20 episodes

"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.

Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast Single Malt Sky

    • Science

"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.

    Planets on Parade, a New Moon, and How to Read a Star Chart

    Planets on Parade, a New Moon, and How to Read a Star Chart

    Join us as we journey through the cosmos and uncover the celestial highlights for the week of June 2, 2024. A spectacular six-planet parade visible on the morning of June 3rd is the highlight for this week. Learn the best times and locations for viewing this rare planetary spectacle, as well as tips for spotting deep-sky objects like the Dumbbell Nebula and the Butterfly Cluster.
    In our Astronomy 101 segment, discover how to use a traditional star chart and save your night vision.
    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 happy stargazing!
    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. 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.

    • 13 min
    Neptune's Secrets and May's Stellar Highlights

    Neptune's Secrets and May's Stellar Highlights

    Join Drew as we journey through the cosmos and uncover the celestial highlights for the week of May 26th, 2024. We'll dive into the Moon's phases, the visibility of planets like Saturn and Mars, and explore stunning deep-sky objects such as the Sombrero Galaxy, and the Owl Nebula.
    Plus, don't miss our special segment on Voyager 2's historic encounter with Neptune on June 5, 1989, where we celebrate the spacecraft's remarkable contributions to our understanding of the outer planets.
    Join us on Substack to get the weekly night sky report as a newsletter, and additional astronomy news. Also, connect with us on Mastodon @star_trails.
    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 happy stargazing!
    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    • 10 min
    A Flower Moon, Parading Planets, and the Quest to Prove General Relativity

    A Flower Moon, Parading Planets, and the Quest to Prove General Relativity

    Join us in this week's episode where the night sky comes alive with celestial wonders from May 19th to the 25th. Highlights include the Full Flower Moon, alongside some familiar constellations. The planets are lining up for a parade, and notable deep sky objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and the Ring Nebula offer both novice and seasoned astronomers a feast for the eyes.
    We also takes a moment to recount the historical 1919 solar eclipse expedition by Sir Arthur Eddington, which confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity and reshaped our understanding of the universe.
    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 happy stargazing!
    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    • 10 min
    Saturn’s Disappearing Rings, Night Sky Lore, Plus, Telescope Talk

    Saturn’s Disappearing Rings, Night Sky Lore, Plus, Telescope Talk

    Step into the stars with Drew as we journey through the night skies from May 12-18, 2024. From dynamic lunar phases to the intriguing disappearance of Saturn's rings, there's no shortage of cosmic phenomena to behold in the spring skies over North America.
    With last week's geomagnetic storms, observers across the world are reporting seeing auroras much farther south than expected. Go out and see them if you can!
    In addition to celestial sightings, Drew delves into the rich tapestry of celestial lore, connecting ancient myths to the constellations that grace our skies. Plus, in our Astronomy 101 segment, we shed light on the three main types of telescopes and their suitability for various celestial pursuits.
    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 happy stargazing!
    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    • 11 min
    The Shimmering Fury: Geomagnetic Storms

    The Shimmering Fury: Geomagnetic Storms

    Be on the lookout for the Northern Lights!
    NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has been closely watching the sun after a flurry of solar activity that began on May 8th. This activity could result in geomagnetic storms on Earth. In this special episode, we'll unravel the science behind these storms and their effects on our planet.
    NOAA Report on G4 stormVideo of solar ejectionFor 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 happy stargazing!
    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    • 4 min
    May Meteor Showers, Dark Nights and Planet Nine

    May Meteor Showers, Dark Nights and Planet Nine

    Join us as we delve into the celestial events for the week of May 5th. An incredible meteor shower peaks this week under dark skies, thanks to a New Moon. Planetary observations are scant this week, but plenty of opportunities abound for viewing deep sky objects, such as the Hercules Cluster, thanks to this week's darker conditions.
    Also, we take a quick detour through a cosmic void, and later, look at some new research that suggests evidence for the mysterious Planet Nine!
    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 happy stargazing!
    If you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!

    • 8 min

Top Podcasts In Science

Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media | Cumulus Podcast Network
Radiolab
WNYC Studios
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris