Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast

The veil between life and death is thin in late October, and not just on Earth. This week on Star Trails, we take a haunting journey through The Cosmic Graveyard, a place where dead suns still glow, galaxies devour one another, and the faint aftershocks of ancient explosions echo across time. From the slow cooling of white dwarfs to the bottomless depths of black holes, we explore the universe’s quietest afterlife.

But before venturing into that darkness, the night sky itself offers reason to stay up late. The Orionid meteor shower peaks under a new moon, de...

The nights are growing longer, the air is sharpening, and the Moon is finally stepping aside. In this week’s episode, we look to the skies from October 12th through the 18th, and discover a season in transition: Saturn still reigning in the south, Jupiter climbing before dawn, Venus returning to the morning sky, and the Orionid meteor shower quietly stirring to life. With the waning Moon, late-week skies will be perfect for deep-sky observing — from the Andromeda Galaxy to the Helix Nebula.

Then, we step into a stranger realm: The House of a Thousand Mirrors.

In...

The Harvest Supermoon rises over crisp autumn nights as Saturn reigns in the southeast and Pegasus climbs the eastern sky. In this week’s episode of Star Trails, we examine the celestial highlights of October 5–11 — including lunar encounters with Saturn and the Pleiades, the Draconid meteor shower, and a check-in on interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS.

Then, as the night deepens, we open the cosmic case files: five enduring unsolved mysteries of the universe. From the invisible grip of dark matter to the baffling Hubble tension, these are the riddles that defy physics and haunt the night sky.

W...

It’s been a short break due to technical issues, travel, and life in general, but the show is far from gone. Thanks to everyone who wrote in asking about it — your messages mean the world.

Here’s what’s happening in the night sky from September 28 – October 4:

This week we explore both the night sky and the cosmic tick-tock of time itself. The Moon waxes from half-lit to nearly full, while Saturn shines golden in Pisces with its razor-thin rings. Jupiter and Venus rule the morning skies, and the faint Aurigid meteors and Comet Lemmon make cameo appearances for early risers.

In the second half of the show, we dive into the strange and fascinating world of “time in space.” From NASA engineers living on Martian sols with their custom-built Mars watches, to the Omega Speedmasters strapped to Apollo astronauts’ suits, to the atomic clocks...

This week we head outward to the seventh planet, where the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a brand-new moonlet orbiting Uranus. Barely six miles across, this tiny world is so small you could, in theory, walk around it in a single day. But is “walking” even possible when the surface gravity is only a whisper? We run the numbers and explore what it would feel like to live in such a micro-gravity landscape, where a careless jump could fling you into orbit.

Back under Earth’s skies, the nights begin in darkness. The week opens with a fres...

Under a rare seasonal Black Moon, this week’s sky rewards early risers and deep-sky wanderers alike. We start with a whisper-thin crescent slipping closer to the Sun each morning, then pivot to a dawn showcase where Mercury reaches greatest elongation while Venus and Jupiter stack higher above the horizon. On Tuesday and Wednesday a paper-thin crescent Moon joins the lineup—a perfect wide-field photo op—while evenings bring Saturn rising into prime viewing on its road to September opposition. With moonlight out of the way, scan the Milky Way for under-sung binocular treats: Delphinus the Dolphin, M11 (Wild Duck C...

This week we’re chasing Perseids and planetary pairings while the Moon slowly makes room for darker skies. We’ll explore which constellations are hiding in plain sight, from the narrow spear of Sagitta to the twisting coils of Draco, and we’ll take a tour of some underappreciated deep sky objects along the way.

You’ll learn when and where to spot the Venus-Jupiter conjunction, how Mercury is making its return, and why August’s meteor showers come with both brilliance and baggage this year. We’ll even travel back to 1972 to revisit one of the most spectac...

This week we bask in the glow of the bright Sturgeon Moon, trace the shifting positions of planets from twilight to dawn, and watch as a few late-season meteors streak across the sky.

