The Best Astronomy Podcasts to Listen to While Sailing

Sailing the open seas with your family is an incredible experience, and one of the many joys of this lifestyle is the opportunity to gaze up at the night sky, unobstructed by city lights and pollution. Stargazing and astronomy can become a fascinating hobby for sailors, and there’s no better way to learn about the cosmos than by listening to astronomy podcasts.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best astronomy podcasts available, perfect for listening to while sailing. These podcasts will not only entertain and educate you but also enhance your stargazing experience as you explore the world with your family.

StarTalk Radio

Hosted by: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Frequency: Weekly

Length: 50-60 minutes

StarTalk Radio is a popular science podcast hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. The show covers a wide range of topics related to astronomy, physics, and space exploration, often featuring interviews with experts and celebrities. StarTalk Radio is an excellent choice for those looking to learn more about the universe while enjoying engaging conversations and a touch of humor.

Episode Recommendations:

• “Cosmic Queries: The Random Edition”
• “The Stars that Guide Us, with Nainoa Thompson and Frank Reed”

Astronomy Cast

Hosted by: Dr. Pamela Gay and Fraser Cain

Frequency: Weekly

Length: 30 minutes

Astronomy Cast is a long-running podcast that takes a factual and in-depth look at various topics in astronomy and space science. Hosted by Dr. Pamela Gay, an astronomer and educator, and Fraser Cain, the publisher of Universe Today, the show provides listeners with a wealth of knowledge in an easy-to-understand format. Each episode focuses on a specific topic, making it easy to pick and choose the subjects that interest you the most.

Episode Recommendations:

• “Ep. 581: Building Bigger Telescopes”
• “Ep. 574: Trojan Asteroids”

The Orbital Mechanics

Hosted by: David Fourman, Ben Etherington, and Dennis Just

Frequency: Bi-weekly

Length: 60-90 minutes

The Orbital Mechanics is a podcast that delves into the world of spaceflight, satellite technology, and space exploration. The hosts, David, Ben, and Dennis, are all engineers with a passion for space, and their expertise shines through in each episode. The show covers current events in the space industry, interviews with professionals, and in-depth discussions on various space-related topics. If you’re interested in the technical side of astronomy and space exploration, The Orbital Mechanics is a must-listen.

Episode Recommendations:

• “Episode 292: The Artemis Accords”
• “Episode 278: The Lunar Gateway”

Planetary Radio

Hosted by: Mat Kaplan

Frequency: Weekly

Length: 30-60 minutes

Planetary Radio is the official podcast of The Planetary Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. Host Mat Kaplan interviews scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts, discussing the latest news and discoveries in planetary science. The show also features regular segments such as “What’s Up?” which provides listeners with a guide to the night sky and tips for stargazing.

Episode Recommendations:

• “A Conversation with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine”
• “The Search for Life on Mars Begins in Greenland”

Spacepod

Hosted by: Dr. Carrie Nugent

Frequency: Bi-weekly

Length: 20-30 minutes

Spacepod is a podcast that focuses on the people behind the science of space exploration. Host Dr. Carrie Nugent, an asteroid researcher, interviews scientists, engineers, and other professionals working in the space industry. Each episode provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of exploring the cosmos, making Spacepod an engaging and informative listen for anyone interested in the human side of astronomy.

Episode Recommendations:

• “Episode 100: Dr. Sarah Hörst and the Atmospheres of Alien Worlds”
• “Episode 84: Dr. Jessie Christiansen and the Search for Exoplanets”

The Cosmic Companion

Hosted by: James Maynard

Frequency: Weekly

Length: 30-45 minutes

The Cosmic Companion is a podcast that explores the wonders of the universe through interviews with scientists, researchers, and space enthusiasts. Host James Maynard, a science journalist, discusses the latest discoveries and news in astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration. The show’s conversational style and engaging interviews make it an enjoyable and educational listen for anyone interested in the cosmos.

Episode Recommendations:

• “Dr. Avi Loeb: The First Interstellar Visitor to Our Solar System”
• “Dr. Franck Marchis: The Dance of Exoplanets and their Moons”

Final Thoughts

These astronomy podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and entertainment for sailors looking to learn more about the cosmos while exploring the world with their families. Whether you’re interested in the science behind space exploration, the latest news in astronomy, or the personal stories of those working in the space industry, there’s a podcast on this list for you.

So, as you set sail on your next adventure, be sure to download a few episodes of these fantastic astronomy podcasts. They’ll not only enhance your stargazing experience but also provide you with fascinating insights into the universe that surrounds us.