Please Look Up

February’s night sky is putting on a show! This month, Leon and Beth guide you through a rare planetary parade, where every planet—including Mercury—is visible at once. Learn how to spot Venus at peak brightness, Jupiter ruling the northern sky, and Orion’s celestial hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Plus, we debunk the myths around planetary alignments and take a deep dive into the fiery world of Io, Jupiter’s volcanic moon, where a recent eruption reshaped its surface. Tune in for space news, skywatching tips, and a friendly satellite-spotting competition!

Get ready for a spectacular January night sky! This month, we’ll take you on a stargazing journey featuring Mars at opposition, a rare planetary parade visible from Perth, Western Australia, and the stunning constellation of Gemini.

Find out why Venus and Saturn are cozying up in the west, when to catch Earth at perihelion, and why Mars is shining brighter than ever. Plus, we’ll uncover the secrets of open star clusters, the legendary Eskimo Nebula, and the mythological twins of Gemini.

Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a curious observer, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of this month’s night sky. Don’t miss your chance to catch 2025’s best view of Mars!

Please Look Up is brought to you by Particle and powered by Scitech, your ultimate guide to the cosmos!

Get ready for a spectacular December night sky! This month, we’ll guide you through dazzling meteor showers, breathtaking star clusters, and other celestial wonders visible from Perth, Western Australia.

From the brightest constellations to the most exciting planetary alignments, we've got you covered. Plus, stay up to date with the latest discoveries and stories in space exploration.

Please Look Up is brought to you by Particle and powered by Scitech—your ultimate guide to the cosmos!

Join hosts Leon and Beth as they guide you through November's celestial highlights! This month features an exciting planetary lineup in the western sky, with Venus and Mercury putting on a show after sunset. Learn when to catch the Leonids meteor shower, explore the southern constellation Mensa, and discover the fascinating Magellanic Clouds. Plus, get details about Astrofest, happening November 9th at Curtin University - Perth's biggest astronomy event of the year.

Join us this October as we explore the night sky’s wonders, from the last glimpses of the Milky Way to the dazzling Orionid meteor shower. Plus, discover the celestial beauty of Subaru. Tune in for your monthly dose of stargazing insights.

This month, Leon and Beth guide you through the night sky of Boorloo for September. Discover the planets Saturn and Venus, and learn about Saturn’s opposition and its upcoming equinox. The team also dives into the Deep Sky Dictionary, Space Picture of the Month, and the latest in space flight fails. Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun!

This month, Leon and Amanda delve into the fascinating story of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle debris that washed up in Greenhead in July 2023. Discover what this piece of space history is, how it got here, and its new home at Scitech. The team also explores the journey of the PSLV, its role in space missions, and the intricate process of preparing it for display. Don’t miss out on this special episode packed with intriguing insights and cosmic fun!

This month, Leon and Amanda guide you through the night sky of Boorloo for August. Discover the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius and learn why the “Teapot” is must-see. The team also dives into Space Flight Fails, Deep Sky Dictionary, and the Space Picture of the Month. Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun!

This month Beth and Leon take you through the night sky of Boorloo over July (As long as the winter clouds don't get in the way. The team then talks about the Constillation of the Month, Space Flight Fails, Deep Sky Dictionary and Space Picture of the Month.

Head to our Instagram @particlewa to see photos from the episode. Show notes can be found on our website at particle.scitech.org.au

Leon and Beth chat about what you'll see looking up at the sky in Boorloo in June.

Featuring Antares (the moral enemy of Mars), Hydra (the giant snake) and Alphard (the lonely Librarian). Beth rants about space tourism, and Leon nerds-out over a "really cool graph."

Discussed this month:

• The Winter Solstice
• Planets: Mercury, Saturn, Mars & Jupiter
• Constellations: Scorpius & Hydra
• Stars: Antares, Alphard,
• Space Flight Focus: Blue Origin, New Shepard.

Space Pictures of the Month:

Earth and Moon as viewed from Mars

https://science.nasa.gov/resource/earth-and-moon-as-viewed-from-mars/

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems

Percentage of World's Population in Daylight or Twighlight

Credit: timeanddate.com

https://www.timeanddate.com/news/astronomy/99-percent-sunlight

Credits:

Hosts: Beth Maskall, Leon Smith.

Recording, Mixing, and Editing: Alyshia Gatani

Please Look Up is recorded at Scitech on Whadjuk Noongar Land.

We embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first STEM practitioners, and value their knowledge as the very first astronomers, engineers, problem-solvers and innovators of this land. ​

We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.

Want more?

For more Western Australian space news, and content checkout:

The Sky Tonight - Monthly Update | Scitech

WA science. Done different. | Particle (scitech.org.au)