Lunar Datebook

Episode 83—March 27, 2017

The North Star, Polaris, has been guiding star for travelers for centuries. Host Jennifer Ellsworth offers an overview of this celestial compass point and explains how it wo…

Episode 82—February 26, 2017

Who's your Daddy? Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores the science of genes and what happens when energies merge. She also shares an interview with Michelle Moschkau who desc…

Episode 81—February 10, 2017

The Fire Rooster is this year's Chinese New Year animal, and we cannot ignore his crow. Host Jennifer Ellsworth enumerates his traits that we should adopt to succeed this…

Episode 80—January 27, 2017

Can dreams tell the future? What happens when we die? Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores some of Life's mysteries with Joe Asciello as he recounts a boating accident he saw …

Episode 79—January 12, 2017

Love abounds as Venus occupies its point of greatest eastern elongation. Host Jennifer Ellsworth offers a planet primer for our solar system sister. She also marries love …

Episode 78—December 29, 2016

Today marks the start of the lunar calendar year. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores how this Wolf Moon can help us connect with our family after a busy holiday season. She…

Episode 77—December 13, 2016

In the season of gift swaps, sometimes showing up is our best present. Host Jennifer Ellsworth shares a first person account from a Dakota Access Pipeline protester, and …

Episode 76—November 29, 2016

The darkest portion of the year corresponds with family-intensive holiday celebrations. Host Jennifer Ellsworth recaps her Thanksgiving. She also shares a story from Stel…

Episode 75—November 14, 2016

It's yet another Supermoon. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains why today's full moon really is great, and reflects on that superlative in a eulogy for her husband's gram. S…

Episode 74—October 30, 2016

All Hallow's Eve is here, marking the time of year when it is kosher to connect with ghosts and spirits. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores divination's relationship with in…

Episode 73—October 15, 2016

We are all hunters at heart, tracking desires and dreams. Today host Jennifer Ellsworth explores the trophies of that hunt through the history of taxidermy and its ability…

Episode 72—September 30, 2016

Nearly everyday Earth has a close approach with an asteroid. Today host Jennifer Ellsworth explores how NASA scientists find these Near Earth Objects and what we plan to…

Episode 71—September 16, 2016

As the sun slips into the southern hemisphere, we welcome autumn and longer nights than days. Host Jennifer Ellsworth considers what to pack for this journey toward year…

Episode 70—September 1, 2016

A woman warrior is not usually the first image that comes to mind when you hear "virgin," but perhaps it should. Host Jennifer Ellsworth dissects the etymology of the wor…

Episode 69—August 18, 2016

Is there evidence of aliens? Today host Jennifer Ellsworth investigates stories of out-of-staters, and way-out-of-staters. She hashes out the details of Maine's most famous…

Episode 68—August 2, 2016

Today is the Wheel of the Year holiday Lammas. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains how that means now is the time to plan for the future. She also lets you eavesdrop on her ann…

Episode 67—July 19, 2016

There's a storm brewing. Today host Jennifer Ellsworth explains the science behind July's frequent thunder showers. She also explores how the appeal of lightning extends beyo…

Episode 66—July 4, 2016

Want to learn America's fortune? Today host Jennifer Ellsworth examines the star chart for the United States—or tries to. She also tells about the last time she rode in the Br…

Episode 65-June 20, 2016

It is officially summer! To mark the solstice, host Jennifer Ellsworth takes a beach read approach to today's episode. She shares entertaining trivia from the first moon land…

Episode 64- June 4, 2016

Luna Moths are short-lived, single-minded insects. Host Jennifer Ellsworth describes their life cycle, and how we sometimes emulate them. She also tells a true story of a clo…