Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio

Latest Episodes:

9/30/24 - The W of Cassiopeia Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

Look high in the northeast for a group of bright stars that resembles a big “W” sitting on its end. This is the constellation of Cassiopeia the Queen.

9/16/24 - Saturn at Close Approach Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

If you look low in the southeast sky after dark, you’ll see a moderately bright star that doesn’t twinkle as much as the others. This is the famous ringed planet Saturn, and it recently made its closest approach to Earth.

9/9/24 - Observe the Moon Night Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

By September 13, the Moon will look a little more than half illuminated in the south. This is when the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City will celebrate this year’s International Observe the Moon Night!

9/2/24 - Sagittarius the Archer Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

From late August through September, Sagittarius the Archer will appear low in the south at evening twilight. With the Milky Way running through it, Sagittarius is a treasure trove of deep sky wonders for binoculars.

8/26/24 - The Milky Way Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Away from city lights and bright moonlight, this is the time of year to see the faint band of the Milky Way stretching right over the top of the sky.

8/19/24 - The Lure of Astronomy Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

For decades now, amateur astronomy continues to be one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world. Why is that? What gets people so hooked on space and the night sky?

8/12/24 - The Super Sturgeon Moon Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

On August 19, the moon will be full, but this won’t be just any ordinary full moon. It’s the first "super moon" of 2024.

8/5/24 - The Perseid Meteor Shower Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

One of the best meteor showers of the year comes to a maximum on the evening of August 11th and morning of the 12th.

7/29/24 - Morning Planets Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

After a long hiatus, the planets Jupiter and Mars are making their way back into the pre-dawn sky.

7/22/24 - The Eye of the Eagle Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

After dusk, look about a third of the way up the eastern sky for Altair, the brightest star in Aquila the Eagle and part of the Summer Triangle.