https://www.spreaker.com/show/martin-lunn-astronomy-talks-blogenAstronomyCopyright Martin Lunnhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/9d307c95e1efb01a2172e99eb168e5e5.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/martin-lunn-astronomy-talks-blogTue, 24 Feb 2026 11:05:11 +0000Martin LunnMartin Lunnlunn_martin@sky.comI am a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and currently sit on the council. I presented a series of astronomy talks on YouTube called ‘The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Cosmos. I also present lectures on cruise ships all over the world, and to...falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-astronomy-show-february-23rd-2026--70247556www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70247556Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:02:17 +0000Martin LunnJoin me, Martin Lunn MBE every Monday evening from 7.00 pm-9.00 pm on the award-winning Astronomy Show on Drystone Radio, probably the only regular astronomy show on any radio station in the country.   I will take my weekly look at the night sky and...www.drystoneradio.com DAB radio in Bradford and East Lancashire, or 102 and 103.5 FM]]>3907astronomy,astronomynews,constellations,drystoneradio,moon,planets,stars,sunfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vulpecula-the-fox--43997102https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43997102Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:39:12 +0000Martin LunnIntroduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 1680s this faint constellation was orginally called Vulpecula cum Anser, the Fox and Goose. Since then however the goose is no more!!209constellation,dumbbellnebula,fox,hevelius,messier,vulpeculafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/volans-the-flying-fish--43997093https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43997093Mon, 22 Mar 2021 09:35:14 +0000Martin LunnThis constellation on the bordres with Carina was introduced on the Uranometria star map by Johann Bayer in 1603.133bayer,constellation,flyingfish,uranometria,volansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/virgo-the-virgin--43984839https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43984839Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:15:16 +0000Martin LunnThe 2nd largest constellation in the sky. many myths are associated with this constellation, which has usually been seen as a beautiful and virtuous maiden.460constellation,messier,sombrero,spica,virgin,virog,virogalaxiesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vela-the-sails--43974356https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43974356Sat, 20 Mar 2021 09:42:55 +0000Martin LunnFormerly a part of the ancient constellation of Argo Navis, representing the ship of Jason and the Argonauts, until that vessel was broken up by the French astronomer Lacaille in the 1750s.241argonauts,argonavis,constellation,jason,lacaille,sails,velafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ursa-minor-the-lesser-bear--43959932https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43959932Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:44:22 +0000Martin LunnUrsa Minor contains the present North Pole Star which lies within one degree of the North Celestial Pole, this star is called Polaris.331constellation,polaris,smallbear,smalldipper,ursaminorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ursa-major-the-great-bear--43959629https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43959629Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:39:23 +0000Martin LunnThe 3rd largest constellation in the sky. Its central feature is the seven stars that make up the shape variously called the Plough or Big Dipper, this is probably the best known of all the star patterns.779bigdipper,constellation,greatbear,ursamajorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tucana-the-toucan--43959595https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43959595Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:35:08 +0000Martin LunnA constellation near the South Pole of the sky, introduced by Johann Bayer on his uranometria star chart of 1603.244bayer,constellation,southpole,toucan,tuvana,uranometriafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/triangulum-australe-the-southern-triangle--43945423https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43945423Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:06:58 +0000Martin LunnA small but readily distinguishable constellation introduced in 1603 by the German astronomer Johann Bayer as a southern equivalent of the northern triangle, Triangulum.138bayer,constellation,southerntriangle,triangulumaustralefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/triangulum-the-triangle--43945392https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43945392Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:03:31 +0000Martin LunnA small but distictive constellation lying between Andromeda and Aries, consisiting of three main stars that form a thin delta shape; the Greek referred to it as Deltoton.263constellation,galaxy,localgroup,messier33,triangle,triangulumfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/telescopium-the-telescope--43945351https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43945351Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:59:28 +0000Martin LunnA constellation invented by the Frenchman Lacaille to honour the most important of astronomical instruments. As with so many of Lacaille's constellations it is faint and contrived.116constellation,lacaille,telescope,telescopiumfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taurus-the-bull--43930675https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43930675Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:38:08 +0000Martin LunnOne of the most ancient constellations, Taurus has been known to peoples throughout the world since the dawn of civilization, for the bull's strength and fertility mean it has always held an honoured place in ceremony and religion.490antares,bull,constellation,crabnebula,hyades,messier1,pleiades,sevensisters,taurusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sextant-the-sextant--43915165https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43915165Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:04:45 +0000Martin LunnA barren constellation south of Leo, introduced in the 1680s by the Polish astronomer Hevelius. It commemorates the instrument he used for observing star positions.119constellation,hevelius,leo,sextantfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/serpens-the-serpent--43915134https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43915134Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:00:54 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation, representing a serpent wound around the body of the serpent bearer, Ophiuchus. In fact Serpens is split into two halves, one either side of Ophiuchus, Serpens Caput, the Head and Serpens Cauda, the Tail.234caput,cauda,constellation,head,oiphiuchus,serpens,serpent,tailfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scutum-the-shield--43893641https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43893641Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:43:28 +0000Martin LunnA faint constellation between Aquila and Serpens, introduced in the 1680s by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in honour of his patron, King John Sobieski III.169constellation,hevelius,scutum,shield,sobieskifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sculptor-the-sculptor--43893609https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43893609Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:38:44 +0000Martin LunnOne of the faint and half forgotten constellations introduced in the 1750s by Lacaille to fill in the southern hemisphere. This constellation represents a sculptor's workshop, for reasons that remain obscure.122constellation,lacaille,obscure,sculptor,southernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scorpius-the-scorpion--43879809https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43879809Sun, 14 Mar 2021 12:11:06 +0000Martin LunnA resplendent constellation lying ina rich area of the Milky Way, and packed with excitingobjects for people to see either with the naked eye or small telescopes.635antares,constellation,messier,milkyway,ngc,scorpion,scorpiusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sagittarius-the-archer--43870153https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43870153Sat, 13 Mar 2021 13:18:10 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation depicting a centaur, half man, half beast, with a raised bow and arrow. Sagittarius has been visualised this way since at least the times of ancient Greece.956archer,constellation,messier,milkyway,ngc,sagittariusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sagitta-the-arrow--43857129https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43857129Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:38:31 +0000Martin LunnDespite its small size, it is the 3rd smallest constellation in the sky, this distinctive arrow shaped group was known to the ancient Greeks.260arrow,constellation,greeks,messier,sagittafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reticulum-the-net--43857088https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43857088Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:35:26 +0000Martin LunnA small faint constellation introduced in the 1750s by Lacaille to commemorate an instrument known as the reticule which he used for measuring the positions on his survey of the southern sky.159constellation,lacille,net,reticulum,southernskyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pyxis-the-compass--43839725https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43839725Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:11:09 +0000Martin LunnThe smallest and least impressive of the four parts into which the constellation of Argo Navis was divided in the 1750s by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.136argonavis,compass,constellation,lacaille,pyxis,tpyxfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/puppis-the-stern--43839680https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43839680Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:07:56 +0000Martin LunnThis is the laregest of the four sections into which the ancient constellation of Argo Navis, the ship of the Argonauts was dismembered in the 1750s by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.489argonavis,constellations,lacaille,messier,ngc,poop,puppis,sternfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/piscis-austrinus-the-southern-fish--43823359https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43823359Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:42:45 +0000Martin LunnSometimes also called Piscis Australis, this constellation has been known since ancient times and is often represented as a fish drinking the flow of water from the urn Aquarius.171aquarius,constellation,fomalhaut,piscisaustralis,piscisaustrinusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pisces-the-fishes--43823336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43823336Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:39:05 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation representing a apir of fishes tied by the their