x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

14:37

Cosmic Fireworks and a Crazy Week of Space News

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/06/29

own. Highlights include a close encounter between the Moon and Mars, a subtle meteor shower, and a dazzling pre-dawn lineup of planets.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 2028The largest comet ever discovered, already active far beyond SaturnA distant spiral galaxy challenging our ideas about how galaxies formAnd a breakthrough in the decades-long search for the universe’s missing

en

10:22

Blazars, Bootids and a Blackout Moon

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/06/22

This week we explore one of the darkest, and most dynamic, weeks of the season for stargazing. With a New Moon on June 25th, we get a prime window to explore the deep sky, from the glowing heart of the Milky Way to the subtle shimmer of noctilucent clouds and the unpredictable June Bootids meteor shower.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

en

17:25

Under the Same Stars: Ancient Astronomy

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/06/15

The week of June 15th to the 21st includes a waning Moon approaching perigee, a lineup of bright planets at both dusk and dawn, and the breathtaking rise of the Milky Way’s galactic core in the southeastern night sky.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

en

15:59

Sunspots, Moon Tricks, and Meteors at Dawn

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/06/08

This week there’s a sky full of surprises. From the lowest full moon in nearly two decades—the golden-hued Strawberry Moon—to the elusive Arietid meteor shower peaking in broad daylight, there’s a lot to see… or at least know is happening above.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

en

14:02

Urban Alignments and Cosmic Parking Spots

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/06/01

As June begins, the night sky greets stargazers with a blend of familiar favorites. This week we highlight a picturesque conjunction between Mars and the crescent moon, and Venus shines brightly as the Morning Star. Saturn lingers low in the early morning hours, and the Summer Triangle begins to dominate the eastern sky, signaling the slow approach of summer nights.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

en

9:54

New Moon Week and the Mystery of Missing Green Stars

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/05/25

This week the New Moon arrives—perfect conditions for spotting deep-sky wonders. Discover five must-see celestial objects to track down while the skies are dark, from ancient globular clusters to swirling galaxies.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),

en

13:28

Erased from the Charts, but Still Etched in the Stars

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/05/18

As the Moon wanes and the morning planets take center stage, we turn our gaze to a part of the sky rarely discussed on Star Trails: the Southern Hemisphere. In this episode, we take a journey through time and space to uncover the story of Argo Navis, the largest constellation that no longer exists.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

en

12:24

A Crown, a Ghost Planet, and a Star That Ate Another...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/05/11

In this week’s episode we’re chasing mysteries in all directions — from the icy edges of our solar system to the fiery hearts of dying stars.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

en

14:06

Tracking Vesta and Exploring Alien Worlds

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/05/04

This week we start with the waxing Moon as it heads toward May’s micromoon, the Flower Moon. Jupiter and Mars light up the western sky, while Venus, Saturn, and elusive Mercury put on a show before sunrise. 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

en

11:31

Cosmic Rebels & Celestial Farewells

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2025/04/27

This week we say goodbye to Comet SWAN as it disintegrates on its first — and last — visit to the inner solar system. With a New Moon offering ideal stargazing conditions, we turn our attention to the Summer Triangle, Venus and Saturn’s pre-dawn pairing, and Mars dances near the Beehive Cluster.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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

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

en

92 results

Similar Podcasts

Classic Radio Science Fiction

solgoodmedia.com

Mission to Mars

Inception Point Ai

The 365 Days of Astronomy

365DaysOfAstronomy.org

Creek Devil

william Jevning

UFO Chronicles Podcast

Nik Hunter