Sky Watch by Geoff Burt

When we get two Full Moons in the same calendar month, as we will on the 1st and 31st this month, the second is called a Blue Moon. Discover why this happens and when you can see both moons this month, and more in May's Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our 3rd anniversary ‘Sky Watch’ episode! We’re incredibly fortunate to be within one of the best stargazing areas in this part of the planet! The south of England boasts a number of areas that are ideal for stargazing. The 'Petersphere' is more or less in the midst of this astronomically blessed region. Our town is inside a Dark Sky Reserve inside a National Park. Not only that, but our part of the world includes two planetariums, one in Winchester, one in Chichester, and an observatory halfway between. What better place for stargazing - and of course 'Sky Watch' brings you the latest highlights every month. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ladies and gentlemen, please take your partners for the planetary waltz! The heavens may look tranquil, yet everything is in constant motion. The Earth revolves around the Sun, the Solar System revolves around the Milky Way, which in turn revolves around the Local Group of galaxies, and so on. Discover more in this month's Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, Happy New Stargazing Year, and welcome to 'Sky Watch' for January! Along with 2025, the first quarter of the 21st century has gone. Where does all that time go? Take a deep breath when you realise we're now nearer to 2050 than we've come from 2001! So, speaking of time passing, have you ever wondered what the oldest planet in our Solar System is? Discover this and more in Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During December, the first eclipse occurs during the evening of the 3rd and the evening of the 4th sees the third in a sequence of 3 ‘Supermoons’. Traditionally known as the ‘Moon before Yule,’ this will be the last Full Moon of the year. Discover more in Sky Watch, every month on Shine Radio. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, look to the Petersphere skies to see the lovely Pleiades star cluster, the most famous in the whole night sky. Known in folklore as the ‘Seven Sisters,’ the Pleiades were of great significance to ancient civilisations and prehistoric cultures across the world. The Pleiades are part of the constellation of Taurus the Bull, ideally placed for observation from the Petersphere in November. Bonfire Night on the 5th will be illuminated by another ‘Supermoon’, the second in a sequence of three this Autumn. Our nearest neighbour in space won’t really look any bigger but will be significantly brighter to illuminate any firework displays! Listen to this month's Sky Watch and discover the wonders of our dark skies in the Petersphere. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and presented by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October in the ‘Petersphere’ is the ideal time of year to see one of the most famous creatures in the celestial menagerie, Pegasus the Winged Horse!  This month we'll also see the first in a sequence of three 'Supermoons' - be sure to look up on October 7th. And brilliant giant planet Jupiter rises by midnight and is visible throughout the pre-dawn hours. If you're out and about early on the 14th, look for the 'King of the Planets' next to the Last Quarter Moon. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month is crammed with cool observations but first, let's start with a stargazing riddle! When is a planet not a planet? And looking to the skies, our nearest neighbour in space, the Moon, has a treat in store on the 7th! That evening, there's a total lunar eclipse and the Moon will rise in Earth's shadow as seen from the Petersphere. Listen to this month's Sky Watch and discover the wonders of our dark skies in the Petersphere. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August is a great month for stargazing in the ‘Petersphere’! We’re still in Summer, yet the nights have drawn out enough to allow properly dark skies between twilights. Temperatures are comfy overnight, unlike the chill of Winter, and we have a superb shooting star display coming up! And this month we ponder an often-asked question as to whether there’s a philosophical or even spiritual element to observing the universe. Listen to this month's Sky Watch to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'Petersphere' is back in the holiday season, it's the height of Summer and seems as though the Earth is as close to the Sun as it can get, but it's not! Find out why in this month's Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer officially arrives this month and June is famous for the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the 'Petersphere' receives over 16 hours of daylight!  This June however, Sky Watch is focussing on the Moon rather than the Sun. Listen to this month's Sky Watch to discover more. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield’s night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By May the 'Petersphere' skies don't get dark until mid-evening. The darkest part of the sky is overhead and is ideal for observations as we head into Summer. Along with what to observe this month, Sky Watch also brings more essential tips to make the most of your observations!  Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'Petersphere' is part of an International Dark Sky Reserve inside a National Park, so our location couldn't be much better for stargazing! The question is, how do you make the most of your observations? Listen to this month's Sky Watch to find out how. You'll also discover how the stars help decide when Easter falls. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky Watch has been airing monthly on Shine Radio for two years already, and this is our 25th episode!  We might be focussed on the wonders of space, yet we can't ignore the passage of time. Speaking of which, how do you fancy a spot of time travel? Find out how and discover the celestial wonder, about 600 light years distant, of the lovely Beehive Cluster. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Oh, be a fine girl, kiss me!", or, if you prefer, "Oh, be a fine guy, kiss me!" That may sound like a Valentine's message, but for us stargazers it's a handy mnemonic. Find out why in February's Sky Watch and take a tour of the 'Winter Hexagon' asterism. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield’s night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, Happy New Year, and welcome to 'Sky Watch' for January! We're accustomed to embarking on a new voyage around our local star every January, but it hasn't always been that way. Based on ecclesiastical tradition, the ‘Petersphere’ year began on the 25th of March for centuries, right up until 1752, before finally changing to the 1st of January! The Winter night sky offers some of the best observations of the year. Listen to this month's Sky Watch to discover why. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With another orbit of the Sun nearly complete, we reach the Winter Solstice on the 21st of the month. The shortest day, the longest night, yet with the promise that Spring and Summer are on their way. Meanwhile, when we get some high pressure at this time of year, the skies can be crystal clear if a little chilly. So, keep a weather eye out and, whenever we get one of those glorious transparent Winter nights, wrap up warm, have a hot drink handy and head outside! Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, and voiced by Claire Vennis, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you name a famous event that happened during the reign of King James the First? There is one event that everyone has heard of, and it happened in November. "Remember, remember, the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot!"  So why is Sky Watch concerned with the Gunpowder Plot? Thereby hangs a tale of 17th century intrigue with a connection to this show! Every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Sky Watch is written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt and voiced by Claire Vennis from under the dark skies of Langrish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn's rich colour palette of reds, oranges, yellows and golds is at its best in the Petersphere during October.  There's never a better time of year to appreciate our location among the South Downs, plus the new stargazing season is properly under way now so here's what's in store for this month. Discover what you can see in the Petersphere's dark skies this month with Sky Watch. Written by Geoff Burt and voiced by Claire Vennis from under the dark skies of Langrish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer has passed in the 'Petersphere', but the consolation is that the new stargazing season begins! Look out for the Harvest Moon on the 17th/18th, a few days before the Autumn Equinox on the 22nd. This will be the second in a sequence of 4 Supermoons this year. This month also sees a partial lunar eclipse when the Moon glides through the Earth's outer shadow. It's an exciting time for stargazing in our international dark sky reserve area. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's shooting star season in the Petersphere and from mid-July until the third week of August you can view the best meteor shower of the year.  Also later in the month, look out for the first Supermoon, in a sequence of 4 this year. This Supermoon will also be a seasonal Blue Moon, which occurs every 2-3 years. Find out what a Blue Moon is, when to view it and why a reclining garden chair could be important this month. Tune in to Sky Watch to open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep in Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how to view the Moon inside a teapot with the Milky Way looking like the steam coming out of the spout in this month's Sky Watch. The month of July brings the second half of Noctilucent Cloud season and there's the chance of more Northern Lights sightings too. Tune in to Sky Watch to open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep in Sky Watch.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astronomical twilight overlaps in the Petersphere this time of year so there's no true night and with the Summer Solstice taking place on June 20th we will bask in more than sixteen and a half hours of daylight! We find out about the 13th sign of zodiac in this month's Sky Watch and how to view noctilucent clouds too. With the sun currently nearing the height of its 11-year activity cycle we're far enough north to get the auroras when the solar activity is high.  