Later in the show, we journey beyond Neptune to meet a newly discovered distant object named Ammonite—a cosmic fossil whose strange orbit may upend one of the most compelling mysteries in astronomy: the existence of Planet Nine.

We'll explore how this icy world fits into a tiny family of ultra-distant objects known as sednoids, and why its misaligned path challenges the idea...

This week we're watching the skies—and catching up on a stellar mystery. Dual meteor showers light up the pre-dawn hours, Mars gets cozy with the Moon, and a recently discovered nova continues to shimmer faintly in the south.

Later in the show, we check out a brand new discovery that may have finally cracked a thousand-year-old puzzle. Betelgeuse, the red supergiant in Orion, has long puzzled astronomers with its strange long-term brightness variations.

Now, thanks to cutting-edge observations from the Gemini North telescope, we may finally know why. Spoiler: Betelgeuse isn’t alone.

Fo...

With the Moon going dark midweek, we take a look at some targets in deep-sky territory, plus some dazzling planetary pairings. Also, learn why now might be a good time to rise to the bold (and slightly bonkers) challenge of trying to spot Pluto! It’s not for the faint of aperture, but it’s a fun stretch goal for the ambitious skywatcher.

Then, in the second half of the episode, the night gets stranger. We’ll revisit the legendary Wow! Signal from 1977—a mysterious 72-second radio burst that never repeated. It’s the perfect launchpad into the latest...

This week we take a look at the night sky from July 13th to the 19th, highlighting a waning Moon, brilliant morning planets, and the first whispers of the Perseid meteor shower.

We’ll check in on Venus dancing near the Pleiades, Saturn’s steady climb toward opposition, and Jupiter’s quiet return to the predawn sky. You’ll also hear what deep-sky targets are best viewed under the darkening moonlight—like the Dumbbell Nebula, Ring Nebula, and the Milky Way’s glowing heart through Sagittarius.

Later, we flip the telescope around and ask: What does Earth l...

This week we kick things off with a deceptively simple listener question: What exactly is mass? From beach balls to black holes, we explore how mass shapes the universe, and our understanding of gravity.

Then we turn our eyes to the night sky, where the Full Buck Moon rises low on the horizon, showing off the inspiring Moon Illusion. We’ll cover what planets are visible, what to look for in the coming nights, and keep in mind, meteor shower season is right around the corner.

Finally, we journey to the outermost reaches of the so...

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:

Then, we zoom in on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which just re...

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 offer tips for timing the event in yo...

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 mechanics of the Antikythera device, we’ll journey th...

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 explore the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cyc...

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 supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*, before taking a detour...

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), but there’s still plenty to marvel at...

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 constellations, including a long-lost housecat named Felis.

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 planetary conjunction in the early morning sky. We’ll also check in...

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 twin-star systems, we take a look at the s...

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 through space at hundreds of kilometers per second. We’ll explore how they’re formed, how...

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 @startrails.bsky.social.

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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 to make the most of your spring stargazing session...

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 mythological roots, from the labors of Hercules to the lonely glow of Alphard...

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 colors our eyes can’t see.

Plus, we’ll check in with the planets and the Moon...

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 stage as we revisit one of the grea...

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 stunning open star cluster best viewed with...

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 on stargazing and how to adjust your obser...

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 Jupiter—real-life cosmic events that shaped our understanding of space hazards.

Plus, we...

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 marked the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery! We’ll revisit Clyde Tombaugh’s h...

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 cosmic ocean.

Items discussed:

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 captured Earth as a mere speck—a poignant reminder of our fragile existence in the vast cosmos.<...

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 constellations that deserve more attention: Auriga, home to the beautiful open clusters M36, M37...

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 Horsehead Nebula, Flame Nebula, and the vast expanse of Barnard’s Loop, offering tips for visual observer...

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 North Star? We’ll explain precession, the celestial pole, and the ancient naming systems that still guide modern...

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 dominates the sky, and Saturn and Venus are in...

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 this largest resident of the belt reshapes our understanding of solar system history, water-rich bodies, and the po...

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:

For more episodes and resources for backyard as...