tails, the know being marked by the star alpha Piscium.269constellation,fishes,pisces,zodiacfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pictor-the-painter-s-easel--43806098https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43806098Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:32:44 +0000Martin LunnA faint constellation overshadowed by the neighbouring brilliant star Canopus in Carine to one side, and the Large Magellanic Cloud in Dorado on the other. It was invented by Lacaille in the 1750s.135canopus,carina,constellation,lacaille,lmc,pictorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phoenix-the-phoenix--43806058https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43806058Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:25:31 +0000Martin LunnAn inconspicuous constellation lying near the southern end of Eridanus representing the mythological bird that was regularly reborn from its own ashes. It was introduced by Johann Bayer in 1603.141bayer,constellation,eridanus,phoenixfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perseus--43786647https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43786647Mon, 08 Mar 2021 09:42:20 +0000Martin LunnPerseus was the hero of Greek mythology who rescued the chained Andromeda from the clutches of the sea monster Cetus. Previously Perseus had slain Medusa the Gorgan, whose head he is pictured holding in one hand.469algol,andromeda,cetus,constellation,kraken,medusa,perseus,winkingdemonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pegasus-the-flying-horse--43775424https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43775424Sun, 07 Mar 2021 11:43:39 +0000Martin LunnThe winged horse of Greek mythology, born from the blood of Medusa afetr she was slain was Perseus, who lies nearby in the sky.301constellation,flyinghorse,medusa,pegasus,perseus,squareofpegasusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pavonis-the-peacock--43764355https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43764355Sat, 06 Mar 2021 09:20:51 +0000Martin LunnA constellation introduced on the 1603 star map,the Uranometria produced by the German astronomer Johann Bayer. It is one of several celestial birds in this region of the sky.224bayer,celestialbird,constellation,pavo,pavonis,peacock,uranometriafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/orion-the-hunter--43749119https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43749119Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:52:44 +0000Martin LunnWithout doubt the brightest and grandest constellation in the sky, crammed with objects of interest. Orion's impressiveness stems in large measure from the fact that it is an area of star formation in a nearby arm of the Galaxy centred on the famous...900betelgeux,constellation,hunter,messier,orion,orionnebula,orion'sbelt,rigelfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ophiuchus-the-serpent-holder--43733471https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43733471Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:27:46 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation, representing a man encoiled by a serpent (the constellation of Serpens)626barnardsstar,constellation,opiuchus,serpentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/octans-the-octant--43716246https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43716246Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:28:38 +0000Martin LunnThe constellation that contains the south pole star. Despite this privileged position, Octans is faint and unremarkable. There is no southern equivalent of Polaris, the North Pole Star. The nearest star to the south pole is the faint star Sigma Octantis.151constellations,northstar,octans,octant,polaris,southpolefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/norma-the-level--43716228https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43716228Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:24:12 +0000Martin LunnA Superfluous constellation invented in the 1750s by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who populated the southern skies with several consetllations representing scientific instruments, in this case the surveyor's level.158constellation,lacaille,level,norma,southern,surveyorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/musca-the-fly--43700697https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43700697Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:55:26 +0000Martin LunnA small constellation lying at the foot of the Southern Cross invented by Johann Bayer in 1603. Although it was orginally called Apis the Bee it is known today Musca the Fly.146apis,bayer,bee,constellation,fly,musca,southerncrossfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/monoceros-the-unicorn--43683773https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43683773Mon, 01 Mar 2021 10:38:21 +0000Martin LunnA faint but fascinating constellation between Orion and Canis Minor. The constellationn was added in the 17th century.317constellation,messier,monoceros,ngc,orion,unicornfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/microscopium-the-microscope--43671186https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43671186Sun, 28 Feb 2021 09:02:28 +0000Martin LunnAnother of the faint and obscure constellations added by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Laaille in the 1750s.113constellation,faint,lacaille,microscope,microscopium,soiuthernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mensa-the-table-mountain--43671171https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43671171Sun, 28 Feb 2021 08:58:35 +0000Martin LunnA faint constellation introduced by Lacaille to commemorate the Table Mountain at the