This year we could be getting noctilucent clouds and auroras at once!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Shine Sky Watch, a monthly summary of night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. This time of year, nights in the Petersphere are distinctly shorter than the days and, officially, night only lasts for about 2 hours. May is the best time to find the second largest constellation in the sky. Find out about Virgo the Maiden and Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, whose light began its vast journey through the cosmos to your eye at around the time that the United States claimed independence! The Moon reaches Full phase on the 23rd, traditionally called in the northern hemisphere the 'Flower Moon’, and we look out for ethereal Noctilucent Clouds this month – Sky Watch will show you how. Sky Watch is read from under the dark skies of Langrish by Claire Vennis. Listen to Sky Watch every month for magical star-gazing on your doorstep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring has sprung in the Petersphere and all around is a profusion of radiant blooms and blossoms. The nights are distinctly shorter for stargazing, but at least the skies are clearer and the temperature comfortable! This month Sky Watch takes a look at the Sun, the planets Jupiter and the celestial sign of Spring in the Petersphere, the constellation of Leo the Lion. April is also the ideal time in our area to study the largest constellation in the entire sky. Tune in to this month's Sky Watch to find out what it is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first anniversary of 'Sky Watch'! This March, Sky Watch celebrates one year on air; a complete orbit of the Sun of some 940 million kilometres! March has always been an important month. Here in the 'Petersphere', we escape the cold gloomy clutches of Winter and welcome the onset of Spring. The Spring Equinox is the first of two occasions every year when all parts of our planet get approximately equal day and night, but have you heard of the Equinox's close relative the Equilux? This month Sky Watch explains the small, but important, difference. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November; all the rest have thirty-one, Excepting February alone, and that has twenty-eight days clear, And twenty-nine in each leap year." February has always been a bit of an oddity. Why is it shorter than all the other months; and why does it sometimes have a leap day as it does now in 2024? Listen to the latest Sky Watch to find out why and more... Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Sky Watch is read from under the dark skies of Langrish by Claire Vennis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy new year and welcome to Sky Watch as we begin another new orbit of the Sun! January is probably the best time to observe the constellation of mighty Taurus the Bull, well-placed due south around mid-evening throughout the month. Find out how to find Taurus as well as which planets you can view in January as local astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt takes you on a tour of our night sky. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Winter Solstice, otherwise known as the Shortest Day, occurs on December the 22nd. On that day, the 'Petersphere' will receive barely eight hours of daylight. From there the days start getting longer again and the festive season will be upon us, leading to a famous seasonal stargazing story. Yes, everyone's heard of the Christmas Star, but there's a mystery about it that's never been solved...  Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A monthly guide to our dark skies by Geoff Burt. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch. November Find out what the furthest thing you can see in space with the eye is in this month's Sky Watch - but you'll need the help of a winged horse and a princess too. It's also the month when there are more shooting stars with meteor showers increasing towards the middle of the month.  Definitely worth a look if you get the opportunity.  Who is Geoff Burt? Geoff Burt has been an active member of the Hampshire Astronomical Group, is a mentor for the Open University 'Moons of our Solar System' online course and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2009. He lives locally.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn has arrived in the Petersphere - don't forget that the clocks go back at the end of the month - and although summer has slipped away and winter approaches, it means we're entering into the new observing season!  Look out for the lunar eclipse on October 28th when the Hunter Moon will slowly glide through the outer region of Earth's shadow and turn red, it will also look suitably spooky for Halloween too and there are more shooting stars this month as well. Find out more in this month's Sky Watch. Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Make the most of our unique dark skies with Shine Radio Sky Watch is a monthly guide to night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. This month, with the Autumn Equinox, we prepare for a new observing season.  September's final Supermoon will take place toward the end of the month and the Morning Star puts on a dazzling display.  