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Episodes
- S1 E1 - The Constellations and Their StarsJune 17, 201034minBegin 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E2 - Seeing and Navigating the SkyMay 31, 202034minThe 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E3 - Using Binoculars and Backyard TelescopesMay 31, 202030minThere 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E4 - Observing the Moon and the SunMay 31, 202033minCharting 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E5 - Observing the Planets with a TelescopeMay 31, 202034minThe 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E6 - Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and MoreMay 31, 202033minExplore 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E7 - The Northern Sky and the North Celestial PoleMay 31, 202032minEmbark 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E8 - The Fall SkyMay 31, 202031minNavigate 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E9 - The Winter SkyMay 31, 202032minContinuing 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E10 - The Spring SkyMay 31, 202031minThe 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E11 - The Summer SkyMay 31, 202031minArching 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
- S1 E12 - The Southern Sky and the Milky WayMay 31, 202033minFinally, 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.Free trial of The Great Courses Living or buy
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