Cape of Good Hope, from whixh he surveyed the southern skies in the 1750s.108conatellation,lacaille,lmc,mensa,tablemountainfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lyra-the-lyre--43661262https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43661262Sat, 27 Feb 2021 09:17:30 +0000Martin LunnA constellation datin g from ancient times, representing the stringed instrument invented by Hermes and given by his half brother Apollo to Orpheus.516constellation,lyra,lyre,summertrianle,vegafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lynx--43648220https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43648220Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:11:05 +0000Martin LunnA decidedly obscure constellation, it was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century to fill the gap between Ursa Major and Auriga.152constellation,hevelius,lynx,polish,ursamajorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lupus-the-wolf--43648187https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43648187Fri, 26 Feb 2021 10:08:06 +0000Martin LunnLupus is stocked with numerous interesting objects, although it is often overlooked in favour of its more spectacular neighbours Scorpius and Centaurus255centaurus,constellation,lupus,milkyway,scorpius,wolffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/libra-the-scales--43635423https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43635423Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:10:57 +0000Martin LunnA small faint constellation of the zodiac, through which the Sun passes in November. The ancient Greeks knew it as the 'Claws of the Scorpion', but the Romans made it into a seperate constellation.178clawsofthescorpion,constellation,greeks,libra,romans,scales,zodiac,zubenelgenubifalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lepus-the-hare--43613806https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43613806Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:15:25 +0000Martin LunnLepus is a constellation known since ancient Greek time. It represents a Hare, located at the feet of it's hunter,Orion.242constellation,hare,lepus,orion,winterfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leo-minor-the-lesser-lion--43597602https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43597602Tue, 23 Feb 2021 09:53:07 +0000Martin LunnLeo Minor lies between the brighter Leo and Ursa Major, Johannes Hevelius, the Polish astronomer, introduced this constellation inn the late 17th century. There is little of interest in Leo Minor.123constellation,hevelius,leominor,lesserlionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leo-the-lion--43597508https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43597508Tue, 23 Feb 2021 09:49:04 +0000Martin LunnOne of the few constellations that looks like the figure it is supposed to represent- in this case a crouching lion.633constellation,galaxies,leo,lion,messier,ngc,regulus,sicklefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lacerta-the-lizard--43579773https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43579773Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:19:56 +0000Martin LunnAn inconspicuous constellation sandwiched between Cygnus and Andromeda, introduced in the late 17th century by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius19217thcentury,constellation,hevelius,lacerta,lizardfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indus-the-indian--43579594https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43579594Mon, 22 Feb 2021 10:03:35 +0000Martin LunnA constellation representing an American native Indian, introduced in 1603 on the star atlas of Johan Bayer. Indus contains no bright stars.1081603,bayer,indian,indus,uranometriafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hydrus-the-lesser-water-snake--43568011https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43568011Sun, 21 Feb 2021 12:01:31 +0000Martin LunnJohann Bayer introduced the this constellation in 1603. Alas there are no bright stars.146bayer,constellation,hydrus,lesserwatersnake,south,southpolefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hydra-the-water-snake--43567980https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43567980Sun, 21 Feb 2021 11:58:06 +0000Martin LunnThe largest constellation in the sky, but by no means easy to identify on account of its faintness. The heart of the Water Snake is marked by Alphard the only bright star, which is sometimes known as the solitary one.391alphard,constellation,hercules,hydra,messier,watersnakefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/horologium-the-clock--43557358https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43557358Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:42:41 +0000Martin LunnOne of the constellations representing mechanical instruments introduced in the 1750s by the Frenchman Laaille. Axs with so many of his constellations, Horologium is faint and obscure.122clock,constellation,horologium,lacaillefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hercules--43557338https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43557338Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:39:38 +0000Martin LunnHercules represents a Greek mythological hero, famous for hs 12 labours. Despite being the 5th largest constellation Hercules is not one of the most prominent.40512labours,argonauts,constellation,hercules,hero,messier13falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/grus-the-crane--43540876https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43540876Fri, 19 Feb 2021 09:29:39 +0000Martin LunnA constellation introduced on the 1603 star atla of Johann Bayer. It represents a water bird, the crane, although others