Backyard Astronomer - Delta College Public Radio

Latest Episodes:

9/7/20 - The Northern Lights Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

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

8/31/20 - The Morning Star Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Look to the east an hour or two before sunrise and you’ll be rewarded with “the morning star,” actually the planet Venus, visible well into the dawn.

8/24/20 - The Backbone of Night Aug 24, 2020

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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.

8/17/20 - The Teapot of Sagittarius Aug 19, 2020

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As we move farther into August, one of the most notable summer constellations comes into its prime.

8/10/20 - The Perseid Meteor Shower Aug 10, 2020

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The famous annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its maximum this week. While peak activity occurs on the evenings of August 11 and 12, the shower will remain active for the entire week.

8/3/20 - Jupiter & Saturn at Their Prime Aug 04, 2020

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Jupiter and Saturn both recently made close approaches to Earth, which makes them prime for observing.

7/27/20 - A Good Week for Lunar Observing Jul 29, 2020

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We begin the week of July 27 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.

7/20/20 - Last Chance to see Comet NEOWISE Jul 20, 2020

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Even though NEOWISE is fading after its close approach to the sun on July 3, it makes its closest approach to earth on July 23 which should keep it near naked eye visibility this week.

7/13/20 - Morning Sky Full of Planets Jul 15, 2020

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All of the five naked-eye planets will be visible in the morning this month.

7/6/20 - The Eye of the Eagle Jul 07, 2020

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