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae, and the supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*, before taking a detour into New York City, where the phenomenon of Manhattanhenge dazzles viewers. Plus, learn what other cities experience similar solar alignments, and how to find out if your own town has its own “henge” using the Photographer's Ephemeris!

Finally, we explore the gravitational architecture of space by introducing the Lagrange Points—those curious and incredibly useful spots in the Earth–Sun system where spacecraft can "park" with minimal effort.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Then, we dig into a colorful cosmic mystery: why do we see red, blue, and yellow stars—but never green ones? We explain how star temperatures and light spectra play a role in the colors we perceive in the night sky.

It’s a shorter episode this week (Drew’s voice is a bit under the weather), but there’s still plenty to marvel at above. So let your eyes adjust, and come along for the view.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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We explore the celestial ship’s breakup into Carina, Vela, and Puppis, and dive into the nebulae, star clusters, and pulsars that remain in its wake. Along the way, we also meet a few other retired constellations, including a long-lost housecat named Felis.

We’ll offer up some tips for viewing Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury, and mention deep sky gems to chase under moonless skies.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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First, we explore the renewed buzz around Planet Nine, the theoretical ninth planet that may be lurking far beyond Pluto. New infrared data from decades-old space telescopes has astronomers wondering if we’ve finally glimpsed this long-suspected giant — or perhaps something even stranger.

Then, it’s time to bask in the glow of May’s Flower Moon and spot a planetary conjunction in the early morning sky. We’ll also check in on the last few stragglers from the Eta Aquariid meteor shower and take a guided tour of Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown — a small but mythically rich constellation that just might be harboring a nova-in-waiting.

Finally, we explore one of the wildest stellar phenomena ever proposed: the Thorne–Żytkow object — a red supergiant with a neutron star trapped inside its core. It’s cosmic horror meets astrophysics, and it just might be real.

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, on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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Don’t miss your chance to spot Vesta — one of the brightest and biggest asteroids visible from Earth — as it reaches peak visibility this week.

Later in the show, we venture far beyond our solar system to explore the wild world of exoplanets: planets orbiting other stars. From glass rainstorms to twin-star systems, we take a look at the science behind discovering distant worlds.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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In the second half, we spotlight the galaxy’s rebellious loners: runaway stars. From the aftermath of supernovas to gravitational billiards near black holes, discover how some stars break free and speed through space at hundreds of kilometers per second. We’ll explore how they’re formed, how we find them, and why stars like HV 2112 and Zeta Ophiuchi continue to baffle and amaze astronomers.

Link mentioned: Sky & Telescope's Jupiter's Moons utility

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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We spotlight two underrated constellations: Corvus, the mythic crow tangled in Apollo’s wrath, and Canes Venatici, the quiet hunting dogs guarding a treasure trove of galaxies.

Plus, we gear up for the Lyrids meteor shower, Earth’s oldest recorded celestial light show. Discover what to look for, when to watch, and how to make the most of your spring stargazing session.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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As night falls, the great celestial serpent Hydra winds its way across the southern sky. We’ll discuss how to spot this sprawling constellation and explore its mythological roots, from the labors of Hercules to the lonely glow of Alphard, its brightest star.

Then, we turn our gaze to a different kind of trailblazer: Yuri Gagarin. On the anniversary of his historic 1961 flight, we remember the first human to orbit the Earth—and the legacy of wonder and possibility he left behind.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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We’ll also talk about why galaxies are so captivating for astrophotographers and how long-exposure photography can reveal breathtaking details and colors our eyes can’t see.

Plus, we’ll check in with the planets and the Moon, including some gorgeous conjunctions happening this week.

Plan your Messier Marathon: Messier Objects: A Complete Guide

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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This week, we also take a look at two constellations that mark the arrival of spring: Virgo and Cancer. From galaxy clusters in Virgo to the Beehive Cluster in Cancer, there’s plenty to discover with just a small telescope or binoculars.

Also, the biggest mystery of the cosmos takes center stage as we revisit one of the greatest achievements in modern astronomy—the first-ever image of a black hole. We’ll break down how astronomers used the entire Earth as a telescope to photograph the supermassive black hole at the heart of M87.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Speaking of cosmic wonders, a listener wrote in with a great question: Why do astronomers say “water ice” instead of just “ice”? We break it down, from Martian polar caps to the frozen landscapes of Europa and Enceladus.

