Manx Sky at Night
48 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Howard Parkin joins Judith Ley to discuss the different and exciting sights that can be seen in the dark skies over the Isle of Man at night.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Nights are getting lighter - but Astronomer Howard Parkin says there's still lots to see!
March 25, 2024 16:46 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBHoward gets ready for the Eclipse, reviews the recent Starship launch, and previews Manx stargazing prospects in April
The first programme of 2024 previews the big stargazing events during the coming year
January 08, 2024 03:13 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBAs well as telling us what stars will be visible over the Island during January, Howard Parkin has also ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT
November 27, 2023 04:18 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBIn the November edition of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what will be visible (weather permitting) in the sky during the coming weeks - the music break is Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Power of Love, and after that we'll be talking about space - and discussing some interesting and very unexpected data which has come back from the James Webb Telescope. If you have any questions for Howard, email him - [email protected]
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2023
October 30, 2023 04:17 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin discusses the movement of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in the coming weeks - and will there be more meteor showers during November? And there's even a ghost story - with music to match it, from The Specials Part two keeps us updated with just some of the current space stories - including - are the scientists really sure that there is life on other planets? Howard explains it all!
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2023
August 28, 2023 04:02 - 28 minutes - 26 MBThe skies are getting darker earlier - which is good news for stargazers! Amongst the many topics Howard covers in this month's programme are the Equinox on 22nd September, a possibility of seeing Jupiter, Saturn, and the Andromeda Galaxy - as well as a moon that's full, red, blue, and super - but not sturgeon! The music break is Moonhadow by Cat Stevens In the second half of the programme, Howard goes into space - with news about Voyager, Boeing Starchaser and Artemis 3 Questions can be ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2023
August 06, 2023 00:03 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin explains what we should be looking for in our August dark skies - including the Summer Triangle, a full Blue Super Moon (that might actually be red!), the appearance of Jupiter and the possibility of a dramatic Perseid Meteor Shower. The music break is Good Morning, Starshine by Oliver and after that, Howard brings us up to date with some of the top stories about the race into space. Howard welcomes questions, and suggestions for stargazing or space-related topics f...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2023
July 01, 2023 19:35 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin tells us what to look out for in our July dark skies, and after a break for a Glastonbury-inspired music choice, he looks at some of the big stories in recent space travel and exploration news. Howard welcomes your questions - email him - [email protected]
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MARCH 2023
March 26, 2023 18:35 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBResident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what we can look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of April and recalls some of the highlights of stargazing in March. After the music break with Enya, it's time for the latest space news.
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - FEBRUARY 2023
March 05, 2023 14:17 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBWe're nearing the end of the 'best' time for stargazing, as the nights become ever-so-slightly lighter for longer - so Astronomer Howard Parkin says 'make the most of these next weeks before the clocks change the end of March!' There's a brilliant conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in early March - Mars is still bright overhead, and we discuss the exciting prospect of the Aurora Borealis The music break is Venus by Shocking Blue, and in the second half of the programme Howard brings us u...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2023
January 30, 2023 03:57 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBFor this month's edition of the MANX SKY AT NIGHT, resident Astronomer Howard Parkin takes us on a tour of the IOM Observatory. Group visits, and visitors on Club Nights are always welcome - email Howard if you'd like more information - [email protected]
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2022
October 31, 2022 07:02 - 32 minutes - 30 MBIf the skies are clear enough, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible during November; there are a couple of meteor showers in prospect - the Taurids and Leonids - and there may even be some fireballs visible! After the music break, Howard shares latest updates from the world of space exploration, and there's an invitation to a fascinating talk on 19 November at The Observatory, organised by the IOMASO - booking details can be found on Eventbrite or email [email protected] in case...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2022
October 01, 2022 18:49 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBHoward Parkin explains what we can look out for in our dark skies over the Island, during the months of October (given some clear conditions of course!) Mars Jupiter and Saturn are visible now, and this is a great time to see the Milky Way in all it's glory! Other October highlights include the Draconids meteor shower peaking on 7 October in the North sky in the evening; the Orionid meteor shower peaks on 21 October after midnight in the Eastern sky; and there's a partial (25%) solar eclips...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2022
September 03, 2022 14:33 - 30 minutes - 28 MBManx Radio's Resident Astronomer HOWARD PARKIN is back with more information about what we can see (if we have good clear conditions) in our wonderful Isle of Man dark skies during the weeks of September. The first planned launch window for the Artemis 1 Moon Mission was missed due to a mix of technical and weather difficulties, but Howard's enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, this important event, is well worth a listen - plus there's other space news - some of it directly linked to the Isle ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2022
