The Sky at Night, now showing on BBC Four, is a long running science programme that looks at space and astronomy and has bought the wonders of the night sky to millions. Broadcast once a month it enables to viewer to get outside and understand what is happening in the sky above them – the visible constellations as well as major events such as meteor showers, comets and lunar eclipses.

The Sky at Night has featured some of the world’s leading scientists and astronomers as guests over the years, including astronauts, scientists and leading astronomers. Regular guests include Professor Brian Cox and astrophysicist and guitarist Brian May – both who have said that the Sky At night inspired them to study science.The Sky At Night first came onto the TV screen in 1957 presented by Patrick Moore who continued to host the show until his death in 2013, making him the most long running TV presenter of a show in the World. Lucie Green and Chris Lintoff now co present the show.

Science is very popular as a subject for TV at the moment and many shows aim to inspire viewers to think outside the everyday and consider the environment. Where The Sky At Night has always scored is that it has never talked down to the viewer and the infectious enthusiasm and wonder of Patrick Moore carried often complicated subjects along and made them more accessible. We might not really know how a black hole works for example, but at least we have more of an idea about what it is. Catch up with The Sky At Night via youriplayer.co.uk –the night sky will never be the same again and if nothing else, you can impress your friends by identifying some of the constellations!
 

Watch all episodes of The Sky at Night here. The Sky at Night is a tv-programme of BBC One. You can see all episodes of The Sky at Night here via Youriplayer.co.uk.