The Myth of the Perfect Night

What if the problem isn’t the sky, but our expectations?

In this episode we step back from targets, charts, and techniques to talk about something every stargazer eventually encounters: the myth of the perfect night. Clear horizons, steady seeing, and flawless gear. Astronomy culture often presents these moments as normal, when in reality they’re exceptions. Most nights are compromised, interrupted, or quietly frustrating. It’s the nature of the hobby.

We explore how social media and memory itself smooth over disappointment, how unmet expectations can drain motivation, and why so many astronomers quietly drift away without realizing nothing is actually “wrong.” From dew-soaked star parties and missed comets to long stretches of waiting and adjusting, this episode hopes to show those imperfect nights still matter.

If you’ve ever packed up early, felt discouraged, or wondered whether the struggle was worth it, this one’s for you.

In the second half of the show, we'll turn our attention back to this week's night sky, and check in on recent solar activity that lit up the skies with auroras last week. If you caught the aurora, or tried to and came up empty, I’d love to hear your story. Photos, sightings, and near-misses are all welcome at the show website.

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