Star Trails: A Weekly Astronomy Podcast

Author: Single Malt Sky

"Star Trails" is a weekly podcast that invites amateur astronomers to explore the enchanting night sky. Join us as we highlight constellations, planets, moon phases, and other astronomical wonders visible in North America. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or just starting your cosmic adventure, "Star Trails" is your guide to the captivating mysteries of the universe, all from the comfort of your own backyard.
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Language: en

Genres: Astronomy, Hobbies, Leisure, Science

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Sad Astronomy: Reflections on Distance, Death, and Meaning
Episode 88
Saturday, 15 November, 2025

This episode begins with auroras and interstellar objects and ends somewhere much closer to the heart. After catching up on the week’s sky – dark moonless nights, Mercury in the dawn, meteor activity, and the quiet unraveling of comet 3I/Atlas – we shift into something different.We’ll explore the idea of “sad astronomy”: the loneliness of deep space, the slow death of stars, the fragility of spacecraft, the silence of the cosmic void, and why so many stargazers feel a mix of awe and melancholy when they look up.Along the way we wander through pop culture – the films Contact, and Interstellar, the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, the ghost glow of old light, the Arecibo message, Voyager’s endless journey, and the overview effect, the transformative shift astronauts feel when they see Earth from above.It’s a meditation on distance, death, meaning, and the strange comfort found in the cold geometry of the cosmos.Connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.socialIf you're enjoying the show, consider sharing it with a friend! Want to help? Buy us a coffee!Podcasting is better with RSS.com! If you're planning to start your own podcast, use our RSS.com affiliate link for a discount, and to help support Star Trails.