Then, we take a look at the Pleiades, a stunning open star cluster best viewed with binoculars, and the mighty Leo Triplet, a trio of galaxies locked in a cosmic dance. And don’t forget—March 20th marks the Spring Equinox!

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Meanwhile, Saturn disappears into the Sun’s glare, but Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars remain visible. Drew shares tips on spotting Mercury just after sunset and why Venus is still stealing the evening show. We’ll also discuss Daylight Saving Time’s impact on stargazing and how to adjust your observation schedule.

Finally, we check in with NASA’s SPHEREx mission, a new space telescope that will scan the entire sky in infrared light, unlocking secrets about the early universe, galaxy formation, and the search for water and organic molecules in space.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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We'll also take a look at the Tunguska and Chelyabinsk meteor events, the impact that wiped out the dinosaurs, and the Shoemaker-Levy 9 collision with Jupiter—real-life cosmic events that shaped our understanding of space hazards.

Plus, we’ll check in on T Coronae Borealis, a star on the verge of a once-in-a-lifetime nova. And don’t forget to step outside and catch Mercury’s rare appearance on the western horizon this week, as well as a beautiful pairing of Venus and the crescent Moon.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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And in case you missed it, February 18th marked the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery! We’ll revisit Clyde Tombaugh’s historic find, Pluto’s controversial reclassification, and why this distant world remains one of the most fascinating objects in the solar system.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Then, we travel far beyond the solar system to uncover the story of the Voyager Golden Record, humanity’s interstellar time capsule now drifting in the vast cosmic ocean.

Items discussed:

• Images on the Golden Record (NASA)
• Listen: Sounds & Music | Greetings from Earth
• Decoding images on the Golden Record
• Amateur radio aboard the ISS

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Later in the episode we roll back the clock to February 14, 1990, and revisit one of the most profound images in human history: The Pale Blue Dot. From billions of miles away, Voyager I captured Earth as a mere speck—a poignant reminder of our fragile existence in the vast cosmos.

Finally, we zoom out, exploring the staggering scale of the universe—from our solar system to the edge of the observable universe, where galaxies form a cosmic web stretching beyond imagination.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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As usual, we’ll start with what you can see overhead this week, including the Moon’s waxing phases, planetary highlights like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and notable celestial alignments featuring the Pleiades, Aldebaran, and the First Quarter Moon.

Then, we’ll explore the deep sky with two constellations that deserve more attention: Auriga, home to the beautiful open clusters M36, M37, and M38, and Lynx, where we’ll track down the fascinating globular cluster NGC 2419, also known as The Intergalactic Wanderer.

We’ll end with a mind-expanding journey through Carl Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar, a thought experiment that compresses the 13.8-billion-year history of the universe into a single calendar year.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Our spotlight turns to Orion, the mighty hunter, a constellation brimming with mythological intrigue and astronomical marvels. We’ll explore the fiery brilliance of Betelgeuse, the icy grandeur of Rigel, and the wispy beauty of the Orion Nebula. We’ll also reveal the Horsehead Nebula, Flame Nebula, and the vast expanse of Barnard’s Loop, offering tips for visual observers and budding astrophotographers along the way.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Ever wondered why we see different constellations from season to season, or why Polaris isn’t forever the North Star? We’ll explain precession, the celestial pole, and the ancient naming systems that still guide modern observers.

Plus, we’ll revisit last week’s jaw-dropping occultation of Mars by the Moon, plus, what you can expect to see in the night sky this 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. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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We’ll take a moment to learn about a prominent constellation this time of year, Gemini. You’ll want to seek out a telescope this week to enjoy Mars as it reaches opposition. Mercury is a morning star, Jupiter dominates the sky, and Saturn and Venus are in conjunction. We’ll also explore some strange facts about a few of the planets in our solar system.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Finally, we journey beyond Mars to the enigmatic Asteroid Belt, where the dwarf planet Ceres takes center stage. Discover how this largest resident of the belt reshapes our understanding of solar system history, water-rich bodies, and the potential for life.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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Plus, hear recommendations for favorite past episodes to catch up on during the break. Clear skies, and see you in January!

Check out these past episodes if you haven't already:

• Episode 41: A Night at a Star Party
• Episode 35: Stargazing on Vacation
• Episode 31: Pulsars

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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We’ll look at the sprawling constellation Eridanus, Auriga’s glittering star clusters, and the enchanting Monoceros, home to the Rosette Nebula and the Christmas Tree Cluster.

