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Manx Sky at Night
Howard Parkin joins Judith Ley to discuss the different and exciting sights that can be seen in the dark skies over the Isle of Man at night.
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Episodes
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Dark sky gazing and space watching - resident astronomer Howard Parkin scans the skies and brings us all the news!
Monday, 26 August 2024
Howard Parkin explains what can be seen in the sky if we have clear conditions in the coming weeks, and we catch up on the latest space stories - and ask the question - are those astronauts REALLY stranded in space ?The music break is Neil Young's Harvest Moon and questions for Howard can be emailed - howardparkin@manx.net
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Dark skies are on their way back again - and Astronomer Howard Parkin is a happy man! What is he hoping to see? Find out here!
Wednesday, 31 July 2024
In this month's programme, Howard looks forward to the end of Astronomical Twlight - and the chance to see more in the darker skies over the Island. Perhaps a Perseid meteor shower? The planets Mars and Jupiter are back and - dare we say it - the sun is still very active so it's just possible that there COULD be another aurora!The music break is Forever Autumn from Justin Hayward, and after that, Howard will be reporting on some of the latest space stories - including - a lunar cave that could be a good place to set up a base on the Moon; Perseverance has found a large rock on Mars which...
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More stargazing information and space news from our resident astronomer, Howard Parkin
Sunday, 21 July 2024
Howard Parkin takes a look into our Manx skies, to describe what we might see, given favourable weather conditions, during the month of July.It's a golden oldie music break in this edition, and it's followed by the latest space stories, as private companies take an ever-increasing role in space travel and exploration.Questions for Howard to answer in the next edition of the programme - on the last Sunday of July - can be emailed to howardparkin@manx.net
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Star gazing .... space watching .... and will we see another aurora? Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin tells all ....
Sunday, 2 June 2024
Astronomer Howard Parkin joins us to look at what we can see in our dark skies over the Island, during the weeks of June - weather permitting! And he can't resist another word or two about the magnificent aurora - and considers the question .... will we see one again anytime soon?Still with auroras in mind, Howard's music choice this month is Renaissance and Northern Lights and in the second part of the programme he has the latest space stories and updates, including the Boeing Starliner launch, the Chinese lunar sampler, the Starship 4 launch .... and is Elon Musk coming to the rescue of...
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No auroras - but some eclipse reflections - and loads more star and space news - with Astronomer Howard Parkin
Saturday, 18 May 2024
Our Manx Resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, shares some more thoughts following his recent eclipse experience in Texas, and wonders if anyone might like to go with him to Spain for the next one?!Howard also takes a look at what we might see - weather permitting - in our Manx skies during this month of May, and updates us on the latest space stories.This month's music break is inspired by Howard's time in Texas - Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton - from his 'Traveller' albumHoward is always happy to receive your comments and questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net
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Nights are getting lighter - but Astronomer Howard Parkin says there's still lots to see!
Monday, 25 March 2024
Howard gets ready for the Eclipse, reviews the recent Starship launch, and previews Manx stargazing prospects in April
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The first programme of 2024 previews the big stargazing events during the coming year
Monday, 8 January 2024
As well as telling us what stars will be visible over the Island during January, Howard Parkin has also ...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT
Monday, 27 November 2023
In the November edition of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what will be visible (weather permitting) in the sky during the coming weeks - the music break is Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Power of Love, and after that we'll be talking about space - and discussing some interesting and very unexpected data which has come back from the James Webb Telescope. If you have any questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2023
Monday, 30 October 2023
Astronomer Howard Parkin discusses the movement of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in the coming weeks - and will there be more meteor showers during November? And there's even a ghost story - with music to match it, from The Specials Part two keeps us updated with just some of the current space stories - including - are the scientists really sure that there is life on other planets? Howard explains it all!
