
StarDate debuted in 1978, making it the longest-running national radio science feature in the country. It airs on more than 300 radio stations. It has been hosted by Billy Henry since July 2019.
StarDate tells listeners what to look for in the night sky, and explains the science, history, and skylore behind these objects. It also keeps listeners up to date on the latest research findings and space missions. And it offers tidbits on astronomy in the arts and popular culture, providing ways for people with diverse interests to keep up with the universe.
StarDate is a production of The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, which also produces the bi-monthly StarDate magazine.
The Voice of StarDate
Billy Henry, a voice talent, musician, composer, and college lecturer in Austin is the third narrator of the StarDate radio program. Read more »
The Music of StarDate
The StarDate background music was written by Bill Harwell and Patterson Barrett specifically for StarDate.
More Than 40 Years and Counting!
StarDate is radio’s longest-running nationally aired science program. It began in 1977 as a daily telephone message service by McDonald Observatory. It was picked up by Austin radio station KLBJ-FM, and aired as “Have You Seen the Stars Tonight?” beginning in June 1977. With a grant from the National Science Foundation, the program became “Star Date,” and began airing nationally, seven days per week, on October 1, 1978. It quickly reached more than 1,000 stations across the country. Read more »
Today’s Episode
Altair
Upcoming Topics
June 29-July 5: New Explorations
A Japanese spacecraft is headed toward an encounter with an asteroid this month, while an American lander may be ready to head for the Moon. Please join us for these missions and more, right here.
June 22-28: The Scorpion
The scorpion skitters low across the south on summer nights. It’s home to some remarkable star systems, including one that regularly pops off, and several that are destined for even bigger fireworks. Please join us for Scorpius and more.
June 15-21: Lunar Liaisons
The Moon swings by three bright planets and a bright star this week, and we’ll have details. We’ll also talk about an astronomy pioneer, the changing of the seasons, and much more.