The Sky at Night - Season 23 / Year 1979

Previous Season Next Season

Episodes

Year 1979Episode 130 min

Venus Explored

In December, six American and two Russian space-craft reached Venus. With its dense atmosphere, its searing hot surface and its clouds of deadly sulphuric acid, this strange planet is overwhelmingly hostile; but it is of tremendous interest. 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.

The Man Who Mapped The Nebulae

Year 1979Episode 230 min

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. Tonight Patrick Moore describes Messier and some of the objects which he listed.

Is Life On Earth Unique?

Year 1979Episode 330 min

Is Life On Earth Unique?

Most scientists believe that intelligent life is common in the Universe. But the creation of life requires special conditions, which could be much less frequent than is usually thought. Patrick Meore talks to Professor Sir Bernard Lovell who believes that life elsewhere, in the Universe is likely to be extremely rare.

The Space Between The Stars

Year 1979Episode 430 min

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. Even complex molecules are found there. This discovery has had a great influence upon our ideas about the formation and life-stories of the stars. In this programme Patrick Moore and Dr John Beckman, of Queen Mary College, talk about the developments which have taken place during the past five years.

Voyager To Jupiter

Year 1979Episode 530 min

Voyager To Jupiter

When Voyager 1 flew past Jupiter in March of this year, it sent back results which surprised even the space-planners. The famous Red Spot was shown as a huge whirling storm, while one of the satellites, Io, a world larger than our Moon, has a brilliant red surface upon which active volcanoes can be seen. Patrick Moore and Dr Garry Hunt discuss Voyager l's remarkably successful mission.

Looking At The Weather From Space

Year 1979Episode 630 min

Looking At The Weather From Space

'Is it going to rain today?' 'Will it be a sunny weekend? ' The British are famous for discussing the weather. Its vagaries are part of our lives, and we all watch the forecasts. 1957 saw the start of the space age, and since then space probes have not only provided information about other planets in the solar system, but they have also studied the atmosphere and weather on Earth itself. Recently, more elaborate satellites have produced the clear pictures we see on television forecasts. Patrick Moore talks to Michael Fish about how these satellites in space have revolutionized weather forecasting.

X-Rays From Space

Year 1979Episode 730 min

X-Rays From Space

On 2 June the new all-British satellite, Ariel 6, was put into orbit more than 600 km above the earth's surface. Like its highly successful predecessor, Ariel 5, one of its main tasks will be to study x-rays and cosmic rays from deep space, and it is carrying experiments from four British universities. Patrick Moore talks about this new astronomical satellite with Dr Leonard Culhane, the project scientist for the mission.

Down To Earth - The End Of Skylab

Year 1979Episode 830 min

Down To Earth - The End Of Skylab

Voyager 2 Reaches Jupiter

Year 1979Episode 930 min

Voyager 2 Reaches Jupiter

Year 1979Episode 1030 min

The Zodiac

Pioneer To Saturn

Year 1979Episode 1130 min

Pioneer To Saturn

Observing The Sun

Year 1979Episode 1230 min

Observing The Sun

The Message Of Starlight

Year 1979Episode 1330 min

The Message Of Starlight

UFOs - Fact Or Fantasy?

Year 1979Episode 1430 min

UFOs - Fact Or Fantasy?

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.

🍪 We use cookies to provide necessary website functionality and improve your experience. You can review our Cookies Policy to learn more. By using our website, you agree to these policies.