The Sky at Night
The BBC's long-running astronomy series, presented for many decades by Sir Patrick Moore.
- 1957-2026
- 70 seasons
- Documentary
The BBC's long-running astronomy series, presented for many decades by Sir Patrick Moore.
Season 50 Episode Guide
14 Episodes 2006
Episode 1
Journey to the Edge
Patrick Moore talks to Mike A'Hearn, the NASA scientist behind the spectacular Deep Impact mission. With amazing precision, he successfully designed an impactor to hit the fast moving comet Tempel-1.
Episode 2
On Top of the World
Mauna Kea in Hawaii is home to some of the world's best astronomical observatories. Chris Lintott looks around the telescopes, whilst Patrick Moore speaks to the British Scientists who use them.
Episode 3
Mapping the Moon
Patrick Moore presents a guide to the most familiar body in the night sky, whilst Chris Lintott gives tips on how to observe the moon.
Episode 4
The Loveliest Planet
With Saturn well situated in the night sky, Chris Lintott advises on what to look out for, while Patrick Moore talks to Professor John Zarnecki about the Cassini Mission.
Episode 5
A Spin around the Sun
Patrick Moore offers advice on how to observe the sun and its many brilliant features. Chris Lintott demonstrates how to split light into a spectrum.
Episode 6
Turkish Delight
Chris Lintott hopes to experience a Turkish delight, as a total eclipse of the Sun passes over the coastal resort of Antalya. Patrick Moore is in the UK, where the Moon only partially blocks the Sun.
Episode 7
Glorious Galaxies
Patrick Moore discusses how galaxies are formed and investigates just how we can trace their mysterious dark matter. Chris Lintott gives advice on where to find the brightest and the best galaxies.
Episode 8
Bangs in the Night
The biggest and most powerful explosions in the Universe are gamma ray bursts. Scientists now realise these exotic phenomena are far more varied than first suspected. Sir Patrick Moore finds out about the biggest bangs since the 'Big' one.
Episode 9
Wandering Giants
Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott look at how the giant planets such as Uranus, Neptune and Jupiter came to be flung to the far reaches of the Solar System.
Episode 10
Return to the Red Planet
Patrick Moore finds out about British involvement in the European ExoMars mission to Mars. Chris Lintott goes in search of the rover that will be climbing the mountains in Mars.
Episode 11
The Sun and Moon
The lunar probe Smart-1 finishes its mission in September by crashing into the Moon's surface. Patrick Moore talks to project scientist Bernard Foing about its pioneering spacecraft technology.
Episode 12
Autumn Sky
Patrick Moore gives his guide to what can be seen in the night sky. Lucie Green visits the autumn equinox star party at Kelling Heath. Chris Lintott talks to one of modern day cosmology's founders.
Episode 13
The Evil Twin
Venus was once thought to be the sultry home to a mysterious race of aliens. We now know it has searing temperatures, and a thick, caustic atmosphere. Patrick Moore discusses the latest findings of the European mission Venus Express.
Episode 14
The Sounds of the Stars
Stars are like bells, ringing out into space. Patrick Moore finds out how scientists are making sounds and music from the changes within stars. Chris Lintott steps outside and looks at variable stars, which make up the celestial orchestra.
