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June 23, 2026Radio: Today’s Episode
Microquasar
A “micro” version of a quasar
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Radio: Yesterday’s Episode
The Scorpion’s Head
The head of the scorpion
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Stargazing
Moon and Spica
Spica, which represents a stalk of wheat held in the hand of Virgo, the maiden, perches close to the upper right of the Moon at nightfall. It is one of several bright stars in the night sky that are likely to end their lives with brilliant explosions.
The Scorpion’s Head
The scorpion skitters low across the south on summer nights. Its brightest star is Antares. The scorpion’s body and tail curl to the lower left with the head to the upper right, marked by a line of three evenly spaced stars that are of roughly equal brightness.
First-Quarter Moon
The Moon is at first quarter today. It lines up at a right angle to the line between Earth and the Sun, so sunlight illuminates half of the lunar hemisphere that faces Earth.
Moon Phases
At the new Moon phase, the Moon is so close to the Sun in the sky that none of the side facing Earth is illuminated (position 1 in illustration). In other words, the Moon is between Earth and Sun. At first quarter, the half-lit Moon is highest in the sky at sunset, then sets about six hours later (3). At full Moon, the Moon is behind Earth in space with respect to the Sun. As the Sun sets, the Moon rises with the side that faces Earth fully exposed to sunlight (5).
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Stardate Magazine
Current Issue: JULY/AUGUST 2026
From Canals to Poppy Seeds and Leopard Spots
by Damond Benningfield
Twin Viking landers touched down on Mars 50 years ago, and one of their experiments found evidence of life, which was quickly discounted. But the debate continues, and we’ll review the Viking findings along with other claims of possible life on the Red Planet. We’ll also tell you how planetariums are adapting to the ages of the Internet and social media.
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