PODCAST · science
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast
by The Backyard Astronomer AZ
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast with Adam England explores astronomy, space exploration, the night sky and STEM from Northern Arizona. Listen to observing guides, astronomy history, NASA and spaceflight stories, interviews, and monthly guides to what's happening overhead. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Presented by Manzanita Insurance and Accounting. www.manzanitainsuranceandaccounting.com #Astronomy #Space #STEM #Science #STEMEducation #NASA Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors:</
Episodes
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E.70 - The October Dark Sky Challege
🌌 How many can you find? October 10 brings us a New Moon and one of the darkest evenings of the month. That makes it the perfect night to step outside and explore the sky. This month's Backyard Astronomer is a challenge: start with the Summer Triangle, Great Square of Pegasus and the Teapot…
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E.69 - The Mother Of Hubble
Before Hubble ever launched, Nancy Grace Roman was already fighting to make a space telescope a reality. As NASA's first Chief of Astronomy and its first female executive, Roman helped turn the ambitious idea of a telescope above Earth's atmosphere into what would become the Hubble Space…
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E.68-The River of Light
Summer monsoon clouds may keep Arizona astronomers indoors, but when the skies finally clear, one of the greatest sights in the night sky returns. This month's Backyard Astronomer explores the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and why the hazy band stretching overhead is actually the combined light of...
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E.67 - The (Star)Light of Independence
On the 250th anniversary of American independence, it is worth looking up and considering how small our place is in the scale of time. The Big Dipper offers an easy path outward to Arcturus and then Spica, where distance quietly overlaps with the long arc of our own history. #Astronomy #Space…
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E.66 - Storm Season on Earth and in Space
July brings monsoon storms on Earth... and storms in Space! When you have to cover your telescope and protect it from the elements, its a great opportunity to learn about space weather. #Astronomy #Space #STEM #STEMEducation #NASA Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ...
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E.65 - BYA Special - Arizona's Orbital Tow Truck - Katalyst Space Attempts to Rescue NASA's Swift Observatory
On Tuesday, June 30, an Arizona-based company will attempt a mission that could change the future of spaceflight. Katalyst Space Technologies, headquartered in Flagstaff, plans to launch a first-of-its-kind orbital servicing mission designed to rendezvous with NASA's aging Swift space telescope…
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E.64 - Keeping An Eye On Jupiter
Jupiter takes center stage this June 🌌 From ancient Roman mythology to NASA’s Juno spacecraft, humanity has been keeping an eye on the king of planets for centuries. This month, Jupiter meets Venus in a spectacular conjunction on June 8–9, joins the crescent Moon on June 16, and welcomes Mercury...
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E.63-A Fire in the Asteroid Belt
Long before spacecraft visited the asteroid belt, astronomers searched the skies for the remnants of a lost planet. In May’s Backyard Astronomer, we explore the discovery of 4 Vesta—a massive protoplanet, survivor of the early Solar System, and one of the brightest asteroids visible from Earth....
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E.62-Earthshine: The Da Vinci Glow
More than 500 years ago, Leonardo da Vinci posited that the Earth could illuminate the Moon. Learn more about the Da Vinci Glow in this month's Backyard Astronomer. #Astronomy #Space #STEM #STEMEducation #NASA Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM...
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E.61-Element One: From Rocket Leaks to Starlight
Hydrogen is the smallest atom in existence, yet it shapes the entire universe. It fuels the Sun, forms the glowing clouds where new stars are born, and even powers the rockets carrying humans back to the Moon. In this episode of The Backyard Astronomer, we start with a stubborn hydrogen leak on…
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E.60 - Back to the Moon
Humans are going back to the Moon. 🌕🚀 After more than 50 years, a new crew prepares to orbit our lunar neighbor, marking the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth. This month’s Backyard Astronomer looks back at Apollo 8—and forward to the next giant leap. Clear skies and godspeed....
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E.59 - A Winter Sky Worth Watching
January opens the year with fire in the sky. Before dawn on the 3rd, the Quadrantid meteor shower delivers one of the strongest displays of the year — streaking through crisp winter skies beneath a glowing Super Wolf Moon. Jupiter shines at its brightest, Orion returns to prominence, and the new...
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E.58 - Occupy Space
Imagine a football-field-sized spacecraft racing overhead at 17,500 miles per hour… one you can see with your naked eye. This month on The Backyard Astronomer, we’re celebrating 25 years of continuous human presence in space. From the first two modules joined in orbit to the sprawling station we...
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E.57-Lunar Peculiarities
Picture this — 4.5 billion years ago, Earth wasn’t alone. A Mars-sized neighbor named Theia was sharing the same orbit, until fate — or physics — brought them together in a collision that nearly destroyed our planet... and created our Moon. In this episode, we’ll explore how that ancient impact...
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E.56-Lions and Comets and Bears, OH MY!