have seen here a flamingo.142bayer,constellation,crane,flamingo,grusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gemini-the-twins--43524415https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43524415Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:29:23 +0000Martin LunnA constellation familiar since ancient times, representing a pair of twins holding hands. We know them as Castor and Pollux, members of the Argonauts' crew and of mixed parentage: although both sons of Leda, Castor's father was King Tyndareus of...380argonauts,castor,constellation,gemini,geminidmeteors,goldenfleece,leda,pollux,twinsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fornax-the-furnace--43505945https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43505945Wed, 17 Feb 2021 09:21:48 +0000Martin LunnA barren constellation introduced in the mid 18th century by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, orginally under the name of Fornax Chemica, the Chemical Furnace.186constellation,fornax,furnace,lacaillefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eridanus-the-river--43488865https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43488865Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:18:44 +0000Martin LunnAn extensive constellation, the 6th largest in the sky, but often over looked because of its faintness. It meanders from Taurus in the north to Hydrus in the south.2456thlargest,achernar,constellation,eridanus,riverfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/equuleus-the-little-horse--43472380https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43472380Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:11:46 +0000Martin LunnThe second smallest constellation in the sky, Equuleus aeems to have orginated with the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE.126constellation,equuleus,foal,littlehorse,ptolemy,smallfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/draco-the-dragon--43458487https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43458487Sun, 14 Feb 2021 12:09:37 +0000Martin LunnDragons feature in many ancient legends, and so it is not suprising to find such a monster in the sky. Its body lies coiled around the North Star.529constellation,draco,dragon,northstar,pyramids,thubanfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dorado-the-goldfish--43444517https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43444517Sat, 13 Feb 2021 10:11:19 +0000Martin LunnThis constellation alos commonly known as the Swordfish was introduced in 1603 by Johann Bayer.520bayer,constellation,goldfish,lmc,modern,swordfishfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/delphinus-the-dolphin--43416513https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43416513Fri, 12 Feb 2021 10:19:34 +0000Martin LunnA constellation which orginated in Greek times, celebrating the long standing relationship between mankind and this most intelligent of sea creatures.271alcock,constellation,delphini,delphinus,dolphin,greek,hrdelphini,nova1967,poseidonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cygnus-the-swan--43400413https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43400413Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:05:36 +0000Martin LunnCygnus represents a swan flying down the Milky Way. Swans feature in many legends, including that of Zeus who visited Leda, wife of King Tyndareus of Sparta, in the guise of a swan.577constellation,cygnus,deneb,milkyway,nebula,ngc,northamerican,northerncross,summertriangle,swan,veil,zeusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/crux-the-southern-cross--43382535https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43382535Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:30:57 +0000Martin LunnThe smallest constellation in the sky, but one of the most celebrated and distinctive. It was formed from some of the stars of Centaurus by various astronomers in the 16th century.336centaurus,coalsack,constellation,crux,jewelbox,ngc,smallest,southerncrossfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/crater-the-cup--43363918https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43363918Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:19:17 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation representing the goblet of Apollo, and associated in legend with the neighbouring constellation of Corvus the Crow.161ancient,apollo,constellation,corvos,crater,crow,cup,greek,hydrafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/corvus-the-crow--43363840https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43363840Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:16:19 +0000Martin LunnThe origin of this faint constellation dates back at least to the ancient Greeks who called it the Raven. In legend,Corvus is associated with the neighbouring constellations of Crater the Cup and Hydra the Water Snake.171ancient,apollo,constellation,corvus,crater,crow,greeks,hydra,ravenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/corona-borealis-the-northern-crown--43344839https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43344839Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:12:08 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation representing the jewelled crown given as a wedding present by Bacchus to Ariadne, and cast by him into the sky when she died.285ariadne,bacchus,borealis,constellation,corona,crown,northern,rcrb,tcrbfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/corona-australis-the-southern-crown--43344806https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43344806Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:56:43 +0000Martin LunnThe southern conterpart to the Northern Crown (Corona Borealis). Corona Australis