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In this episode, we’re kicking off Galaxy Season, that magical stretch of springtime nights when the Northern Hemisphere gets some of the clearest views of deep-sky galaxies. From Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy in Ursa Major to the stunning Whirlpool Galaxy and the elusive Needle Galaxy, we’ll explore some of the best targets for backyard stargazers.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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In this episode we explore the night sky from March 23-29, highlighting the waning crescent moon, a lineup of bright planets, and an upcoming partial solar eclipse—though not everyone will get a chance to see it.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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The night sky is shifting this week as Venus and Mercury take their leave from the evening sky—at least for now. Jupiter shines in Taurus, Mars lingers near Gemini’s twin stars, and Leo rises high, showcasing its dazzling triplet of galaxies.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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A total lunar eclipse is on the way! This week, the Worm Moon will turn a deep red as Earth’s shadow completely covers it. We break down when and where to watch this Blood Moon on the night of March 13–14, plus the science behind its eerie glow.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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This week on Star Trails, we explore the fascinating world of space rocks—asteroids, comets, and meteors—and their impact on our planet and beyond. With recent talk of asteroid 2024 YR4 making headlines (don’t worry, it won’t hit us!), we break down what these celestial objects are, where they come from, and what makes them so important to study.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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With the New Moon arriving this week, we’re in for some of the darkest skies of the month—perfect for stargazing! In this episode, we’ll track down the elusive Zodiacal Light, a faint cosmic glow that many mistake for lingering twilight. Mercury returns to the evening sky, joining a stunning planetary lineup. Later, we’ll dive into a selection of deep-sky treasures, from open clusters to ghostly galaxies, all visible with binoculars or a small telescope.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us for a skyward journey as Venus blazes at its brightest this week, offering a perfect chance to observe its changing phases—and a centuries-old enigma known as the Ashen Light. Discover the science behind Venus’ evolving crescent, Galileo’s historic observations, and the theories surrounding that mysterious glow on the planet’s night side.
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 EarthDecoding images on the Golden RecordAmateur radio aboard the ISSFor 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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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This week on Star Trails we explore the Snow Moon, February’s luminous full moon, and uncover the fascinating folklore behind its many names. Then, we turn our gaze to some lesser-known wonders—Camelopardalis, the Giraffe, and Monoceros, the Unicorn—two faint but remarkable constellations hiding celestial treasures.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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This week marks a special milestone for Star Trails — our one-year anniversary! Join us as we reflect on the origins of the show, its experimental beginnings, and the journey that has brought us here.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us as we journey through the wonders of late January’s sky. From the waning crescent moon to the dazzling dance of Venus and Saturn, the week offers incredible opportunities for planet watchers and deep-sky explorers alike.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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In this episode we’re stripping astronomy down to its essentials: stars. Discover how these glowing spheres of plasma form from vast stellar nurseries, evolve through dramatic life cycles, and shape the cosmic tapestry we see overhead. We’ll discuss the colors of stars — why some glow red while others blaze in brilliant blue-white — and how this reveals their temperature, size, and lifespan.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us this week for a spectacular cosmic event: On January 13th – the Moon will briefly occult Mars, causing the red planet to vanish from sight for about an hour. Discover the “why” behind this eerie alignment and how it’s all tied to the ecliptic plane — our Solar System’s celestial highway.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us on a tour through the celestial highlights of January 5th–11th. In this episode, beginners learn how to navigate the sky by finding Polaris, identifying iconic constellations like Orion and Taurus, and spotting Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus through a telescope or binoculars. We also share practical tips on using a telescope, star hopping, and protecting your night vision.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Star Trails is taking a short holiday hiatus. Learn about December’s celestial events, including Jupiter at opposition, the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers, and the Winter Solstice. Drew also introduces the Star Trails Book Club, featuring NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe.
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 PartyEpisode 35: Stargazing on VacationEpisode 31: PulsarsFor 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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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This week we explore the celestial wonders gracing the night sky from November 24th to the 30th. With the Moon transitioning to a waning crescent, the darker skies set the stage for breathtaking views of Venus and Jupiter, Saturn’s iconic rings, and the distant glow of Uranus near the Pleiades—a cluster tied to harvest myths and Thanksgiving themes.
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.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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This week we start with Jupiter's dazzling conjunction with the waning Beaver Moon and look for meteors from the Leonid shower, which peaks tonight.
We’ll also explore satellite-spotting with tips for catching sight of the International Space Station, China's Tiangong space station, and even SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. As a bonus, Drew talks about how space and astronomy connected him to the hobby of amateur radio, and how you can use amateur radio to interact with the ISS.
Mentioned in this episode:
Heavens Above (Track satellites and more)Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)NASA's Spot the StationGpredict (Satellite tracking software)For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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In this week’s episode, we’re covering the sky highlights for November 10th through 16th. Get ready for the year’s last supermoon, and the bright close-up appearances of Jupiter and Saturn alongside our lunar companion. Plus, the Leonid Meteor Shower is coming. This “king of meteor showers,” is known for its legendary meteor storms!
Also, we’ll take a look at cosmic rays—high-speed particles that travel across space, sometimes causing astronauts to “see” light with their eyes closed.
For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join host Drew in this special episode of Star Trails as he takes you inside a lively star party hosted by the Midlands Astronomy Club. Experience the unique camaraderie, captivating stories, and the rich tapestry of amateur stargazing culture as Drew chats with club veterans and newcomers alike.
Afterward, stay tuned for an in-depth guide to November’s night sky, featuring highlights like Venus’ brilliant pairing with the crescent Moon, the Taurid Meteor Shower, and deep-sky treasures such as the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.
For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us for a haunting Halloween edition of Star Trails as Drew teams up with the enigmatic "Eternal Watcher," a spectral voice from the cosmic beyond, to reveal the eeriest celestial wonders lurking in the night sky. Take a journey through the ghostly side of the cosmos, from the Witch Head and Ghost Nebulae to the "Eye of God" — a nebula that seems to gaze back at us.
Alongside our celestial sights, we’ll explore myth and mystery with tales of Algol, the Demon Star, and the tragic tale of Orion, the eternal hunter.
Also this week, be on the lookout for the Orionid meteor shower, Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and more!
For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
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Join us as we explore the night sky from October 20th to the 26th. This week is packed with celestial delights, including the Orionid and Leonis Minorids meteor showers, planetary conjunctions, and the star of the show, Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Drew will describe his efforts to spot and capture this spectacle, which is a must-see for any backyard astronomer.
We’ll also discuss one of the biggest challenges for stargazers: light pollution. Discover how you can improve your stargazing experience even in brightly lit areas, and learn about the Bortle Scale, which measures night sky darkness. Drew will also discuss practical tips for reducing local light interference and maximizing your night sky enjoyment with filters and other techniques. Check out lightpollutionmap.info to learn more.
For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!
Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.
- Visa fler