Later, we’ll explore the fascinating “bubble” that encapsulates our solar system—a remnant of an ancient supernova. Learn how this Local Bubble connects us to a vast cosmic network of interstellar tunnels.

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, or on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social.

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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 Station
• Gpredict (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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 & Telescope
• SkySafari App
• Stellarium Mobile / Desktop
• Star Walk 2
• PhotoPills
• NightCap Camera
• Starry Night Software
• Heavens-Above.com
• SpaceWeather.com

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Light

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.

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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 Project

Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

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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!

Connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

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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!

Connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

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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!

Connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.

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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.

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!

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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!

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With last week's geomagnetic storms, observers across the world are reporting seeing auroras much farther south than expected. Go out and see them if you can!

In addition to celestial sightings, Drew delves into the rich tapestry of celestial lore, connecting ancient myths to the constellations that grace our skies. Plus, in our Astronomy 101 segment, we shed light on the three main types of telescopes and their suitability for various celestial pursuits.

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!

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NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has been closely watching the sun after a flurry of solar activity that began on May 8th. This activity could result in geomagnetic storms on Earth. In this special episode, we'll unravel the science behind these storms and their effects on our planet.

• NOAA Report on G4 storm
• Video of solar ejection

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!

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Also, we take a quick detour through a cosmic void, and later, look at some new research that suggests evidence for the mysterious Planet Nine!

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!

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Plus, we pay homage to the legendary Hubble Space Telescope, celebrating over three decades of astronomical breakthroughs.

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!

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Plus, we explain the celestial coordinate system of right ascension and declination, and how you might use these coordinates to find objects in the night sky.

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!

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!

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Plus, we take a look at the life cycle of stars, and a significant moment in space exploration.

• Sky map for week starting April 7, 2024

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!

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Plus, don't miss our Astronomy 101 segment, where we unravel the phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses.

• Sky map for week starting March 31, 2024

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!

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Mercury reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation on March 24, We'll then dive into the subtle beauty of a deep penumbral lunar eclipse occurring in the early hours of March 25, and we offer up a guide on how to spot Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks.

Also, we look back at a major development in astronomy in the 1700s -- the discovery of the planet Uranus.

• Sky map for week starting March 24, 2024

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!

As the week of March 17th, 2024, unfolds, we stand on the cusp of the spring equinox, a time of balance between day and night, and a herald for the celestial wonders of the new season. Look for Mercury at dusk as it heads toward elongation; Jupiter continues to dazzle and catch the Zodiacal Light.

Plus, we offer up a quick guide to buying your first pair of binoculars!

• Sky map for week starting March 17, 2024
• The Astronomical League's Binocular Messier Observation Program
• Drew's new binoculars (Oberwerk 11x70)

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!

Get ready for a stargazer's feast featuring the New Moon's dark canvas, brilliant planets, and spring's constellation parade. Don't miss the Jupiter-Moon conjunction on March 13. Plus, we discuss the ecliptic plane and its role in the celestial dance.

• How to Run the Messier Marathon (spacetourismguide.com)

Explore the changing night sky as host Drew guides you through the transition from winter to spring constellations, the spectacular lineup of planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and deep sky wonders such as the Great Orion Nebula and the Leo Triplet of galaxies. Keep an eye out for Comet PanSTARRS (C/2021 S3) and reflect on the monumental impact of Galileo's "Starry Messenger" on modern astronomy.

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!

Host Drew invites stargazers to celebrate the month's end with a sky full of celestial highlights. As we transition into the cusp of spring, the Snow Moon begins to wane. Jupiter dazzles, and Comet C/2021 S3 (PanSTARRS) dances on the morning horizon.

Host Drew guides you through a celestial showcase beginning with Venus and Mars in the pre-dawn sky. As the night unfolds, the rising of Leo, heralds the approach of spring. The Snow Moon arrives at week's end.

Drew highlights some of the night sky's most romantic sights, including the return of Venus and Mars. The First Quarter Moon makes an appearance on February 16, and the Andromeda Galaxy dazzles.

Drew highlights key constellations visible in the North American skies, such as the radiant Orion with its notable belt and the Orion Nebula, as well as Taurus and the Pleiades star cluster. The episode also covers visible planets including Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. Additionally, the Alpha Centaurid meteor shower is coming!

Star Trails primarily highlights astronomical phenomena visible to listeners in North America.