has been known since the times of the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE.131australis,centaur,constellation,crown,greek,sagittarius,southernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coma-berenices-berenice-s-hair--43344639https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43344639Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:51:45 +0000Martin LunnThis faint constellation represents the flowing locks of Queen Berenice of Egypt, who cut off her hair in gratitude to the gods for the safe return from battle of her husband Ptolemy Euergetes.369berenice,coma,constellation,egypt,galaxies,messier,starclustersfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/columba-the-dove--43264522https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43264522Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:58:48 +0000Martin LunnA constellation adjoining Puppis, representing the dove that followed Noah's Ark, or the dove that the Argonauts sent ahead to help them pass safely between the Symplegades, the clashing rocks, at the mouth of the Black Sea,133argo,argonauts,ark,clashingrocks,clashofthe,columda,consetllation,dove,jason,noah,puppis,titansfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/circinus-the-compasses--43243393https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43243393Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:27:38 +0000Martin LunnAnother of the small and obscure southern constellations introduced by the French astronomer \nicolas Louis de Lacaille.117centuarus,constellation,lacaille,obscure,scientific,southernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chamaeleon-the-chamaeleon--43225243https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43225243Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:34:39 +0000Martin LunnA faint and undistinguished constellation. It was introduced into the southern skies by Johann Bayer in 1603.124bayer,chamaeleon,constellation,modern,ngc,southerskies,uranometriafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cetus-the-whale--43211310https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43211310Sun, 31 Jan 2021 11:38:35 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation depicting the sea monster that threatened to devour Andromeda before she was rescued by Perseus384andromeda,cepheus,cetus,clashofthetitans,constellation,mira,omicronceti,pegasus,perseus,redgiant,whalefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cepheus-the-king--43198474https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43198474Sat, 30 Jan 2021 11:41:50 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation representing KIng Cepheus of Ethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and father of Andromeda, themselves represented by nearby constellations.355andromeda,cassiopeia,cepheus,clashofthetitans,constellation,deltacephei,galaxies,johngoodricke,yorkfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/centaurus-the-centaur--43180470https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43180470Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:03:13 +0000Martin LunnA large and rich constellation representing a centaur in Greek mythology, reputedly the scholarly centaur Chiron who was the tutuor of many Greek heroes, and who according to legend invented the main constellations.533alphacentaurus,centaur,chiron,constellation,greek,messier,ngc,omegacentauri,proximafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cassiopeia-the-queen--43161876https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43161876Thu, 28 Jan 2021 09:36:03 +0000Martin LunnIn legend, Cassiopeia was the beautiful but boastful Queen of Ethiopia, wife of King Cepheus and mother of Andromeda.704andromeda,cassiopeia,cetus,constellation,pegasus,perseus,supernova,tycho'sstarfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carina-the-keel--43142096https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43142096Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:12:25 +0000Martin LunnThis constellation was orginally part of the extensive Argo Navis, the ship of the Argonauts, until subdivided in the 1750s by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille. As part of Argo Navis, Carina's origin goes back to Greek times, and is...625argonauts,argonavis,canopus,carina,constellation,etacarina,goldenfleece,jason,keel,lacaillefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/capricornus-the-sea-goat--43122279https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43122279Tue, 26 Jan 2021 09:11:29 +0000Martin LunnCapricornus is depicted as a goat with a fish tail. Amphibious creatures feature prominently in ancient legends, and the origin of Capricornus certainly dates back to ancient times.497autumn,capricorn,constellations,messier,tropic,zodiacfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/canis-minor-the-lesser-dog--43105498https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43105498Mon, 25 Jan 2021 11:13:11 +0000Martin LunnThe second of the two dogs of Orion, the other being Canis Major.171constellation,orion,procyon,smalldogfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/canis-major-the-greater-dog--43090256https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43090256Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:18:19 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation, representing one of the two dogs (the other being Canis Minor) following at the heels of Orion the Hunter672brighteststar,canismajor,constellation,dogstar,heliacal,nile,siriusfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/canes-venatici-the-hunting-dogs--43077768https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43077768Sat, 23 Jan 