Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio

Latest Episodes:

1/2/23 - Happy Perihelion Day Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

Every year on or about January 4, the Earth reaches perihelion, its closest point to the sun in its elliptical orbit. Does that have any effect on the seasons?

12/26/22 - Orion Is Back Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

Ushering in the new year is one of the best known constellations of all, Orion the Hunter.

12/19/22 - Five Planets for Christmas Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have been prominent targets for months, but now Venus and Mercury will join them as they reappear low in the southwest shortly after sunset during twilight.

12/12/22 - Geminid Meteor Shower Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

One of the best meteor showers of the year comes to a peak on the evening of December 13 and 14. Known as the Geminid Meteor Shower, it rivals the famous Perseids in August in numbers and brightness.

12/5/22 - Splashes on the Full Moon Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

A full moon might be the worst time to see details on the lunar surface due to the lack of shadows, but it’s the best time to see what are called “ray structures.”

11/28/22 - The Red Planet Returns Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Most of the time, Mars is just a faint star that looks like an unremarkable orange dot in a telescope. But every 26 months, the Red Planet swings in for a close approach to Earth, making it ideal for observing.

11/21/22 - Buying a Telescope Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

The holidays are one of the most popular times of year for buying a telescope. So what's the best one to look for? There is no one perfect telescope for everyone.

11/14/22 - Pleiades Star Cluster Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

Look low the east after dark and you should see a pretty little cluster of stars. Its shape might remind you of a miniature Little Dipper, but it’s actually the famous Pleiades star cluster.

11/7/22 - The Great Andromeda Galaxy Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

The Autumn nights give us cooler, drier air which is ideal for observing the deep sky. Combine that with a moonless night, and it’s the best time of year to look for the Great Andromeda Galaxy.

10/31/22 - A Frost Moon Total Eclipse Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

This month, the Full Frost Moon on November 8 coincides with a Total Lunar Eclipse. This is when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, giving it an eerie reddish glow because of the colors that pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. This is why a total lunar eclipse is also sometimes called “The Blood Moon.”

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