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2023
Monday, 28 August 2023
The skies are getting darker earlier - which is good news for stargazers! Amongst the many topics Howard covers in this month's programme are the Equinox on 22nd September, a possibility of seeing Jupiter, Saturn, and the Andromeda Galaxy - as well as a moon that's full, red, blue, and super - but not sturgeon! The music break is Moonhadow by Cat Stevens In the second half of the programme, Howard goes into space - with news about Voyager, Boeing Starchaser and Artemis 3 Questions can be emailed to Howard, and will feature in the next edition of the programme - howardparkin@manx.net ...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2023
Sunday, 6 August 2023
Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we should be looking for in our August dark skies - including the Summer Triangle, a full Blue Super Moon (that might actually be red!), the appearance of Jupiter and the possibility of a dramatic Perseid Meteor Shower. The music break is Good Morning, Starshine by Oliver and after that, Howard brings us up to date with some of the top stories about the race into space. Howard welcomes questions, and suggestions for stargazing or space-related topics for future programmes - email howardparkin@manx,net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2023
Saturday, 1 July 2023
Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what to look out for in our July dark skies, and after a break for a Glastonbury-inspired music choice, he looks at some of the big stories in recent space travel and exploration news. Howard welcomes your questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MARCH 2023
Sunday, 26 March 2023
Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what we can look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of April and recalls some of the highlights of stargazing in March. After the music break with Enya, it's time for the latest space news.
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - FEBRUARY 2023
Sunday, 5 March 2023
We're nearing the end of the 'best' time for stargazing, as the nights become ever-so-slightly lighter for longer - so Astronomer Howard Parkin says 'make the most of these next weeks before the clocks change the end of March!' There's a brilliant conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in early March - Mars is still bright overhead, and we discuss the exciting prospect of the Aurora Borealis The music break is Venus by Shocking Blue, and in the second half of the programme Howard brings us up to date with yet more stories of the race to get into space! Steve Bowen is due to head out on a mis...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2023
Monday, 30 January 2023
For this month's edition of the MANX SKY AT NIGHT, resident Astronomer Howard Parkin takes us on a tour of the IOM Observatory. Group visits, and visitors on Club Nights are always welcome - email Howard if you'd like more information - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2022
Monday, 31 October 2022
If the skies are clear enough, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible during November; there are a couple of meteor showers in prospect - the Taurids and Leonids - and there may even be some fireballs visible! After the music break, Howard shares latest updates from the world of space exploration, and there's an invitation to a fascinating talk on 19 November at The Observatory, organised by the IOMASO - booking details on Eventbrite or email howardparkin@manx.net in case of difficulty.
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2022
Saturday, 1 October 2022
Howard Parkin explains what we can look out for in our dark skies over the Island, during the months of October (given some clear conditions of course!) Mars Jupiter and Saturn are visible now, and this is a great time to see the Milky Way in all it's glory! Other October highlights include the Draconids meteor shower peaking on 7 October in the North sky in the evening; the Orionid meteor shower peaks on 21 October after midnight in the Eastern sky; and there's a partial (25%) solar eclipse around 10am on 25 October The music break this month is Neil Young's Harvest Moon Space news incl...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2022
Saturday, 3 September 2022
Manx Radio's Resident Astronomer HOWARD PARKIN is back with more information about what we can see (if we have good clear conditions) in our wonderful Isle of Man dark skies during the weeks of September. The first planned launch window for the Artemis 1 Moon Mission was missed due to a mix of technical and weather difficulties, but Howard's enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, this important event, is well worth a listen - plus there's other space news - some of it directly linked to the Isle of Man! If you have queries or questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2022
Monday, 1 August 2022
Join Howard Parkin, as he reflects on some of the best stargazing he's enjoyed during July, and previews some of the activity in the night skies during August - including the possibility of another meteor shower! This month's music choice is inspired by a question from a listener in Northamptonshire - contact Howard via email - howardparkin@manx.net In the second part of the programme, Howard talks about the latest images from the James Webb Telescope and brings us the latest news on the ever-changing space scene.