August 01, 2022 05:06 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBJoin Howard Parkin, as he reflects on some of the best stargazing he's enjoyed during July, and previews some of the activity in the night skies during August - including the possibility of another meteor shower! This month's music choice is inspired by a question from a listener in Northamptonshire - contact Howard via email - [email protected] In the second part of the programme, Howard talks about the latest images from the James Webb Telescope and brings us the latest news on...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2022
June 28, 2022 00:34 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBResident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes the stars, planets and other sights that might be seen in the skies over the Isle of Man during the month of July - if we get clear conditions. Tonight's music break is a 1950's moon-themed song from Dean Martin And Howard will, as usual, be taking a look at the latest stories from the world of space exploration, and asking the question - generating electricity in space? Science fact .... or science fiction ?? Listen - and judge for yourself! H...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MAY 2022
May 30, 2022 19:38 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin takes his monthly look into our Manx skies, and describes what we might see, given the right conditions, in our dark skies during the month of June. Tonight's music break is Telstar by the Tornados - but why ? Howard explains! And there's more news from the world of space exploration - including a report on the amazing James Webb Telescope as it gradually prepares to start work! Howard welcomes your questions and queries - email him - [email protected]
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - APRIL 2022
April 24, 2022 14:16 - 27 minutes - 25 MBAs usual, it's a podcast of two halves! Astronomer Howard Parkin begins with a look ahead to some of the things we can see in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May - the planets all visible in the morning sky; Venus and Jupiter very close and the possibility of a spectacular meteor storm around 14th May, with a lunar eclipse on May 16th - Howard has all the details in this month's programme. He's also got an update on a big story concerning the Isle of Man Astronomical Socie...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - FEBRUARY 2022
March 03, 2022 07:19 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBOnce again, Manx Radio's resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, explains how to enjoy the dark skies over our Island in the weeks of March when the planets will start to show the first signs of the end of Winter. After the music break (Barry Manilow - with a planetary connection!) it's all about space - and telescopes - it's all good news from the amazing James Webb Telescope - but the Hubble is still going strong! If you have queries or question for Howard, he is always happy to receive your ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2022
January 31, 2022 04:47 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin describes what will be visible - in the right weather conditions - in our Manx dark skies during the month of February. After a rather unusual music break (you have to listen and work out the space connection!) Howard gives an update on the latest activities in space - he reports on the progress of the amazing Webb Telescope, and talks more about Starlink - set to make the Internet more accessible than ever, and the Isle of Man will play an important part in its dev...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - DECEMBER 2021
December 27, 2021 02:25 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBFor the last time in 2021, resident astronomer Howard Parkin identifies what we can look for in the dark skies of winter. There's plenty of planetary activity, another meteor shower and a rare opportunity to see Mercury. And Howard has produced a 'calendar' of what we can expect to see in the skies throughout the coming year - if you'd like a copy of his guide to the Manx night skies in 2022, email him - [email protected] The music break this week is Jubel's Dancing in the Moonlight In...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - NOVEMBER 2021
December 05, 2021 12:28 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBNow that the clocks have moved back, we have longer dark nights - perfect for star gazing when the skies are clear! Howard Parkin describes what we can hope to see in the skies during December - and there are hopeful signs, too - as some of the planets of Spring are beginning to appear. After a break for music from Enya (Shepherd Moons) Howard has the latest space exploration news - we talk in detail about the much-misunderstood recent DART Mission, and there's good news - and some fascinat...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2021
November 01, 2021 05:36 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBHoward Parkin returns with his monthly look at our Manx skies - this time looking ahead to the month of November, explaining which planets we'll be able to see on clear nights, and when to look for a meteor shower and a eclipse. Plus Howard has a Halloween story - and a song from William Shatner! When he recorded 'Rocket Man' in 1978, William Shatner could not have imagined that in 2021, at the age of 90, he would actually be travelling into space! Howard has the latest news on commercial s...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2021
September 27, 2021 03:17 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBAs the autumn skies get darker earlier, there's more scope for seeing the planets - Jupiter and Saturn will be dominating the southern sky and can be easily seen in clear conditions - and Venus is on the rise! Howard is just about to start his 37th year of teaching at University College Isle of Man - there are still some spaces left on the next course, starting in October - and there's an invitation to a Manx National Heritage stargazing dinner at The Sound. The music break this month come...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2021
August 13, 2021 20:10 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOn this month’s programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks into our Manx skies and explains what we can hope to see during the month of September, when we now have a couple of hours of darkness each night. It will be a good time to see the spectacular Milky Way, Cassiopeia - rich in legend - should be visible, and Howard talks about the planets and other activity beginning to be visible in our autumn skies. This month’s music break is Enya singing Everyone’s Gone To The Moon, which leads...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2021
