Perseids, Planets, and the Smell of Space

This week we’re chasing Perseids and planetary pairings while the Moon slowly makes room for darker skies. We’ll explore which constellations are hiding in plain sight, from the narrow spear of Sagitta to the twisting coils of Draco, and we’ll take a tour of some underappreciated deep sky objects along the way.

You’ll learn when and where to spot the Venus-Jupiter conjunction, how Mercury is making its return, and why August’s meteor showers come with both brilliance and baggage this year. We’ll even travel back to 1972 to revisit one of the most spectacular meteor events ever witnessed in daylight: the Great Daylight Fireball.

Then we ask a strange but very real question: what does space smell like? Astronauts have reported scents of welding fumes, gunpowder, even barbecued steak. We’ll explore the chemistry, the molecules responsible, and the surprising connection between nebulae and that curious post-EVA aroma.

For more episodes and resources for backyard astronomers, visit www.startrails.show. Share the wonder of the stars with friends and continue your cosmic journey with us. Also, connect with us on Bluesky @startrails.bsky.social, or YouTube @TheStarTrailsPodcast.

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