Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio

Latest Episodes:

11/8/21 - Venus in the Southwest Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

The planet Venus is so bright that it appears low in the southwest just 30 minutes after sunset, long before any of the brightest stars. This is what sometimes gives Venus its nickname of “The Evening Star.”

11/1/21 - Capella in the Northeast Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

As we approach mid-autumn, there is a bright yellowish star rising out of the northeast after dusk. This is Capella, the brightest star in the constellation of Auriga the Charioteer.

10/25/21 - Our Sister Spiral Galaxy Oct 25, 2021

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.

10/18/21 - Great Square of Pegasus Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

Each season has that one notable constellation that can serve as a guidepost to that part of the sky. In summer it’s common to use the Summer Triangle, which is still visible high in the west, but in Autumn we have the Great Square of Pegasus.

10/11/21 - Observe The Moon Night Oct 10, 2021

Show notes

This year's NASA-sponsored International Observe the Moon Night takes place on Saturday, October 16.

10/4/21 - The W of Cassiopeia Oct 05, 2021

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.

9/27/21 - The Aurora Borealis Sep 26, 2021

Show notes

As we head into Fall, and with solar activity on the upswing, the chances of catching a display of Northern Lights increases.

9/20/21 - The Autumn Equinox Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

This year, the September equinox arrives on the 22nd which marks the first day of Fall for the northern hemisphere. The term “equinox” means “equal day equal night” because the length of day and night are about the same on this date.

9/13/21 - Features of the Waxing Moon Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

We begin the week of September 13 with the moon at First Quarter, which looks half illuminated in the south after sunset. That sets the stage for an excellent week of lunar observing.

9/6/21 - Aquila the Eagle Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

About halfway up the southern sky in September is the prominent white star, Altair, marking the eye of Aquila the Eagle.

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