Summer Nights: Observing Brighter Jupiter: During summer, observe Jupiter's cloud bands and moons with a telescope, as it's brighter than since 1999. Ancient cultures named planets after their gods, influencing our weekdays.
During the summer months, the night sky offers unique opportunities for stargazing, particularly the planet Jupiter which is brighter than it has been since 1999. Astronomers refer to this alignment as being in opposition. This celestial event invites us to observe Jupiter's cloud bands and its moons for ourselves using a modest telescope. The ancient Greeks named the wandering objects in the night sky as planets, and these planets have influenced the naming of the seven days of the week in Roman and Norse mythologies. So, next time you're outside enjoying the long summer evenings, take a moment to appreciate the wanderers of the night sky.
Ancient origins of names of days and celestial bodies: Names of days and celestial bodies derived from ancient mythologies, with planets often mistaken for stars and stars serving as reliable markers for storytelling before literacy and modern entertainment.
The names of the days of the week and some celestial bodies have origins in ancient mythologies. For instance, the names of the days of the week come from Norse gods like Tews (Tuesday) and Woden (Wednesday). The planets, on the other hand, were often mistaken for stars, leading to the belief that wishes made on them would not come true. The night sky, which was a source of entertainment before modern civilization, was a canvas for ancient cultures to project their myths and legends. Some stars, like the Big and Little Dippers, were circumpolar stars, meaning they could be seen all year round from certain latitudes, making them reliable markers for storytelling across generations. The night sky played a significant role in the development of mythology and storytelling before the era of literacy and modern entertainment.
Constellations: Human Interpretations of the Night Sky: Constellations are human-made interpretations of star patterns in the night sky, used historically for navigation and other purposes.
The stars and constellations have fascinated humans for thousands of years, inspiring stories and myths about the world and universe around us. The Big Dipper, an asterism within the constellation Ursa Major, is a well-known example. Though it appears as a bear with a long tail in illustrations, stars do not actually form these shapes in the sky. Instead, constellations are human interpretations, and the stars within them have been used for various purposes throughout history, such as navigation and military recruitment. For instance, in ancient Rome, the ability to distinguish two stars in the Big Dipper's handle was a requirement for military service. Today, we continue to appreciate the wonders of the night sky, both for their intrinsic beauty and the insights they provide into the cosmos.
A woman from Brooklyn discovers Venus after a building is torn down, highlighting our connection to the night sky: Discovering the night sky can bring profound meaning, even in urban areas. Resources like StarTalk offer opportunities to learn about the universe.
Our connection to the night sky can be profound and meaningful, even for those who have lived their entire lives in urban areas. Neil deGrasse Tyson shared a story about a woman from Brooklyn who noticed Venus for the first time after a building was torn down, allowing her to see the night sky. Astronomers and bartenders are often jokingly referred to as reliable companions in the night due to their knowledge of the stars. Joe Rao, a meteorologist and longtime colleague of Tyson, was brought on the show to answer questions about the night sky. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or just curious, there are resources available to learn more about the wonders of the universe. You can find StarTalk online at star talk radio dot net and tweet questions to @star talk radio.
ISS visible in the sky this summer: The ISS, appearing as a bright, stationary star, is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise and in the western sky after sunset this summer, making it a must-see for stargazers and space enthusiasts.
The International Space Station (ISS) can be seen with the naked eye both before sunrise and after sunset this summer due to its increasing brightness from added solar panels. During the predawn hours, it can be spotted in the eastern sky, while later in the month, it will be visible in the western sky after sunset. The ISS appears as a bright, stationary star, easily distinguishable from other celestial bodies. Its brightness has increased significantly over the years, making it visible even during daylight hours, but only with precise observation. This is a unique opportunity for stargazers and space enthusiasts to witness the ISS's movement across the sky.
The Tears of Saint Lawrence Meteor Shower: In August, witness up to 80 meteors per hour during the Tears of Saint Lawrence Shower, a celestial event named after Saint Lawrence, who was martyred for speaking out against corrupt officials.
During the month of August, there is a meteor shower known as the "Tears of Saint Lawrence." This shower is named after Saint Lawrence, who was griddled to death in 258 AD for speaking out against corrupt local politicians. According to legend, as he was being roasted on the hot iron, he requested to be turned over to be fully cooked, and the locals noticed an unusual number of shooting stars on the night of his death each year. If you have a clear, dark sky, you could potentially see up to 80 meteors per hour during this shower. This is a great opportunity for stargazers to enjoy the night sky and continue the tradition of storytelling around celestial events.
Observing Shooting Stars vs Total Solar Eclipses: Total solar eclipses offer a unique opportunity to observe the sun's corona, but looking directly at the sun can cause eye damage. Always use telescopes or binoculars to safely observe these phenomena.
