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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

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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17:46

Star Party Stories and November’s Night Sky

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/11/03

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

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17:33

Spirits in the Sky: Halloween Stargazing

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/10/27

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,

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20:35

Chasing Comets and Conquering Light Pollution

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/10/20

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

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17:54

The Hunter's Moon and Celestial Resonances

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/10/13

The week of October 13-19 brings a cosmic lineup you won’t want to miss. We’ll explore the Full Hunter’s Moon, a supermoon that’s set to be the biggest and brightest of 2024. Saturn and Jupiter, which will be sharing the sky with the moon this week, creating stunning pairings you can spot just after sunset.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

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17:12

Autumn Stargazing: From the Draconids to Dazzling...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/10/06

In this episode we take a journey through the night sky for the week of October 6th to the 12th. Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are dazzling planets to observe this week, with special highlights like Io and Europa's shadow transits across the Jovian surface. We also explore deep sky objects like the Owl Cluster, the Pleiades, and the striking Blue Snowball Nebula.We’ll investigate the lore of Perseus, the Greek hero turned constellation, and don’t miss the Draconid Meteor Shower, peaking on October 8th

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15:43

A Comet, a Crescent Moon and the Myth of the Great Bear

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/09/29

In this episode we journey through the night sky from September 29th to October 5th, 2024. As the week begins with a Waning Crescent Moon and leads into a New Moon on October 2nd, it’s the perfect time for deep-sky observation. Also, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), is making a rare appearance on the morning horizon. 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

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15:17

Autumn Arrives, Stargazing Adventures on Vacation

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/09/22

In this episode, we welcome the arrival of the autumnal equinox, signaling longer nights perfect for stargazing. The week of September 22nd to 28th is a great starting point for fall observations, including Saturn, Jupiter, and a picturesque crescent moon near Mars. We’ll also explore the intriguing constellation Cassiopeia and its rich mythology.Later, Drew shares unforgettable stargazing experiences while traveling through the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, from witnessing Venus at 36,000 feet to

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10:50

Light and Darkness: From the Harvest Moon to the Far...

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/09/15

In this episode we explore an extraordinary week of lunar events from September 15-21, 2024. Mid-week we’ll experience the spectacle of the Full Harvest Moon, which also happens to be a supermoon, and witness a partial lunar eclipse visible across the Americas, Europe, and Africa.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

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