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PODCAST

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast

Single Malt Sky

"Star Trails" is a weekly podcast that invites amateur astronomers to explore the enchanting night sky. Join us as we highlight constellations, planets, moon phases, and other astronomical wonders visible in North America. Whether you"re a seasoned stargazer or just starting your cosmic adventure, "Star Trails" is your guide to the captivating mysteries of the universe, all from the comfort of your own backyard.

science astronomy

All Episodes

4:54

Dawn Patrol: Planets, Meteors, and a Wandering Comet

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/04/20

Not every week is packed with drama in the skies, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty! This short episode covers the best of what is happening: the Lyrids peaking, a rare comet making an appearance, and a graceful planetary alignment to catch before sunrise.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

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13:03

Crows, Cosmic Collisions, and the Coming Lyrids

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/04/13

This week is a period of shifting moonlight, planetary pairings, and hidden wonders – oh, and there’s a new comet on its way around the sun, now visible in binoculars in the morning sky!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

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11:26

Sky Serpents and Space Legends

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/04/06

This week we journey through a sky filled with symbolism, science, and stories. April’s Full “Pink Moon” makes its appearance — this time as a micromoon, smaller and subtler than a supermoon, yet just as rich in seasonal lore. In the early morning hours, Venus, Saturn, and Mercury gather in a rare planetary trio low on the eastern horizon.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

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9:40

Galaxy Season: A Deep Sky Adventure

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/03/30

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

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13:08

Spring Skies, a Solar Eclipse, and the Shadow of a...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/03/23

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

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16:28

Planets Fade, Leo Roars, and the Equinox Arrives

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/03/16

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

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9:00

Blood Moon Rising: A Total Lunar Eclipse

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/03/09

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

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15:32

Cosmic Collisions: Asteroids, Comets, and the Science...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/03/02

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

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16:27

Dark Skies, Elusive Light, and Pluto’s Legacy

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/02/23

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

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25:41

Venus at Peak Brilliance and the Voyager Golden Record

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/02/16

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

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16:37

The Snow Moon & The Pale Blue Dot: A Cosmic Perspective

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/02/09

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

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23:02

One Year of Star Trails: A Journey Through the Cosmos...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/02/02

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

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16:48

Hunting the Hunter: Orion’s Myth and Marvels

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/01/26

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

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16:40

Stars 101: The Building Blocks of the Cosmos

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/01/19

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

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17:03

The Wolf Moon and Mars: Spooky Occultations &...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/01/12

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

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22:37

A Beginner’s Winter Sky Tour & the Wonders of Ceres

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/01/05

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

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4:34

December Stargazing Highlights and a Holiday Break

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/12/01

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

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14:09

A Celestial Feast: Thanksgiving Under the Stars

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/11/24

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

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14:53

Skies Alive: Planets, Meteors, and Satellites in Motion

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/11/17

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

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16:06

The Beaver Moon, Planetary Pairings, and the Cosmic...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/11/10

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

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