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.