This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the night sky. It is the perfect time for stargazing because the Perseid meteor shower will be visible in Massachusetts on August 12 and 13. Last year, astronomer Nick Moskovitz from Arizona’s Lowell Observatory predicted 2026 would be an excellent year for viewing. So, get ready!
For a celestial event of a different type, on August 12, there will be a total solar eclipse in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and some parts of Portugal. Can’t make the trip? Don’t fret, you can watch it live wherever you are.
We hope this newsletter helps you find some spectacular night sky sights of your own.
Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor
P.S. Today is considered the last of the Dog Days of summer. Do you know where this name comes from? (Hint: The answer is in this newsletter.) Take our survey at the end to see if you’re right!
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From the arts to history to drama and beyond, dig into a weekly interesting topic featuring GBH programming.
Inspired by the Night Sky
Michael Bublé Performs “Moon River”
Fade into the moonlight with this iconic song by composer Henry Mancini from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The Stars at Night
Explore the connections between astronomy, mythology, and original storytelling – all influenced by the stars.
Diamond & Star Sapphire Jewelry, ca. 1940
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW appraises jewelry that shines and twinkles as bright as the stars. How much are they worth?
Star Stories – A Tradition That Spans Time and Cultures
CAI interviews Anthony Aveni, the author of Star Stories, to discuss how constellations helped people navigate the seas, predict major events, and teach moral lessons.
Capturing Nighttime
This national park’s soft light and clear night skies make this a photographer’s dream destination. Find out where.
Dvořák’s Tribute to the Moon by Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming sings Dvořák’s “Song to the Moon” alongside the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Envelop your senses with the moon’s energies.
Gazing at the Night Sky
Star Gazers: 5 Tips for Studying the Sky
Are you interested in exploring the night skies but not sure where to start? Host Trace Dominguez offers 5 tips for beginners who are ready to jump into the wonders of stargazing.
Windows to the Wild: Exploring the Night Sky
New Hampshire astronomer John Gianforte shows where to look and how to use new technologies to identify planets, stars, and constellations.
Crash Course Astronomy: Moon Phases
Learn the names of the Moon’s phases – and why they happen in the first place – in this quick crash course.
Northern Nights, Starry Skies
Explore the stunning beauty of night skies through the eyes of a photographer and what it takes to capture that beauty.
The Movement to Save Our Night Skies
There are some incredible efforts to preserve our night skies by protecting against light pollution to maintain healthy ecosystems and help migrating birds.
Preserving Maine’s Night Sky
Find out more about these stunning Dark Sky locations in Maine. Then find out where these locations are in Texas.
Recipe of the Week
The Moon May Not Be Made of Cheese, But This Dip Sure Is
This toasted onion blue cheese spread puts store-bought versions to shame. Say cheese!
What’s Up There?
* From Babylon to backyard telescopes, amateur astronomers have been shaping our view of the cosmos.
* Here’s how NASA sold us a trip to the moon to win the space race of the 1960s.
* The Curiosity Desk connects the stars to a popular phrase ... (wink)
* Visit NASA’s lunar sample vault to view moon rocks!
* Re-experience the spectacular cosmic phenomenon of the 2024 total solar eclipse on NOVA.
* Why do we plant flags on the Moon? Find out the reason.
Dive Into America 250
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: 6 Revolutionary Finds
See appraisals that include a walnut baby cradle made when America was also in its infancy, a sash from George Washington’s Inaugural Ball that is “better than fabulous,” a cartridge box thought to be from the Civil War with a Revolutionary surprise, Nathaniel Greene’s silver cup that is worth five-figures of gold, and more!
Off Topic: Pilgrimages
Thanks to a reader’s wonderful suggestion, we’re looking at some stories about pilgrimages: voyages and treks by a pilgrim or wayfarer, especially to a shrine or sacred place.
1. A classic pilgrimage: The Odyssey. The Culture Show interviews Emily Watson about her acclaimed translation of Homer’s epic poem and what she thinks of Christopher Nolan’s film blockbuster.
2. Pilgrimages to sacred spaces: Sacred Journeys with Bruce Feiler: The Hajj chronicles a journey that represents one of Islam’s five pillars. Then on Finding Your Roots, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. travels to the holy Ganges River with Deepak Chopra to uncover details about past generations who had made the same spiritual pilgrimage.
3. A pilgrimage in search of self: An 80-year-old hiker becomes the oldest woman to ever complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and Rick Steves explores a trail pilgrims have trod for centuries, the Camino de Santiago.