2021 10:34:56 +0000Martin LunnA constellation introduced by the Polish astronomer Hevelius in the 1680s, consisiting of some faint stars below the tail of Ursa Major the Great Bear522constellation,corcaroli,dogs,hunting,kingcharles,lordrosse,messier,whirlpoolgalaxyfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cancer-the-crab--43040839https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43040839Thu, 21 Jan 2021 09:09:22 +0000Martin LunnCancer represents the crab which attacked Hercules when he was fighting with the Hydra; the luckless crab was crushed underfoot by the mighty Hercules, but was subsequently placed in the heavens.422beehive,constellations,crab,hercules,hydra,manger,messier,praesepe,zodiacfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/camelopardalis-the-giraffe--43024254https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43024254Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:05:09 +0000Martin LunnCamelopardalis is without doubt one of the dullest of the northern constellations. It was drawn on a map in 1624 by the German astronomer Jakob Bartsch. It has been said that if you come across an area of the sky with nothing in it, you will have...148constellations,giraffe,northernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/caelum-the-chisel--43005665https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43005665Tue, 19 Jan 2021 09:31:32 +0000Martin LunnAn obscure, almost irrelevant constellation at the foot of Eridanus, introduced in the 1750s by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during his mapping of the southern sky.1531750s,constellation,eridanus,lacaille,southernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bootes-the-herdsman--42988609https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42988609Mon, 18 Jan 2021 09:24:10 +0000Martin LunnAn ancient constellation, representing a herdsman driving a bear(Ursa Major) around the sky; he is often depicted holding the leash of the Hunting dogs Canes Venatici.490ancient,arcturus,canesvenatici,constellation,meteors,quadrantida,ursamajorfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/auriga-the-charioteer--42977039https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42977039Sun, 17 Jan 2021 15:03:06 +0000Martin LunnA large and prominent constellation, known since ancient Babylonian and Greek times as a charioteer.750capella,constellation,epsilonauriga,haedi,kids,messier,starfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aries-the-ram--42964883https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42964883Sat, 16 Jan 2021 11:10:23 +0000Martin LunnA constellation whose origin dates back to ancient times, lying between Taurus and Andromeda. In legend, Aries represented the Ram whose golden fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts.246ancient,argonauts,constellations,firstpointofaries,greek,jason,zodiacfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ara-the-altar--42949190https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42949190Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:47:08 +0000Martin LunnThis constellation, although relatively faint and little known, orginated in Greek and Roman times,when it was visualised as the altar on which Centaurus the Centaur, was about to sacrifice Lupus the Wolf.321centaurus,constellation,greek,heisphere,ngc,roman,southern,wolffalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aquila-the-eagle--42930622https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42930622Thu, 14 Jan 2021 09:40:50 +0000Martin LunnA constellation dating from ancient times, representing the bird that in mythology was the companion of Jupiter, and often carried his thunderbolts.467altair,cepheid,constellation,eagle,pigott,summer,trianglefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aquarius-the-water-carrier--42914109https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42914109Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:32:02 +0000Martin LunnAquarius is one of the most ancient constellations. The Babylonians saw in this area of the sky the figure of a man pouring water from a jar, and it is still represented this way today.690ancient,aquarids,constellations,helix,messier,meteors,ngc,saturnfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/apus--42901792https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42901792Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:35:55 +0000Martin LunnA faint constellation near the south pole, that was introduced by the German astronomer Johann Bayer in 1603 on his Uranometria star chart. THis was the first star map to cover the entire sky.238bayer,bird,constellation,paradise,southern,uranometriafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/antlia--42880809https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42880809Mon, 11 Jan 2021 13:26:38 +0000Martin LunnAn obscure southern hemisphere constellation introduced in 1763by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to commemorate the air pump invented by the English physicis Robert Boyle.2271763,boyle,constellation,lacaille,southernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/andromeda--42870723https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42870723Sun, 10 Jan 2021 17:58:21 +0000Martin LunnAndromeda represents the daughter of Queen Cassiopeia who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to the sea monster Cetus until saved by Perseus, whom she subsequently married.712andromeda,astronomy,constellation,galaxy,m31,mythfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/introduction--42865176https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42865176Sun, 10 Jan 2021 06:03:06 +0000Martin LunnIntroduction to astrognome748falsefull