Watch Our Night Sky

2010
1 Season

Our Night Sky is an awe-inspiring journey that explores the night sky and equips viewers with the skills to identify and appreciate the wonders that lie within it. This 12-episode course, produced by The Great Courses, is led by renowned astronomer and educator Professor Edward M. Murphy, who brings his extensive knowledge and passion for the subject to every episode, making it highly engaging and accessible for viewers of all ages.

The show begins by introducing the basic tools needed for skywatching, such as star charts, binoculars, and telescopes. Professor Murphy then takes us on a tour of the solar system, offering insights into the planets, moons, and other celestial objects that orbit the sun. We learn about the history of astronomy, the major players in the field, and the different tools and techniques they used to study the sky.

Throughout the course, Professor Murphy introduces viewers to the stars, the constellations, and the galaxies that make up our universe. He teaches us how to navigate the night sky, how to use different types of telescopes, and how to identify different types of stars, including the variable, pulsating, and binary stars.

One of the unique features of Our Night Sky is the visual aids used to help viewers understand and appreciate the night sky. Professor Murphy makes use of animations, simulations, and images taken by various telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, to illustrate the different concepts and objects covered in the course.

The show also explores some of the fascinating phenomena that occur in the night sky, such as meteor showers, comets, and eclipses. We learn about the different types of meteorites, how they are formed, and how they can tell us about the origins of our solar system. Professor Murphy also explains the differences between solar and lunar eclipses, and how eclipses have played a significant role in scientific discoveries.

Our Night Sky is a highly informative and entertaining show that has something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned star-gazer or just starting out. The course is designed in a way that is easy to follow, with each episode building on the knowledge gained from previous episodes. The show's host is enthusiastic and engaging, making learning about astronomy both informative and fun.

In conclusion, if you're looking to learn about the night sky or enhance your skills in observing it, then you should definitely Watch Our Night Sky Online. The course is available on The Great Courses website and is a great starting point to explore the vast and fascinating universe that lies above us.

Our Night Sky is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between June 18, 2010 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

12. The Southern Sky and the Milky Way

June 18, 2010

In this final lecture, travel to the Southern Hemisphere for sky views inaccessible from northern latitudes. Discover the famous Southern Cross, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, and a spectacular panorama of the Milky Way: along with new myths and stories that add a human dimension to our marvelous night sky.

11. The Summer Sky

June 18, 2010

Arching high overhead in the summer sky is the Milky Way, which is the plane of our galaxy seen from the inside. Tour this densely packed region of stars of all types, from dusty regions of star birth to the exquisite shells of dying stars. Here, a useful orienting feature is the Summer Triangle.

10. The Spring Sky

June 18, 2010

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.

9. The Winter Sky

June 18, 2010

Continuing your 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.

8. The Fall Sky

June 18, 2010

Navigate your way 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 our own.

7. The Northern Sky and the North Celestial Pole

June 18, 2010

Embarking on the second half of the course in which you systematically tour 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.

6. Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and More

June 18, 2010

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.

5. Observing the Planets with a Telescope

June 18, 2010

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.

4. Observing the Moon and the Sun

June 18, 2010

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.

3. Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes

June 18, 2010

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 your equipment.

2. Seeing and Navigating the Sky

June 18, 2010

The naked eye is a powerful instrument: if you 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.

1. The Constellations and Their Stars

June 18, 2010

Begin your 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 wherever you look in the heavens.

Description

Where to Watch Our Night Sky

Our Night Sky is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Our Night Sky on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Kanopy and Hoopla.