TELEVISION
About
For thousands of years, the star-filled sky has been a source of wonder, discovery, and entertainment. All that is needed to feel at home in its limitless expanse is Our Night Sky, a richly illustrated 12-episode course that gives viewers an unrivaled tour around the sky, all while teaching them about the science, technology, and pure pleasure of stargazing.
Related Subjects
Episodes
1. The Constellations and Their Stars
30m
Begin a study of the night sky by investigating the origin of the constellations: the traditional groupings of stars that mostly date to antiquity. The well-known constellation Orion illustrates the fascinating mix of beauty, mythology, and scientific knowledge to be found for every look anywhere into the heavens.
2. Seeing and Navigating the Sky
30m
The naked eye is a powerful instrument, for those who know how to use it. Learn the best times and conditions for observing, how to identify the positions and magnitudes of stars and planets, how the sky changes over the course of a night, how to use astronomical maps such as a planisphere, and more.
3. Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes
30m
There are many choices when selecting binoculars or a telescope. Learn what to look for in light-gathering power, optical design, magnification, mounts, and other features. Professor Murphy also suggests several tips for getting the best observing experience out of equipment.
4. Observing the Moon and the Sun
30m
Charting the motions and changes of the sun and moon may be humankind's oldest astronomical activity. Discover how both objects offer rich opportunities for study. Also learn the precautions to take when observing the sun, which is the only star that can be seen up close and in detail.
5. Observing the Planets with a Telescope
30m
The rings of Saturn, the bands of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, the polar caps of Mars: these and other planetary features are visible through a small telescope. Learn when viewing opportunities arise for each of the planets and what sights await the dedicated observer.
6. Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and More
30m
Explore a variety of special phenomena that are among the wonders of the sky. Some, like bright meteors, aurora, and many comets, are largely unpredictable. Others, like eclipses and annual meteor showers, occur at well-known times, although it may require a special trip to see them.
7. The Northern Sky and the North Celestial Pole
30m
Embarking on the second half of a course of a systematic tour of the entire sky, study two constellations that are continuously in view from the Northern Hemisphere: Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. Also explore the slowly shifting position of true north in the sky.
8. The Fall Sky
30m
Navigate around the autumn sky from the Northern Hemisphere, discovering how the classical myth of Andromeda ties together the stories of the nearby constellations of Cassiopeia, Perseus, Cepheus, Pegasus, and Cetus. The sights include the Andromeda galaxy, the nearest large galaxy to the Earth's Milky Way.
9. The Winter Sky
30m
Continuing a focus on the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, survey the magnificent winter sky, dominated by Orion. Star hop around the region, which includes a wealth of interesting stars, globular clusters, nebulae, and other features, especially the Orion Nebula, the finest nebula in the northern sky, and the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in Taurus.
10. The Spring Sky
30m
The spring sky opens the view into intergalactic space perpendicular to the plane of the Milky Way. Among the objects visible are the immensely rich galaxy clusters in Virgo and Coma Berenices, which are many millions of light-years distant and can be seen with small and moderate telescopes.
Extended Details
- SeriesGreat Courses
- Closed CaptionsEnglish