Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio

Latest Episodes:

6/6/22 - Size of Lunar Craters Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

This week, the phase of the moon grows, reaching First Quarter on June 7. An ordinary pair of binoculars is all you’ll need to see some of the moon's larger craters.

5/30/22 - Brilliant Vega Returns May 31, 2022

Show notes

At the end of evening twilight, look about halfway up the northeast sky for a bright bluish star. This is Vega, the second brightest star in the summer sky.

5/23/22 - Tau Herculid Meteors May 23, 2022

Show notes

Set your clocks for the late evening and early morning of May 30 and 31 because we might just get a rare meteor display!

5/16/22 - Coma Star Cluster May 17, 2022

Show notes

Now that we’re past Full Moon, the early evening sky remains dark for longer periods as the moon rises later each night. This reveals a really nice target for binoculars called the Coma star cluster.

5/9/22 - A May Total Lunar Eclipse May 09, 2022

Show notes

This year, the Full Flower Moon takes place late on May 15, and coincides with a Total Lunar Eclipse, also called a Blood Moon.

5/2/22 - Arc to Arcturus May 03, 2022

Show notes

Spring is when the Big Dipper climbs high into the north, making it an excellent guidepost in the sky. Look for the three stars in the handle of the Big Dipper and you’ll notice they form a curve or arc in the sky, the "Arc to Arcturus."

4/25/22 - Mercury at its Best Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, is notoriously difficult to see. We only have a chance to see it three or four times a year and one of those opportunities is right now.

4/18/22 - International Dark Sky Week Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

This year, International Dark Sky Week begins on Earth Day, April 22, and runs through April 30. It’s a chance to celebrate, learn, and experience the beauty of dark skies and the need to preserve it.

4/11/22 - Arch of Spring Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Mid-April to mid-May is a good time to see a collection of bright stars in the west called “The Arch of Spring.” Even though they’ve been around all winter, we notice these stars more when they get lower in the sky because they’re closer to the horizon.

4/4/22 - The Waxing Crescent Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

The week of April 4 offers a perfect opportunity to follow the waxing crescent moon. In this case, “waxing” refers to the crescent shape growing larger each night.

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