August 01, 2021 09:59 - 29 minutes - 27 MBIn the fist part of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks at what we can see - weather permitting - in our Manx skies during the coming month of August. It's the end of the noctilucent cloud season - it's also the end of the period of no official night time - so some darkness returns - which is good news for stargazers! Howard talks also about planetary activity - Opposition of Saturn and Jupiter And he's got news of a forthcoming Perseid meteor shower (one of years best!) This ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2021
June 28, 2021 02:48 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin explains what we might see in the sky during the month of July - despite the fact that summertime means it's really too light to see the stars clearly. But Venus is rising higher each night, and you might catch sight of Mercury! And exactly what are Noctilucent Clouds? This month's music break is the Blue Danube waltz - but what connects a Strauss composition with the world of space? And in the second half of the programme, Howard Parkin discusses the two missions ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MAY 2021
May 31, 2021 05:45 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin takes his regular monthly look at the Manx skies. As night skies in June are very light, viewing opportunities are fewer - but when the skies are clear, the Plough is our guide to finding the spring stars, including Leo and Virgo. Venus is now visible and rising higher each night. This month's big news story is the eclipse on 10th June - but DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN. Howard explains how to safely view, using special filters, or glasses (NOT sung...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - APRIL 2021
April 26, 2021 04:25 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBThe Lyrid Meteor Showers; Planets on show in May; the truth about supermoons - and more - as Howard Parkin looks at what we can see (weather permitting) if we go stargazing in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May. Howard’s music choice this month is the Star Wars theme … remembering that May the 4th is Star Wars Day (yes - Howard really DID say that!!) After the music break, Howard has his sights set on space - with news of the mission to Mars, activity on the Interna...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MARCH 2021
March 29, 2021 02:12 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin looks ahead to the dark skies of April, and explains what we can expect to see whenever we have good visibility over the Isle of Man in the coming weeks. And once again there are updates on all the latest space projects, and some new stories too. Music this week is April Come She Will by Simon and Garfunkel
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - FEBRUARY 2021
March 01, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin guides us through the spectacular sights we'll see (weather permitting!) in the dark skies over the Isle of Man during March - and we catch up with all the latest space stories - with activities on Mars making headline news this month!
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2021
February 01, 2021 03:40 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThis month's programme falls during our Island circuit-breaker lockdown, so astronomer Howard Parkin cannot be in the Manx Radio studio as usual. Instead, he's in his garden in Onchan, gazing at the skies. Sadly there's too much cloud cover, making 'live' stargazing too difficult - but Howard has plenty of information about what we can see during the month of February, weather permitting of course! Howard also has updates on some major space stories, and there's breaking news about aster...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - DECEMBER 2020
December 28, 2020 03:39 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBIn our dark skies, THAT conjunction - between Jupiter and Saturn - is still visible (weather permitting) in the evenings between 5pm and 6pm .....both are joined by Mercury and the Moon around January 9th, before each go behind the Sun, on the 29th and 24th respectively .....Venus is still visible in the mornings ...and the Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks on the 3rd/4th January - often overlooked, but probably the third best one of the year. The music break is Hotel California by The Eagles ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - NOVEMBER 2020
November 30, 2020 06:46 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of December. Highlights include the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December and possibly the best meteor shower of the year - the Geminid, which should be visible around the 12th or 13th December, weather permitting. And in the world of space exploration, Howard discusses the recent successful Dragon launch and reflects on the 20th anniversary of the International Space Stat...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2020
October 26, 2020 05:00 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin looks into the wonderful dark skies over our Island and describes what we might see, in clear night-time conditions, in the coming weeks. He also looks back over 20 years of the International Space Station, and has all the latest news on the various expeditions in space already. The music break this month is VENUS by Barry Manilow
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2020
September 28, 2020 03:03 - 27 minutes - 15.7 MBWith the longer autumn nights, come even better opportunities to enjoy our dark Manx skies! Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for during October, and he also has news about the latest developments in space exploration - including the possibility of life on Venus, and another moon landing planned for 2025
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2020
August 31, 2020 04:50 - 30 minutes - 17.2 MBWith the sun setting earlier and rising later, we're getting longer hours of darkness - which is good news for stargazers! Howard talks about the autumn equinox, viewing the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way. September is also a great month for catching sight of the planets - Jupiter and Saturn will be dominating the sky soon, but Howard also explains when and where we can see Mars, Venus and Mercury. And in other news ….. Howard talks about his recent visit to Sark - the first 'dark sky...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2020
