Ep. 153: Dark Skies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) If you live in a city, it’s possible that you’ve never seen the Milky Way with your own eyes. To really appreciate everything the night skies have to offer, you’ve got to get out of the city, away from the lights, where the skies are...

Ep. 150: Telescopes, the Next Level

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB) We’ve explained how to get into astronomy and buy your first telescope. Now we’re going to take things to the next level and get you drooling about bigger and better telescopes. If you’re serious about astronomy, what kinds of telescopes...

Ep. 66: How Amateurs Can Contribute to Astronomy

Astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs make meaningful contributions to discoveries. Many professional researchers work hand-in-hand with teams of amateurs to make discoveries that just wouldn't be possible without this kind of collaboration. In fact, Pamela regularly relies on dedicated enthusiasts for her data on variable stars. Episode 66: How Amateurs can contribute to Astronomy (18.3MB)

Ep. 33: Choosing and Using a Telescope

Buying your first telescope can be a nerve-wracking experience filled with buyer's remorse. This week we discuss the basics of purchasing your first binoculars and telescope. What to look for, how to clean older equipment, and how to use it for the first time. Let's make sure your first investment in this wonderful hobby is money well-spent. Episode 33: Choosing and Using a Telescope (15.2 MB)
 

Special Alert: Go See Comet McNaught

There's a big bright comet visible in the sky right now. Listen to this special alert, and then go outside right at sunset to see Comet McNaught with your very own eyes. You've got to move quickly, as it'll be lost in the glare of the Sun. Don't worry, it'll reappear shortly, and could be one of the brightest comets in recent history. Finding charts can be found at Sky Tonight, the Sky and Telescope website. Download Special Alert: Go See Comet McNaught (3.8 MB)

Ep. 8: Meteor Showers. Yes, the sky is falling.

Dress warmly, gather some friends and family, and head outside to watch sand burn in the upper atmosphere. There's nothing like a good meteor shower. Fraser and Pamela explain this beautiful phenomenon: what causes them, the best storms and showers to watch for, and different types of meteors you might see. Download Episode 8: Meteor Showers. Yes, the sky is falling. (13.5 MB)