While common shooting stars leave a brief impression, the truly spectacular ones, which can leave a trail behind them for seconds, offer a rare opportunity for observation with telescopes or binoculars. However, it's important to remember that looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause eye damage. The misconception that total eclipses are dangerous to observe comes from people looking directly at the sun instead of the eclipse itself. The true beauty of a total solar eclipse is the view of the sun's corona, which is only visible during this phase.
Longest total solar eclipse of the century: The longest total solar eclipse of the century will occur on July 22, 2022, but most in the US will have to wait until 2024 to see it, as it will be visible in parts of India, China, and Japan.
Astronomer Joe Rao, a senior meteorologist at News 12 in Westchester, shared with StarTalk listeners that the upcoming total solar eclipse on July 22, 2022, will be the longest and most spectacular eclipse of the century. Unfortunately, most of us in the United States will have to wait until 2024 to witness this natural phenomenon, as the last total solar eclipse in the contiguous US occurred in 1979. Rao also mentioned that the upcoming eclipse will be visible in parts of India, China, and Japan. The excitement around this event has led to a surge in travel plans for those who want to witness it firsthand. Rao also shared that the US is currently experiencing an eclipse drought and that the next total solar eclipse visible from the US will occur on August 21, 2024.
Twilight Skies: Colors and Emotions: Twilight skies can display various colors due to climate and location, and can impact emotions and weather perception
The appearance of twilight skies can vary greatly depending on the climate and location. In humid areas like Florida, the sky may take on a red hue due to the attenuation of light by moisture in the air. In contrast, drier areas like the desert southwest offer clearer views of vibrant colors during twilight. Additionally, in certain northern latitudes, twilight can last all night, affecting people emotionally and potentially disrupting the perception of darkness. The speakers also discussed the phenomenon of people being able to sense changes in the weather based on their bodily sensations.
Meteorologist Joe Reio discusses sensing storms and the color of the sky: Meteorologist Joe Reio believes some people can sense approaching storms through physical sensations, and the color of the sky varies based on location and air quality, affecting its perceived hue.
Joe Reio, a meteorologist and self-proclaimed patron saint of sky watchers, shared his unique perspective on weather and the sky based on his experiences. He believes that some people, including himself, can sense approaching storms through physical sensations like bone aches. He also discussed the color of the sky and how it's influenced by various factors such as location and air quality. For instance, in areas with cleaner air, like Florida, the sky appears more blue due to the cleansing effect of ocean breezes. In contrast, smoggy areas, like New York or Los Angeles, can make it difficult to determine the sky's color due to the pollution. Joe also mentioned that planets like Mars and Venus have distinct atmospheric conditions that don't result in smog. Lastly, he shared some personal anecdotes about growing up in Florida and experiencing hurricanes and tornadoes.
The green coloration of the sky before a storm in Florida: The green hue in the sky before a storm in Florida might be due to sunlight interacting with tiny particles in the atmosphere, but the exact explanation is not fully understood.
The green coloration in the sky before a storm in Florida is likely caused by a phenomenon related to the departing storm and sunlight interacting with the atmosphere. The official explanation is not fully understood, but it may involve the scattering of light by tiny particles in the atmosphere. Additionally, the sky can appear white due to high or mid-level cirrus clouds, which can give a milky or layered appearance. The coloration of the sky changes depending on the angle of the sun and the length of the light's path to the observer's eyes. The blue coloration of the sky is caused by short wavelengths of light being scattered by the atmosphere, while longer wavelengths appear red or orange during sunrise and sunset. Overall, the coloration of the sky is a fascinating result of the interaction between sunlight, the atmosphere, and weather phenomena.
Observing Natural Wonders: Mammatus Clouds and Rainbows: Mammatus clouds, resembling cotton balls, form after storms, while rainbows, a semi-circle of colors, appear during twilight hours due to sunlight and raindrops.
Weather phenomena, such as mammatus clouds and rainbows, can be fascinating and beautiful natural occurrences. Mammatus clouds, which look like cotton balls hanging from the underside of a cloud, usually appear after a strong thunderstorm and are not an indication of an incoming tornado. Rainbows, on the other hand, are created when sunlight shines through raindrops and can be seen as a full circle of colors in the sky, although we typically only see a semi-circle due to our perspective. Rainbows are most commonly seen during twilight hours and cannot be seen during the day when the sun is high in the sky. Both mammatus clouds and rainbows are natural wonders that can be observed and appreciated.
Exploring the Universe's Mysteries: From rainbows on other planets to the search for the God particle, Lynn and Neil discussed various astronomical topics, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and seeking knowledge.
