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PODCAST

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast

Single Malt Sky

Star Trails is a weekly astronomy podcast that begins in your backyard and expands outward to the edge of the universe. Each episode features a guide to the night sky visible across North America — constellations, planets, moon phases, and celestial events — along with deeper explorations of the science, history, and perspective that make astronomy one of humanity’s greatest adventures.From ancient skywatchers to modern spacecraft, from quiet stargazing to the violent deaths of stars, Star Trails

science astronomy

All Episodes

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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10:59

Quasars: Ancient Objects of the Early Universe

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/09/08

In this episode we take a look at the night sky for the week starting September 8th, including a closer look at the prominent constellation Cygnus, and some of the deep sky objects you can see this month.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

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11:39

Moon Mysteries and the Rise of Pegasus

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/09/01

Join us on this week's episode as we explore the night sky from September 1 to 7. With the New Moon providing darker skies, it’s a perfect time to observe deep sky objects, plus, spot the dazzling Venus at dusk.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

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14:43

Celestial Triangles and Cosmic Clocks

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/08/25

Join us on this week's episode as we explore the night sky from August 25 to 31. This week, Mars, the Moon, and Jupiter come together in a stunning celestial triangle visible in the early morning hours. We'll also take a deep dive into the constellation Andromeda, home to the nearest spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way.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

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14:23

The Sturgeon Blue Supermoon and Cosmic Ripples

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/08/18

Join us for another journey through the cosmos for the week starting August 18th. We start with the breathtaking Full Sturgeon Moon, a blue supermoon that will dazzle the night with its brilliance. We'll also discuss what makes a moon "super" and "blue."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

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14:24

The Perseid Meteor Shower and Wonders of Radio Astronomy

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/08/11

This week features the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower, a Mars-Jupiter conjunction, and Saturn is at opposition.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 ProjectSociety of Amateur Radio AstronomersFor 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

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13:33

Exploring Nebulae: Cosmic Clouds and Stellar Nurseries

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/08/04

Join us for another journey through the cosmos for the week starting August 4th. In this episode we’re taking a look at nebulae — those vast, colorful clouds of gas and dust that play a crucial role in the life cycle of stars. Discover the different types of nebulae, from the bright emission nebulae like the Orion Nebula to the mysterious dark nebulae like the Horsehead Nebula. Plus, find out which nebulae are best for amateur astronomers to observe, especially with the darker skies brought by the

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14:42

A Galactic Grand Tour; the Moon and Planets Gather

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast ·

2024/07/28

This week, we’re taking a look at the diverse and complex world of galaxies. From the spiral beauty of the Milky Way to the mysterious elliptical giants, we’ll uncover the secrets of these colossal structures. 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

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