Lions and Comets and Bears... no we aren't in Kansas, nor Oz. We are right here in Northern Arizona, and checking out what may be the best comet in decades! Learn how comets are discovered, and how you can discover it with your own binoculars in October in this month's Backyard Astronomer…
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E.55-In The Shadow of Titan
The transit method allows astronomers to study distant worlds and discover exoplanets as their orbit traverses the disc of their stars. We can make our own discovery this month when Titan transits Saturn. #Astronomy #Space #STEM #STEMEducation Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check...
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E.54-Early Risers
The moon is our guide this month as we follow her path along the sky and she points out celestial wonders in the early mornings of August. #Astronomy #STEM #STEMEducation Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro...
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E.53-Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquariids is a favorite amond metoer shower viewers, for the warmer summer months, and this year a new moon for ultra dark skies. Learn where you can find this is in the sky and when to look on this month's episode of The Backyard Astronomer. #Astronomy #STEM #STEMEducation Follow us at...
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E.52-Solstice Mesa
Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, Angkor Wat... These Monolithic sites were built to celebrate the Solar calendar, but even right here in Northern Arizona ancient cultures were documenting the movement of the Sun and changing of the seasons! Check out Solstice Mesa in this month's Backyard Astronomer....
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E.51 - An "Edgy" Perspective
Let's get Edgy! This month we are talking about orbital collisions andsideways planets, and how they change the way we view the Solar System. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education...
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E.50-Planetary Alignments
Once in 396 billion years! Or click-bait? Let's talk planetary alignments - SYZYGY! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors: facebook.com/manzanitains...
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E.49-The Pleiades: 7 Sisters from 6 Stars?
If we can only see 6 stars in the Pleiades, then why do so many ancient cultures reference the number 7 in relation to this star cluster? Let's dig deeper into the 7 Sisters, 7 Boys, and all sorts of maids, brothers and princesses in this month's Backyard Astronomer Podcast. Follow us at...
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E.48-Rockets, Satellites and Acronyms
NASA, ISS, UFOs and UAPs - what is up with all the acronyms? Let's talk about rockets, satellites, and some of the acronyms commonly used in the space industry. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM...
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E.47-The Great Square of Pegasus
Sometimes constellations can be hard to imagine, but a simple asterism can guide you to all sorts of celestial wonders. Let's talk about the Great Square of Pegasus! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support...
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E.46-Wandering Stars, The Oort Cloud and Comets
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan- ATLAS is hurtling through the inner solar system, gracing the Northern Hemisphere's early evening skies of mid-October. Where do comets like this come from and where is it headed? Why have we never seen it before, and why is it moving opposite most comets? Find the...
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E.45-The History of Saturn
Saturn has long been known as a planet, but the discovery of its rings and moons spans hundreds of years. Join the great astronomers of yesteryear as we learn about The Ringed Planet at opposition this month. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM...
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E.44 - Aliens!
Our new segment for kids of all ages, and what better topic to start with than ALIENS! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors: facebook.com/manzanitains
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E.43 - Space Junk
"The sky is falling!" exclaimed Chicken Little! Is it a meteorite, or a piece of the International Space Station? Let's find out! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro…
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E.42-The Blaze Star
T Coronae Borealis or "The Blaze Star" has been documented for centuries with a recurrent period of about 78 years between brightening as a nova. What does that mean? Listen in this month as we talk about how the ancients began documenting stellar phenomena thousands of years ago, and how that...
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E.41-The Sombrero Galaxy
The Sombrero Galaxy is your backyard target this month. Look for this edge-on galaxy yhroughout the spring. #astronomy #galaxy #telescope #constellations #science #STEM Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro…
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E.40-Sunspots and Solar Cycles
Our Sun has spots? Sunspots, solar flares, and even CMEs are the highlights of this month's focus on the Sun and Solar Cycle. Learn more about Coronal Mass Ejections and how they impact Earth. #CME #coronalmassejection #solarflare #solarcycle #sun #astronomy #eclipse Follow us at...
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E.39-Vernal Equinox and Beehive Cluster
The Spring Equinox and waxing gibbous moon will lead you to a hive of activity this month! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors:...
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E.38-Unicorns and Roses
The Monoceros constellation and Rosette Nebula shine bright this month! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors: facebook.com/manzanitains
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E.37-Dancing Planets
Our celestial neighbors waltz across the sky this month. Let's talk about Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation, Saturn's rings, and Jupiter's Great Red Spot. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM...
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E.36-Geminids Meteor Shower
The Geminids meteor shower make a fantastic appearance this December, but why are they different than other meteor showers? Tune in to learn all about meteor showers and the Geminids! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at...
