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July 24, 2026Radio: Today’s Episode
Powerful Jets
Particle beams from a black hole.
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Radio: Yesterday’s Episode
Moon and Antares
A stellar weight-loss plan.
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Stargazing
Powerful Jets
Cygnus is in the eastern sky at nightfall. The first confirmed black hole, Cygnus X-1, is about half way between the swan’s bill and the intersection of its body and wings. The black hole is encircled by a bright disk of superhot gas.
Moon and Antares
Antares, the leading light of the scorpion, is in good view tonight, to the left of the Moon as night falls. The star is classified as a red supergiant. It is much larger, heavier, and brighter than the Sun.
Mars and the Bull
Mars is inching into the morning sky. It looks like a fairly bright orange star in the east at dawn. The star Elnath, the tip of one of the horns of Taurus, is to the left of Mars. The bull’s eye, Aldebaran, is to the right. It’s brighter than Mars, but about the same color.
Moon Phases
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).
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Stardate Magazine
Current Issue: JULY/AUGUST 2026
From Canals to Poppy Seeds and Leopard Spots
by Damond Benningfield
Twin Viking landers touched down on Mars 50 years ago, and one of their experiments found evidence of life, which was quickly discounted. But the debate continues, and we’ll review the Viking findings along with other claims of possible life on the Red Planet. We’ll also tell you how planetariums are adapting to the ages of the Internet and social media.
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