The Sky at Night Season 23 Episodes

Episode 1

Venus Explored

In December, six American and two Russian space-craft reached Venus. Patrick Moore and Dr. Garry Hunt talk about the findings of the space-ships, and discuss what will happen next in the exploration of Venus.

Episode 2

The Man Who Mapped the Nebulae

All astronomers know of the catalogue of star-clusters and nebulae compiled 200 years ago by Charles Messier ; and 'hunting the M objects' is a favourite amateur pastime. Patrick describes Messier and some of the objects which he listed.

Episode 3

Is Life on Earth Unique?

Sir Patrick Moore talks to Sir Bernard Lovell about the possibility of life on other planets.

Episode 4

The Space Between the Stars

Is space empty? Astronomers used to think so, but it is now known that there is a tremendous amount of material spread between the stars. Patrick and Dr. John Beckman, talk about the developments which have taken place.

Episode 5

Voyager to Jupiter

Patrick Moore and Dr Garry Hunt discuss the results of Voyager 1's successful mission to Jupiter, the Great Red Spot and Jupiter's satellites.

Episode 6

Looking at the Weather from Space

Patrick Moore and Michael Fish discuss how weather satellites revolutionised forecasting. They also talk to Mervyn Hardman of the Meteorological Office and Geoff Monk of the R.S.R.E.

Episode 7

X-Rays from Space

On 2 June the new all-British satellite, Ariel 6, was put into orbit, to study x-rays and cosmic rays from deep space. Patrick talks with Dr. Leonard Culhane, the project scientist for the mission.

Episode 8

Down to Earth: The End of Skylab

Episode 9

Voyager 2 Reaches Jupiter

Voyager 2, the latest Jupiter probe, made its rendezvous with the Giant Planet on 9 July. Patrick Moore and Dr. Garry Hunt give the latest news from Voyager 2.

Episode 10

The Zodiac

Patrick Moore talks about the Zodiac, what it meant to the old astrologers and how it is regarded by astronomers today.

Episode 11

Pioneer to Saturn

Patrick Moore and Dr Garry Hunt discuss the American probe Pioneer II's attempt at surveying Saturn and its rings from close range.

Episode 12

Observing the Sun

Patrick Moore talks to Peter Gill, an amateur astronomer, who carries out his observations of the Sun by using a small telescope from the window of his third-floor London flat.

Episode 13

The Message of Starlight

The colour of a star - red, yellow or white - shows their different temperatures and, by using spectroscopes, it is possible to find out which materials exist there.

Episode 14

UFOs: Fact or Fantasy

Patrick Moore and Michael Bentine discuss UFOs - fact or fantasy? What are the unidentified flying objects which have been so much in the news in recent years?