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E.35-Astrophotography and JuMBO Planets in Orion
The Orion Nebula was the first deep sky target of astrophotography in 1880 and we now know it hosts unique planets not (yet) seen any where else in space! Check it out! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro…
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E.34-Annular Eclipse
In October an Annnular Eclipse will be visible to millions across the Western United States. Learn the difference between a total and annualr eclipse, why they happen, and more in this month's episode. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM…
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E.33-Archers, Teapots, and the Milky Way
Let's explore the Milky Way! Star Clusters and Nebulae abound in this month's podcast. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome sponsors:...
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E.32-Stories in the Stars
I organized a group of amateur and professional astronomers, educators and students, and business leaders from around the Prescott, AZ area, which group won the IAU's NameExoWorlds2022 competition with their designations of Awohali and Noquisi in the Cherokee language for the exoplanet and its…
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E.31-Scorpions and Rabbits
Scorpions and Rabbits dance in the sky this month. Learn the when/where/why of these constellations at https://backyardastronomeraz.wordpress.com/ and facebook.com/backyardastroaz Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at...
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E.30-Buzzing Bees and Planets
Two planets join the Beehive Cluster in June, while two others are born from it. Learn more in this month's episode! Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome...
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E.29 - Spring Serpents and Clusters
Spring has sprung, and brings with it the emerging flora and fauna of the night sky. Check out constellations, clusters, galaxies and more in this month's episode. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro Support…
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E.28-Bullish About Astronomy
Taurus the Bull hosts the planet Mars this month, as well as many other star clusters and nebulae. Check it out this month! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ https://www.facebook.com/NAZAstro Support local STEM education! https://www.patreon.com/NAZAstro Our awesome...
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E.27-Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is making its close approach to Earth tonight, so bust out your binoculars or telescope and look to the sky! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ https://www.facebook.com/NAZAstro Support local STEM education! https://www.patreon.com/NAZAstro Our…
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E.26 - Near Objects - Comets and Asteroids
Comet C/2022 E3(ZTF) has dominated the news recently, but today an even closer object will fly by Earth at just 2200 miles. Asteroid 2023BU was discovered on 1/21/2023 by a Backyard Astronomer in Crimea. #amateurastronomy #citizenscience #comet #asteroid #space #astronomy #telescope
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E.25 - Fusion-The Lifeblood of Stars and Science Fiction
On 5 Dec. 2022, scientists for the first time successfully produced a fusion reaction with more energy generated than that put in. This month we talk about the Big Bang, the birth of stars, and why fusion matters. Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ Check out the NAZ Astro mission of...
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E.24 - Indigenous Astronomy
Constellations have tales of striking similarity, despite the cultures that named them being displaced by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The indigenous people across North America were no exception, and many still continue to provide a rich history. Learn more about Native American...
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E.23-ExoWorlds and Native American Astronomy with The Museum of Indigenous People
Manuel Lucero and Joshua Ballze from the Museum of Indigenous People join me this month to talk about their work - in and out of the museum - to bring awareness to Native American cultures, history, art, language, and even indigenous astronomy, culminating in the presentation of names for the…
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E.22 - Light Years, ExoWorlds, and Hot Ice
How long does it take to communicate across space, and who might be listening? GJ 436b may be listing from 33 light years distant, but their planet needs a new name! Follow the Backyard Astronomer, NAZ Astro, the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, and the Museum of Indigenous People as we come…
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E.21-A Prodigious Interview with Homer Hickam!
Born in 1943 West Virginia, Homer Hickam, Jr. was a barely a teenager when the Soviet space program launched Sputnik 1, and subsequently launched Homer into a lifelong relationship with space. The 1999 movie "October Sky" is roughly based on his memoir, but we had the opportunity to sit down with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast with Adam England explores astronomy, space exploration, the night sky and STEM from Northern Arizona. Listen to observing guides, astronomy history, NASA and spaceflight stories, interviews, and monthly guides to what's happening overhead.
Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ
Presented by Manzanita Insurance and Accounting. www.manzanitainsuranceandaccounting.com
#Astronomy #Space #STEM #Science #STEMEducation #NASA
Follow us at facebook.com/BackyardAstronomerAZ
Check out the NAZ Astro mission of STEM education at facebook.com/NAZAstro
Support STEM education patreon.com/NAZAstro
Our awesome sponsors:</
HOSTED BY
The Backyard Astronomer AZ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Backyard Astronomer Podcast have?
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Backyard Astronomer Podcast about?
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast with Adam England explores astronomy, space exploration, the night sky and STEM from Northern Arizona. Listen to observing guides, astronomy history, NASA and spaceflight stories, interviews, and monthly guides to what's happening overhead. Follow us at...
How often does The Backyard Astronomer Podcast release new episodes?
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Backyard Astronomer Podcast?
You can listen to The Backyard Astronomer Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Backyard Astronomer Podcast?
The Backyard Astronomer Podcast is created and hosted by The Backyard Astronomer AZ.
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