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The Sky at Night Season 17 Episodes
Season 17 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 1973 - 1973
Episode 1
1973 - An Exciting Year!
Patrick looks forward to a year of spectacular astronomical events: the launching of the Sky-lab earth-orbiting laboratory in May; the longest eclipse of the century in June; and the first dual-planet probe to Venus and Mercury in October.
Episode 2
Practical Work in the Observatory
From his Selsey observatory, Patrick Moore illustrates what amateur astronomers can achieve, and shows the planet Saturn.
Episode 3
Sirius: The Brightest Star
Patrick Moore talks about Sirius the Dog-Star, the brightest star in the sky and one of the nearest to us, and about its white dwarf companion Sirius B.
Episode 4
The Eclipse of the Century
The longest solar eclipse of the century, lasting over 7 minutes, will take place in Africa on 30 June. Patrick talks about some of the experiments which will be carried out by solar observers who will be at the Sahara during the eclipse.
Episode 5
How Big are the Planets?
Patrick Moore discusses with Gordon Taylor and Dr. David Allen new ways of measuring objects in our solar system.
Episode 6
The Colours of the Stars
Ancient astronomers described Sirius the Dog-Star as red: but what color is it today? Patrick asked viewers to tell him what color they see Sirius, and analyses the reports he received, and explains the significance of the colors of stars.
Episode 7
The African Eclipse
British observers back from the longest solar eclipse of the century tell Patrick Moore about the results of their experiments.
Episode 8
Navigational Astronomy
Until the invention of modern techniques, a ship at sea could only find her position by the sun and stars. On board ship, Patrick and Cmdr Henry Hatfield, RN, discuss the navigational origins of astronomy, and show how seamen use the sun.
Episode 9
Venus: A Cratered World
Venus has always been a mysterious planet, shrouded in its dense atmosphere. Astronomers using radar and the latest computer techniques, they have detected vast, shallow craters on the surface. Patrick Moore explains their significance.
Episode 10
The Moon Illusion
How big do you see the full moon? Near the horizon, it appears larger than when it is high in the sky - but this is not due to magnification by the earth's atmosphere. Patrick Moore discusses this with Professor Richard Gregory.
Episode 11
The Volcanoes of Mars
Patrick Moore visits the volcanic crater at Mount Teide in Tenerife, and discusses with Dr. Ron Maddison the characteristics of Martian volcanoes, compared with those on the earth and moon.
Episode 12
When Mercury Crosses the Sun
On November 10th the planet Mercury will pass in transit across the face of the Sun. Patrick tells observers what they can expect to see, and he looks forward to the launching in 1974 of an American spacecraft which will fly past Mercury.
Episode 13
Pioneer to Jupiter
This month for the first time a space probe passes close to the planet Jupiter. The space-craft Pioneer 10 has penetrated further into the solar system than any probe has ever done before. Patrick brings you the latest news of the mission.