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Our Night Sky

Season 1
For thousands of years, the star-filled sky has been a source of wonder, discovery, and entertainment. All you need to feel at home in its limitless expanse is Our Night Sky which gives you an unrivaled tour around the sky - all while teaching you about the science, technology, and pure pleasure of stargazing.
202012 episodes7+
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - The Constellations and Their Stars
    June 17, 2010
    34min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  2. S1 E2 - Seeing and Navigating the Sky
    May 31, 2020
    34min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  3. S1 E3 - Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes
    May 31, 2020
    30min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  4. S1 E4 - Observing the Moon and the Sun
    May 31, 2020
    33min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  5. S1 E5 - Observing the Planets with a Telescope
    May 31, 2020
    34min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  6. S1 E6 - Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and More
    May 31, 2020
    33min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  7. S1 E7 - The Northern Sky and the North Celestial Pole
    May 31, 2020
    32min
    TV-PG
    Embark on the second half of your journey, in which you systematically tour the entire sky and 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.
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  8. S1 E8 - The Fall Sky
    May 31, 2020
    31min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  9. S1 E9 - The Winter Sky
    May 31, 2020
    32min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  10. S1 E10 - The Spring Sky
    May 31, 2020
    31min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  11. S1 E11 - The Summer Sky
    May 31, 2020
    31min
    TV-PG
    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.
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  12. S1 E12 - The Southern Sky and the Milky Way
    May 31, 2020
    32min
    TV-PG
    Finally, 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.
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Details

More info

Audio languages
English
Subtitles
English [CC]
Producers
The Great Courses
Cast
Edward M. Murphy
Studio
The Great Courses
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