Tune in to find out more. Sky Watch is written by local resident and astronomical expert Geoff Burt and read  from under the dark skies of Langrish by Claire Vennis. We wish you clear skies and happy stargazing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. Let Shine Radio open up the wonder of Petersfield's night skies for magical star-gazing from your doorstep, in Sky Watch. Our nearest neighbour in space has something special in store this August; there will be two full moons this month - and not only that but both will be Super Moons and one will be a Super Blue Moon! Look out for the summer triangle, a dolphin, the morning star and meteor showers too. Find out more in this month's Sky Watch.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Make the most of our unique dark skies with Shine Radio Sky Watch is a monthly guide to night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. This month we explain what you can look for in August, including a rare Blue Moon. I think we know a song about that! Sky Watch is written by local resident and astronomical expert Geoff Burt and read  from under the dark skies of Langrish by Claire Vennis. We wish you cllear skies and happy stargazing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to 'Shine Sky Watch', a monthly summary of night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. July; and it's holiday season in the 'Petersphere'! People are heading to the beaches, either here in the UK or overseas. Did you know there's an astronomical link to the tides? With July's Full Moon occurring on the 3rd, this is the first in a sequence of four 'Supermoons' and during the Summer season you can't miss the prominent asterism called the Summer Triangle, with Vega being one of the brightest stars in the whole sky. Find out more and make the most of our unique dark skies with Shine Radio written by Petersphere resident and astronomical expert Geoff Burt.  Listen to Sky Watch every month for magical star-gazing on your doorstep. Clear skies and happy stargazing!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Shine Radio's Sky Watch, a monthly summary of night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. The Summer Solstice occurs on the 21st of June and there's a mysterious local connection. Listen to this month’s Sky Watch to find out what it is and why we need to travel way back in time. Make the most of our unique dark skies with Shine Radio written by Petersphere resident and astronomical expert Geoff Burt.  Listen to Sky Watch every month for magical star-gazing on your doorstep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Shine Radio Sky Watch, a monthly summary of night sky events for stargazers in and around Petersfield. Our town and surrounding area has the distinction of being located in the South Downs National Park which is designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. That means we don't have far to go to enjoy the wonders of the night sky and there's always something of interest coming up every month. 'Sky Watch' shows you when and where to look! During May the nights are distinctly shorter in our part of the world. The Sun sets around 9pm and rises again before 6am. You'll need to either be out late or very early to observe the night sky, but at least the conditions are warmer and less cloudy than previous months! This year, on May 6th, is uniquely distinguished by the coronation of King Charles the 3rd.  So what better opportunity to take a look at the constellation of the Northern Crown and the star dubbed Charles' Heart? Here's how to find them...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio presents a Sky Watch to help us make the most of our unique dark skies. As we move into Spring, learn how the moon determines the date of Easter, how you can spot Leo, which planets are visible through April and why this month means you might spot some meteors. Let Sky Watch open up the wonder of the Petersphere night sky for magical star-gazing on your doorstep. Geoff Burt has been an active member of the Hampshire Astronomical Group, is a mentor for the Open University 'Moons of our Solar System' online course and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2009.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Written by Petersphere resident, astronomical expert and amateur astronomer Geoff Burt, every month Shine Radio will present a Sky Watch of our unique dark skies. March welcomes the transition from Winter to Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the Moon will reach Full phase on the 6th.  Known as the 'Lenten Moon' it will be the last one before the Spring Equinox.  March is also the last opportunity to view the Winter constellation of Orion the Hunter before it sets in the west with the sunset.  Look out this month also for Venus and Jupiter and even a glimpse of the International Space Station. Sky Watch will open up the wonder of the Petersphere night sky for magical star-gazing on your doorstep. Geoff Burt has been an active member of the Hampshire Astronomical Group, is a mentor for the Open University 'Moons of our Solar System' online course and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2009.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.