Shows / Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
Episodes
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Dawn Patrol: Planets, Meteors, and a Wandering Comet
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Crows, Cosmic Collisions, and the Coming Lyrids
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Sky Serpents and Space Legends
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Galaxy Season: A Deep Sky Adventure
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Spring Skies, a Solar Eclipse, and the Shadow of a Black Hole
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Planets Fade, Leo Roars, and the Equinox Arrives
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Blood Moon Rising: A Total Lunar Eclipse
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Cosmic Collisions: Asteroids, Comets, and the Science of Planetary Defense
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Dark Skies, Elusive Light, and Pluto’s Legacy
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Venus at Peak Brilliance and the Voyager Golden Record
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Snow Moon & The Pale Blue Dot: A Cosmic Perspective
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
One Year of Star Trails: A Journey Through the Cosmos and Time
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Hunting the Hunter: Orion’s Myth and Marvels
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Stars 101: The Building Blocks of the Cosmos
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Wolf Moon and Mars: Spooky Occultations & Planetary Oddities
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Beginner’s Winter Sky Tour & the Wonders of Ceres
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
December Stargazing Highlights and a Holiday Break
Star Trails is taking a short holiday hiatus. Learn about December’s celestial events, including Jupiter at opposition, the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Celestial Feast: Thanksgiving Under the Stars
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Skies Alive: Planets, Meteors, and Satellites in Motion
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Beaver Moon, Planetary Pairings, and the Cosmic Ray Mystery
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Star Party Stories and November’s Night Sky
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Spirits in the Sky: Halloween Stargazing
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Chasing Comets and Conquering Light Pollution
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Hunter's Moon and Celestial Resonances
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Autumn Stargazing: From the Draconids to Dazzling Planets
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Comet, a Crescent Moon and the Myth of the Great Bear
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Autumn Arrives, Stargazing Adventures on Vacation
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Light and Darkness: From the Harvest Moon to the Far Side
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Quasars: Ancient Objects of the Early Universe
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Moon Mysteries and the Rise of Pegasus
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Celestial Triangles and Cosmic Clocks
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Sturgeon Blue Supermoon and Cosmic Ripples
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Perseid Meteor Shower and Wonders of Radio Astronomy
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Exploring Nebulae: Cosmic Clouds and Stellar Nurseries
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Galactic Grand Tour; the Moon and Planets Gather
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Exploring the Milky Way, Our Galactic Neighborhood
Summer is an excellent time to view the Milky Way. In this episode we’ll explore the structure of our home galaxy and highlight prominent constellations and…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Perseids Meteor Shower, a Conjunction, and the Summer Triangle
Join us for the week of July 14 to July 20. In this episode we dive into the Summer Triangle and discover the myths and scientific marvels behind the stars…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Summer’s Starry Nights, a Nova Watch, and Planetary Adventures
This week we journey through the night sky for the week starting July 7th. As the moon transitions from its New Moon phase to the First Quarter, we'll revel in…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Dark Skies and Dazzling Sights: Summer’s Celestial Fireworks
This week on Star Trails, join Drew as we delve into the astronomical highlights from June 30th to July 6th, 2024. With the moon transitioning from a waning…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Summer’s Cosmic Wonders and Martian Milestones
Join us this week as we journey through the celestial wonders awaiting stargazers from June 23rd to June 29th, 2024.From the waning phases of the Moon to the…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Strawberry Moon, the Summer Solstice, and a Star Going Nova
Join us on this week's episode of Star Trails as we explore the wonders of the night sky for the week of June 16-22. We'll start with the transition of the…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Moon Pairings, Planetary Highlights, and the Afterglow of Creation
Join us this week as we explore the night sky from June 9-15, 2024. Discover the celestial dance of the Moon with Regulus and Spica, and enjoy stunning views…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
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…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Moving into May Skies, Plus, Paying Homage to Hubble
Tune in this week with Drew on Star Trails as we embark on a celestial safari from April 28 to May 4. Uncover the dynamic changes of the moon, catch early…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A Pink Moon Rises; Plus, Making Sense of RA and Declination
Join us on this week's episode of Star Trails, where we dive into the celestial events lighting up the night from April 21-27, 2024. While a bright full Moon…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Twilight Whispers, and Mysteries of the Unseen
Join us as we delve into the celestial events for the week of April 14th. Early morning planets, a slender Moon, and a meteor shower are our targets for this…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
The Wonders of Early April, the Eclipse, and the Life Cycle of Stars
Join us this week as we embark on a celestial journey starting April 7. This week is filled with astronomical phenomena, including a total solar eclipse…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
A New Moon in April Offers Dark Skies; Plus, All About Eclipses
Join us this week as we embark on a celestial journey starting March 31. Host Drew guides you through a week of astronomical wonders, from the waning crescent…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Spring Skies, a Comet Returns, and the Discovery of Uranus
Join us this week on a celestial journey through the night sky for the week starting March 24, 2024.Mercury reaches its Greatest Eastern Elongation on March…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Spring Equinox Skies, Plus, Binoculars for Astronomy
Join us in this episode as we navigate the night sky for the week starting March 17, 2024.As the week of March 17th, 2024, unfolds, we stand on the cusp of the…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Marching into Spring: Jupiter Dances with the Moon; Tracing the Ecliptic
Join us in this episode as we navigate the night sky for the week starting March 10, 2024.Get ready for a stargazer's feast featuring the New Moon's dark…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Moving into March with a Messier Marathon and More
This week on "Star Trails," join us for a celestial adventure starting March 3rd, 2024. We highlight the annual Messier Marathon, a unique challenge for…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
February's Celestial Curtain Call: The Moon and Planets Dazzle
This episode of "Star Trails" takes listeners on an astronomical tour of the night sky for the week starting February 25, 2024.Host Drew invites stargazers to…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Twilight Dance: Venus, Mars, the Snow Moon, and Winter's Guardians
This episode of "Star Trails" takes listeners on an astronomical tour of the night sky for the week starting February 18, 2024.Host Drew guides you through a…
- Star Trails: From Backyard Astronomy to Cosmic Wonder
Valentine's Stargazing: Venus, Mars, and the First Quarter Moon
This episode of "Star Trails" takes listeners on an astronomical tour of the night sky for the week starting February 11, 2024.Drew highlights some of the…