It’s All Relative This episode explores the fascinating connections between Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity and modern technology, like GPS. The hosts, Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinski, explain how both special relativity (which deals with time dilation from speed) and general relativity (which explains how gravity warps spacetime) are essential for the accurate functioning of […]
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Twilight and the Holy Grail Mike and Jay discuss the “Holy Grail” of astrophotography, a term used for capturing time-lapses that transition smoothly from day to night. They explain the challenges of this type of photography, as it requires continuous adjustment of camera exposure as the light fades. Mike shares his personal experience with both […]
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This week Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinski interview astronomers Prof. Peter Wheatley, Daniel Bayliss , and Toby Rodel from the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) about their work detecting exoplanets and the future of astronomical imaging technology. Also they discuss a potential solar storm and a planetary conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, as well as […]
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Crestone Crater Controversy In this episode, Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinski discuss a week of quiet space weather, a rare Saturn-Titan eclipse, and NASA funding. The hosts then delve into the geological controversy surrounding the “Mysterious” Crestone Crater, debating whether its origin is extraterrestrial or terrestrial. Episode Links: https://denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/features/mysterious-crater-unexplained-in-colorado-despite-multiple-theories/article_ef71684c-4d26-5b56-8093-153dde3ead16.html https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1966Metic…3….1M/abstract https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/dunes2012/pdf/7042.pdf
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STARt Me Up! In this week’s Starcast, Jay and Mike talk about the “Big Blob” CME, the Delta Aquarids and Alpha Capicornids meteor showers, whether 3I/Atlas is an Alien probe, and how to get started in astrophotography.
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Stars, Parties, and Clubs! Join Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinsky for space weather, astronomical events, and the latest in space news. NOAA funding cuts, Colliding Black Holes and Gravity Waves, and how to spice up your night life with Star Parties, and Astronomy Clubs! Episode Links: On the black hole “mass gap” – Scientists […]
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Wanted: Citizen Scientists! This week, Mike and Jay dive into the latest space weather updates, including solar activity and geomagnetic storm forecasts, and share details about a spectacular prominence recently caught on video. We’ll guide you on when and where to spot Mars, Saturn, and Venus in the night sky, and highlight a special alignment […]
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Mars Ho! or Mars No? Mike and Jay discuss the ongoing debate about human missions to Mars, highlighting the significant challenges of sending people to the Red Planet, including its toxic atmosphere and harsh environment. We suggests that robotic exploration and Mars sample return missions may be more practical and beneficial in the short term, […]
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Space Slop! Join hosts Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinsky for the week of June 29th, 2025, as they cut through the noise and deliver clear, actionable insights into the cosmos. This week on The StarCast: Space Weather Update: Mike provides the latest on solar activity and geomagnetic storm chances – good news for Milky […]
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Astronomy on the Cheap Join hosts Jay Shaffer and Mike Lewinski on this week’s Starcast for a deep dive into the universe! We kick things off with a look at the latest space weather, including an aurora forecast. Then, get ready for some lunar magic as the waning crescent moon passes by the Pleiades and […]
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