August 09, 2020 05:38 - 28 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this edition of the Manx Sky At Night, astronomer Howard Parkin looks at the skies over the Island and explains how to find all the planets - Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Venus - which will all be on display if we get some clear nights during the month of August. The Perseid Metor Shower will also be another feature in the coming weeks. The music break this week is - very appropriately - Life on Mars by David Bowie - as there are now three separate missions on their way to explore the plan...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2020
July 01, 2020 10:59 - 29 minutes - 68.1 MBHoward Parkin is back in the studio, explaining which stars and planets we can look forward to seeing in our wonderful Manx dark skies during the month of July - including those beautiful ice-blue noctilucent (night-shining) clouds. After a song from Fifth Dimension (no - it's not Good Morning, Starshine!) Howard takes a look at the world of space exploration - reflecting on the successful Space X Dragon launch a few weeks ago, and looking forward to the next Space X launch at the end of A...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MAY 2020
June 07, 2020 05:21 - 27 minutes - 51.1 MBOnce again, our resident Astronomer Howard Parkin starts this month's programme with some stargazing 'live' from his garden in Onchan. Howard explains what (given the right weather conditions!) we can look out for in our wonderful dark skies during the month of June. This month's music track is Cilla Black with Across The Universe - a very appropriate choice, as, in the second part of the programme, Howard will be reflecting on the successful launch of the SpaceX Dragon, on its journey taki...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT APRIL 2020
April 26, 2020 08:09 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBIn order to maintain social distancing, Howard can't be in the Manx Radio studios for this month's edition of the Manx Sky at Night, so instead he's recorded a programme at his home in Onchan! First he takes us into the garden to do some actual stargazing - listen to this podcast outdoors at about 10pm on a clear night, using your smartphone or tablet, and Howard will guide you round the night skies during May - then we're back indoors for the second part of the podcast, as Howard brings us u...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT MARCH 2020
March 30, 2020 15:03 - 29 minutes - 40 MBHoward Parkin was due to be off-Island for the last Sunday in March, so prior to his departure we recorded a programme in which Howard explains all we can see in our beautiful Manx dark skies, as we move from winter into early Spring. But Howard's time abroad was cut short by the worsening Coronavirus pandemic and he returned to the Island much sooner than planned - but had to immediately self-isolate for 14 days. So - part of this month's programme is our recorded conversation, followed by ...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT FEBRUARY 2020
February 24, 2020 02:02 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBAstronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for in the Manx skies in the coming weeks - Venus still dominating the western sky; the Moon passing through Hyades; great conjunction of Jupiter, Mars and the Moon in the morning sky around March 18th, with Saturn in the same area; and with the constellations starting to set in the West, can Spring be far away? This month's song is Urban Spaceman from the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band In the second part of the programme, Howard Parkin reviews th...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2020
January 27, 2020 05:21 - 28 minutes - 64.7 MBIn the January edition of MANX SKY AT NIGHT, astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what we can expect to see in our dark skies during the coming weeks, including sighting the International Space Station, and spotting Venus as it dominates the evening skies. Is Betelgeuse really fading ? And if so, what does this mean for stargazers? Howard also gives an idea of some conjunctions we can look out for later in the year, and if you'd like a copy of Howard's guide to stars and planetary activity in 2...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - DECEMBER 2019
January 05, 2020 18:48 - 28 minutes - 39 MBHoward Parkin studies the skies and his charts, and uses his astronomer's skills to tell us what we can look for in the January Manx skies. Plus there's the usual update on activities and initiatives in space exploration. AND - whilst we're still in the Christmas season - if you're interested in the 'star' which the Wise Men followed to find the infant Jesus, do be sure to listen to the PRAISE PODCAST for 5 JANUARY - it's available to download/listen via our website, and Howard explains w...
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - NOVEMBER 2019
November 25, 2019 02:25 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBOnce again Howard Parkin is enjoying the dark Manx skies of autumn - looking forward to the Geminid Meteors in early December, and the chance to get a good look to Venus (clouds permitting!) In this month's space news, could the discovery of unexpected amounts of oxygen on Mars mean that there has once been some form of life on the planet? It's also the anniversary of the Apollo 12 space mission - and Howard shares a very special space-related experience from his recent trip to the Holy Land.
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2019
October 29, 2019 10:16 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MBAutumn in the perfect season for star gazing and planet watching - Howard Parkin tells us where to look, and what we might see. Plus there's news of the latest activity in space, and a super-hero is remembered - with a bit of 'seasonal' music from one of Howard's favourite bands!
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2019
October 29, 2019 10:13 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBStarry skies and adventures in space - Howard Parkin has stories and information to help us enjoy even more of our natural world - and there's a bit of music too!
MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2019
August 26, 2019 02:57 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBHoward Parkin is loving the darker nights - perfect for star gazing and planet-spotting! In this month's edition, Howard looks at the vital importance of the planets, and tells a few of the legends attached to some of them. September will be a good month to look at the Moon - Howard has the best dates and times - and he teaches us a few more lunar terms! As usual there's a space update - the International Space Station will once again be visible in the Manx Sky in September - and the r...