That our curiosity about the universe and its phenomena knows no bounds. Lynn and Neil discussed various astronomical topics, including the existence of rainbows on other planets, the nature of sulfuric acid rain on Venus, and the search for the elusive "God particle." Neil explained that this hypothetical particle could give other particles mass and help explain the fundamental structure of the universe. Lynn also shared her fascination with the concept of matter and antimatter, as explored in the TV show "Nurse Jackie." Throughout the conversation, the hosts demonstrated the importance of asking questions and seeking knowledge, making for an engaging and informative discussion.
Summer Skies
Recent Episodes from StarTalk Radio
Hibernating for Deep Spaceflight with Ryan Sprenger
How close are we to enabling astronauts to go into deep sleep for long space journeys? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly team up with Ryan Sprenger, Senior Research Scientist at Fauna Bio, to explore whether humans can hibernate like animals do.
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Thanks to our Patrons Parker Mann, Kwesi collisson, John, Ray, Dr. Cy, Felix the Feline, Jimmy Dunn, Mandi McKay, Kevin Militello, Aaron Streimish, Joshua Beadle, Sam Pennington, Geoffrey Docute, Syler, David Smith, and Matt Talley for supporting us this week.
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Revisiting the Drake Equation with David Grinspoon
Will alien life look like anything on Earth? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice deep dive into questions about astrobiology, revisiting the Drake Equation, and life beyond Earth with NASA astrobiology strategist, David Grinspoon a.k.a Dr. Funkyspoon.
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Thanks to our Patrons Edvardo Cullen, Harriet Harmon, Andre Rivera Hinostroza, David Rolfe, Piotr Toruński, Karen Mills, Ghost Rider, Leonard Leonidas, Beatriz Clemente, Jon Johnson, Loren Blaine, John Bigelow, and Leslie Colonello for supporting us this week.
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Life in a Mars Simulation with Kelly Haston
What would life be like for astronauts on Mars? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice dive into the world of simulated Mars missions with Commander Kelly Haston, who recently completed a NASA analog mission in a simulated Mars habitat.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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Thanks to our Patrons Bob Zimmermann, Edward Bucktron, Intrepid Space Monkey, Cameron Ross, Mark Shashek, Lexi & Rick, Hidde Waagemans, Matthew Mickelson, Chris Vetter, John Haverlack, Brady Fiechter, and Adam Crowther for supporting us this week.
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Epigenetics & The Full Story of Inheritance with Bianca Jones Marlin
Was Lamarckian evolution actually right? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly learn about the new field of epigenetics and how the lived experiences of past generations can get passed down genetically with neuroscientist & epigeneticist Bianca Jones Marlin.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
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Thanks to our Patrons Takwa Southerland, Harvey Davidson, Shawn D., Bob Race, Gabe Knuth, Carol Schutt, Micheal Ryan, Longman Foner, Christy Summersett, Cameron Bellamy, Colette, and Dee Tandas for supporting us this week.
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Cosmic Queries – In a Zeptosecond
Can nuclear fusion become the ultimate renewable energy source? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice answer fan questions about transporters, the smallest unit of time, expansion, and other ideas that push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.
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Thanks to our Patrons Day53, May Jo Williams, Tisha Bernal, Jeff Holcombe, Lorenzo & Elisabetta, C Hahn, Charles Maluf, Paul Levine, Crystal Barnes, and Peter Brush for supporting us this week.
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Cosmic Queries – Back to School Edition
What do you wish you had learned in school? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice go back to school to answer questions about simulation theory, time dilation, white holes, the sound of space, and more!
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Thanks to our Patrons Goat34, Mark Dent, Edwin J Roldan, Evan Moorhead, and Abby GIll for supporting us this week.
(Originally Aired Tuesday, October 4 2022)
Searching for Habitable Worlds with David Kipping
How do we uncover distant planets’ secrets? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the recent discoveries in exoplanet study, exo-moons, and finding the stars from our sun’s stellar nursery with astronomer and head of Cool Worlds Lab, David Kipping.
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Thanks to our Patrons Micheal Morey, Kristoff Vidalis, Adir Buskila, Yanir Stein, Randombot38, James Komiensky, Richard Clark, Daniel Helwig, Kayleigh Sell, and KENNY SMART for supporting us this week.
Robots Searching for Life on Saturn’s Moon with Matt Travers
Could we use robots to explore the oceans of Enceladus? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Harrison Greenbaum dive deep into the EELS Project, sending a snake-like robot to Enceladus with Matthew Travers, a roboticist at the Biorobotics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University.
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Thanks to our Patrons Sam Gmail, Juraj Petrovic, Teresina Rojas, Nichole Buck, Don, Jeremy Berry, Antonio Johnson, Mike Feinberg, AGM-Prism✦, Micheal Brown, and Jason Lie for supporting us this week.
