Episode 28 of Media Astra Ac Terra is now available for download! In this episode, we look at backyard astronomy in the Astra segment, with an emphasis on naked-eye and binocular astronomy to point out that you don’t need a telescope to explore the night sky. Then in the Terra segment, we start a two-part look at chalcedony, which has many beautiful and well-loved varieties that you may not realize are all the same mineral. And in the main segment, I tackle the recent resurgence of the “astrology is wrong because the constellations don’t line up with the signs anymore” issue.
I mentioned quite a few books in the Astra segment:
A Walk Through the Heavens by Milton Heifetz and Wil Tirion
National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky
Binocular Stargazing by Mike D. Reynolds
Turn Left at Orion by Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis
I also mentioned my favorite astronomy-related computer program, Stellarium, as well as a program by NASA called SkyWatch, which can help you figure out where to look in order to spot the International Space Station.
And here’s an example of the over-simplified reporting of the “news” about the zodiac that I address in the main segment, in case you missed it last week. 
Last but not least, I played promos for Pennies in the Well and Kakophonos.
Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show!
- Oraia Sphinx
March 27, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I’m halfway through the episode, having saved them up for time when I need soothing (I find your voice very grounding and centering). I wanted to mention a couple of cool astronomy resources that I enjoy.
- Astronomycast, found via iTunes as well as at http://www.astronomycast.com/ . There are a couple of episodes, that I found semi-infuriating, as they have the usual contempt for astrology/astrologers that you find in such a scientific podcast, but for the most part, Fraser and Pamela do an excellent show that breaks down complicated topics into something the non-astrophysicist can grok. And it’s definitely got legs, being on ep 215 as I leave this comment. They also have a couple of great episodes on choosing astronomy equipment, including binocular recs and telescope info.
- 365 Days of Astronomy, also found via iTunes or at http://365daysofastronomy.org/ . Again with the contempt for anything with a “taint” of the metaphysical, but there’s some great topics, and a very wide variety of approaches to the subject. I like the guy who does Cheap Astro…very cool.
- Last but not least, I love this book, and keep going back to read it along with the field guide you mentioned in the episode. http://www.amazon.com/NightWatch-Practical-Guide-Viewing-Universe/dp/155407147X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 I think this was the first or second book I picked up when I really started dipping my toes into the astronomy world.
Thank you for another great episode!
March 28, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Thanks for the great recommendations! I will have to check that book out – I love that it’s spiral bound.
And I agree about those two podcasts; I’ve listened to both off and on, though I’m not following them at the moment. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it, but Sky & Telescope magazine does a monthly podcast giving the highlights of what to look for in the sky that month. It’s only 5-10 minutes long and always has interesting stuff. I’ve had to scale back some of my listening lately, but I can always find time for that one. 
Thanks again, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the show!