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JUNE 2022
Tuesday, 28 June 2022
Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes the stars, planets and other sights that might be seen in the skies over the Isle of Man during the month of July - if we get clear conditions. Tonight's music break is a 1950's moon-themed song from Dean Martin And Howard will, as usual, be taking a look at the latest stories from the world of space exploration, and asking the question - generating electricity in space? Science fact .... or science fiction ?? Listen - and judge for yourself! Howard is always happy to receive your questions or comments email : howardparkin@manx.net Manx Sky at...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - MAY 2022
Monday, 30 May 2022
Astronomer Howard Parkin takes his monthly look into our Manx skies, and describes what we might see, given the right conditions, in our dark skies during the month of June. Tonight's music break is Telstar by the Tornados - but why ? Howard explains! And there's more news from the world of space exploration - including a report on the amazing James Webb Telescope as it gradually prepares to start work. Howard welcomes your questions and queries - email him - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - APRIL 2022
Sunday, 24 April 2022
As usual, it's a podcast of two halves! Astronomer Howard Parkin begins with a look ahead to some of the things we can see in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May - the planets all visible in the morning sky; Venus and Jupiter very close and the possibility of a spectacular meteor storm around 14th May, with a lunar eclipse on May 16th - Howard has all the details in this month's programme. He's also got an update on a big story concerning the Isle of Man Astronomical Society Observatory .... After the music break - Frank Sinatra's very appropriate Fly Me To The Moon - H...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - FEBRUARY 2022
Thursday, 3 March 2022
Once again, Manx Radio's resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, explains how to enjoy the dark skies over our Island in the weeks of March when the planets will start to show the first signs of the end of Winter. After the music break (Barry Manilow - with a planetary connection!) it's all about space - and telescopes - it's all good news from the amazing James Webb Telescope - but the Hubble is still going strong! If you have queries or question for Howard, he is always happy to receive your emails - howardparkin@manx.net
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JANUARY 2022
Monday, 31 January 2022
Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what will be visible - in the right weather conditions - in our Manx dark skies during the month of February. After a rather unusual music break (you have to listen and work out the space connection!) Howard gives an update on the latest activities in space - he reports on the progress of the amazing Webb Telescope, and talks more about Starlink - set to make the Internet more accessible than ever, and the Isle of Man will play an important part in its development. There's news too about the first Axiom mission - the first private space station, which ...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - DECEMBER 2021
Monday, 27 December 2021
For the last time in 2021, resident astronomer Howard Parkin identifies what we can look for in the dark skies of winter. There's plenty of planetary activity, another meteor shower and a rare opportunity to see Mercury. And Howard has produced a 'calendar' of what we can expect to see in the skies throughout the coming year - if you'd like a copy of his guide to the Manx night skies in 2022, email him - howardparkin@manx.net The music break this week is Jubel's Dancing in the Moonlight In the second part of the programme, Howard has some fascinating facts and figures about the amazing Jam...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - NOVEMBER 2021
Sunday, 5 December 2021
Now that the clocks have moved back, we have longer dark nights - perfect for star gazing when the skies are clear! Howard Parkin describes what we can hope to see in the skies during December - and there are hopeful signs, too - as some of the planets of Spring are beginning to appear. After a break for music from Enya (Shepherd Moons) Howard has the latest space exploration news - we talk in detail about the much-misunderstood recent DART Mission, and there's good news - and some fascinating technical information - about the new Webb Telescope. Howard welcomes your questions - and ...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - OCTOBER 2021
Monday, 1 November 2021
Howard Parkin returns with his monthly look at our Manx skies - this time looking ahead to the month of November, explaining which planets we'll be able to see on clear nights, and when to look for a meteor shower and a eclipse. Plus Howard has a Halloween story - and a song from William Shatner! When he recorded 'Rocket Man' in 1978, William Shatner could not have imagined that in 2021, at the age of 90, he would actually be travelling into space! Howard has the latest news on commercial space flights, and information about 3 separate missions, each with a different purpose.
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 2021
Monday, 27 September 2021
As the autumn skies get darker earlier, there's more scope for seeing the planets - Jupiter and Saturn will be dominating the southern sky and can be easily seen in clear conditions - and Venus is on the rise! Howard is just about to start his 37th year of teaching at University College Isle of Man - there are still some spaces left on the next course, starting in October - and there's an invitation to a Manx National Heritage stargazing dinner at The Sound. The music break this month comes from Anne Murray, after which Howard has the space updates - commercial space flight is now a real...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - AUGUST 2021
Friday, 13 August 2021
On this month’s programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks into our Manx skies and explains what we can hope to see during the month of September, when we now have a couple of hours of darkness each night. It will be a good time to see the spectacular Milky Way, Cassiopeia - rich in legend - should be visible, and Howard talks about the planets and other activity beginning to be visible in our autumn skies. This month’s music break is Enya singing Everyone’s Gone To The Moon, which leads neatly into part two of the programme, when Howard brings us the latest space-related news. For the fi...
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MANX SKY AT NIGHT - JULY 2021
Sunday, 1 August 2021
In the fist part of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks at what we can see - weather permitting - in our Manx skies during the coming month of August. It's the end of the noctilucent cloud season - it's also the end of the period of no official night time - so some darkness returns - which is good news for stargazers! Howard talks also about planetary activity - Opposition of Saturn and Jupiter And he's got news of a forthcoming Perseid meteor shower (one of years best!) This month's music break is Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys In the second part of the programme, we catc...