Engineering Humans for Deep Space with Ronke Olabisi
What happens to the human body in deep space? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore tissue engineering, Wolverine & Deadpool’s healing style, and the science to help humans adapt to long-term space travel with biomedical engineer Ronke Olabisi.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:
https://startalkmedia.com/show/engineering-humans-for-deep-space-with-ronke-olabisi/
Thanks to our Patrons Micheal Morey, Kristoff Vidalis, Adir Buskila, Yanir Stein, Randombot38, James Komiensky, Richard Clark, Daniel Helwig, Kayleigh Sell, and KENNY SMART for supporting us this week.
The Updated Physics of Black Holes with Steve Balbus & Andrew Mummery
What’s happening just outside a black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Gary O’Reilly travel to Oxford University to explore the mysterious universe of black holes, their accretion disks, magnetic fields, and the impact they have on the world around them with astrophysicist Steve Balbus and theoretical physicist Andy Mummery.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-updated-physics-of-black-holes-with-steve-balbus-andrew-mummery/
Thanks to our Patrons James Parrish, Sunny Thao, Elizabeth Terveer, Dawson Brandon, Bhanu, William Silverman, John Hutchison, Carl J. Patrizio, MariElsa, Aminah, and Anna Szamosi for supporting us this week.
Related Episodes
Extra: AstroCamp Spring 2016
Welcome to this AstroCamp podcast extra episode to tell you what you can expect from the weekend's festivities and listen to on the way to Cwmdu:
The Discussion: An introduction to star parties and enjoying practical astronomy under pristine dark skies away from the city.
As the podcast crew run the AstroCamp star party, which many listeners attend, in the Brecon Beacon’s international dark sky reserve twice a year, we take you through the events, tutorials and workshops we run to help you hone your stargazing skills and win astronomy prizes from the Tring Astronomy Centre. As the focus of this AstroCamp is the Transit of Mercury, we will also have two talks on the celestial event, from the University of Kent's Dr Rebekah Higgitt and solar astronomer Eric Emms.
The Sky guides: In readiness for 3 nights of stargazing in the Welsh valleys, Ralph, Paul and John choose objects to look out for this time of year. If you’re not coming to AstroCamp, these are still great night sky treats to try and locate wherever you are in the northern hemisphere.
- Ralph’s top choices are for beginner astrophotographers, armed only with a DSLR camera and a telescope, and focuses on the Leo Triplet
- Paul takes five deep sky galaxy treats for visual astronomers in May and throughout spring. The prime pick is a tricky tricky double galaxy to test your skills and help develop your averted vision.
- John takes a look at the solar system objects available a little closer to home this month as he runs through the best of the planetary offerings and whets our appetites for the coming transit of Mercury on 9th May.
So welcome to AstroCamp and we'll see you very soon!
Episode 28
Listen Now!
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Music by: Lino Rise
Title: “Intro Eagle One”
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All views and opinions expressed in this podcast as those of the individual, and do not represent those of the organisations with which they are affiliated.
Podcast Extra: AstroCamp Autumn 2015
The Discussion: An introduction to star parties and enjoying practical astronomy under pristine dark skies away from the city.
As the podcast crew run the AstroCamp star party, which many listeners attend, in the Brecon Beacon’s international dark sky reserve twice a year, we take you through the events, tutorials and workshops we run to help you hone your stargazing skills and win astronomy prizes from the Tring Astronomy Centre.
The Sky guides: In readiness for 3 nights of stargazing in the Welsh valleys, Ralph, Paul and John list five objects to look out for this time of year. If you’re not coming to AstroCamp, these are still great night sky treats to try and locate wherever you are in the northern hemisphere.
- Ralph lists his three top choices for beginner astrophotographers, armed only with a DSLR camera and a telescope, and two night sky photographic opportunities for those with just a DSLR.
- Paul runs through five deep sky treats for visual astronomers in September and throughout autumn. There’s also a couple of tricky ones to test your skills and help develop your averted vision.
- John runs through the night sky objects available a little closer to home this month as he runs through the best of the solar system objects – planets, comets and safe solar observing.
Exploring the Universe
Week 107 (Jan 13 - Jan 19)
This week the shows include: Jan 13: Encore: The End of the Universe in 10 Minutes by AstronomyCast; Jan 14: Celebrate Your Favorite Solar System by Bob Hirshon, AAAS; Jan 15: 2012: The End of the World? by Diane Turnshek; Jan 16: Planck Releases its First Data by Chris North & Stuart Lowe; Jan 17: Staragazing With the Galileoscope by Rob Sparks, NOAO; Jan 18: What's New With Supermassive Black Holes by Rob Knop; Jan 19: Are We Alone? by Kate Becker.