Learn how to feel at home in the limitless expanse of the star-filled sky with the 12 lectures of Our Night Sky. This richly illustrated course is an unrivaled tour of the stars that teaches you about the science, culture, technology, and pure pleasure of stargazing. With the guidance of award-winning astronomer and Professor Edward M. Murphy, you'll get a comprehensive overview of what there is to see out there&;amp;-whether you live in the city or the country, and whether you're a novice or an expert observer.
Our Night Sky
Gain a superb introduction to the wonders of the night sky with this course-taught by an award-winning astronomer-that explores the fundamentals of stargazing.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
TexasManUSA from
Great Night Sky Observing Course!
I am thoroughly enjoying this astronomy course. This is exactly what I was looking for in order to learn more about viewing astronomical objects. Definitely recommend!
Date published: 2024-10-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
NHpro from
Dr. Murphy brings the sky down to Earth.
A great way to learn the constellations and useful to students and novices alike looking to better understand the night sky.
Date published: 2024-08-22
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Nestor from
Should Have Been a Home Run
It is a struggle for me when I experience a course whose subject matter naturally lights me up, but whose presentation brings me up short. Professor Murphy is surely knowledgeable and his subject matter would expect one to be drawn in as if to a black hole, but I found that whatever excitement I felt was not enhanced by his delivery. I found it detached and hurried, not to mention tied to the teleprompter. It is not unfair to expect that Professor Murphy would easily have drawn us in to the wonders of looking up. It never became compelling for me, despite what I am sure was an earnest effort on his part. Comparisons have been made to Professor Filippenko's Skywatching course, which I think is fair, and which I have also viewed. The difference in styles is stark. My review reflects my genuine interest in the subject, despite my disappointment in its delivery.
Date published: 2024-06-11
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Grum99 from
NightWatch on film
Hopefully Terence Dickinson received due credit for the basis for this course and many of the illustrations used. This course does expand on his amazing “NightWatch”, but not by much.
Date published: 2024-01-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jack 666 from
He is correct in small scopes vs large but Remer unless your back yard is turn into observatory you don't take it down each time like I did in the past they are meant to be up and going
The instructor did a great job
Date published: 2023-10-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jac 788 from
Great job
Your right about the selection of scopes between large and small I had actec 140 mm approx 5.5 in and a 3.5 in apo refractor. I took out the tex 140 for splitting saturn rings u cant do it any smaller but ur right on about the small scope I used it more often than not you did a great job on this coursr
Date published: 2023-08-15
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Moving South from
Not Happy.......
The course came with a Planisphere ( 30 - 40 N ) but it's not usable for the area in which I live . I requested a new planisphere by email for my area ( 40 -50 N ) and was turned down. Apparently the Planisphere included in the course is all you get no matter where you live ( not specified in course description. )
Date published: 2023-04-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
FreeMoose from
Great course for beginners and advanced amateurs
I've been an amateur astronomer for over 40 years and have degrees in physics and astronomy. I found the course to be a great introduction to amateur astronomy with details about telescopes, planetary bodies, stars and some deep space objects. Dr. Murphy provided a fast-paced discussion and covers a lot of material, including how to use basic tools, constellation descriptions and mythology on popular targets. The course was made in 2010 and some of the tables of events shown in the first DVD could use an update. Overall, beginners to the hobby will learn the essentials and advanced amateur astronomers will discover tidbits that they probably didn't know.
Date published: 2023-02-24
Overview
About
Dr. Edward M. Murphy is Associate Professor, General Faculty at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He earned his bachelor's degree in Astronomy from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Virginia in 1996. Professor Murphy was a postdoctoral fellow and an associate research scientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he worked on NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). In 2000 he joined the faculty at the University of Virginia, where he continues to use FUSE, along with radio telescopes, in his research on the interstellar medium. Professor Murphy teaches courses on introductory astronomy and intelligent life in the universe to undergraduates, as well as seminars on how to teach astronomy to graduate students. He also offers evening classes for the local community at the historical Leander McCormick Observatory. He was named a Teaching and Technology Fellow in 2002-2003 and an Ernest Boots Mead Honored Faculty Fellow in 2003-2004. Dr. Murphy gives astronomy talks, appears regularly on local radio, and leads professional development workshops for teachers. He has also worked with the Science Museum of Virginia to develop planetarium shows and exhibits.
Trailer
01: The Constellations and Their Stars
Begin your study of the night sky by investigating the origin of the constellations-the traditional groupings of stars that mostly date to antiquity. The well-known constellation Orion illustrates the fascinating mix of beauty, mythology, and scientific knowledge to be found wherever you look in the heavens....
34 min
02: Seeing and Navigating the Sky
The naked eye is a powerful instrument-if you know how to use it. Learn the best times and conditions for observing, how to identify the positions and magnitudes of stars and planets, how the sky changes over the course of a night, how to use astronomical maps such as a planisphere, and more....
34 min
03: Using Binoculars and Backyard Telescopes
There are many choices when selecting binoculars or a telescope. Learn what to look for in light-gathering power, optical design, magnification, mounts, and other features. Professor Murphy also suggests several tips for getting the best observing experience out of your equipment....
30 min
04: Observing the Moon and the Sun
Charting the motions and changes of the sun and moon may be humankind's oldest astronomical activity. Discover how both objects offer rich opportunities for study. Also learn the precautions to take when observing the sun, which is the only star that can be seen up close and in detail....
33 min
05: Observing the Planets with a Telescope
The rings of Saturn, the bands of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, the polar caps of Mars-these and other planetary features are visible through a small telescope. Learn when viewing opportunities arise for each of the planets and what sights await the dedicated observer....
34 min
06: Meteor Showers, Comets, Eclipses, and More
Explore a variety of special phenomena that are among the wonders of the sky. Some, like bright meteors, aurora, and many comets, are largely unpredictable. Others, like eclipses and annual meteor showers, occur at well-known times-although it may require a special trip to see them....
33 min
07: The Northern Sky and the North Celestial Pole
Embarking on the second half of the course in which you systematically tour the entire sky, study two constellations that are continuously in view from the Northern Hemisphere: Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. Also explore the slowly shifting position of true north in the sky....
32 min
08: The Fall Sky
Navigate your way around the autumn sky from the Northern Hemisphere, discovering how the classical myth of Andromeda ties together the stories of the nearby constellations of Cassiopeia, Perseus, Cepheus, Pegasus, and Cetus. The sights include the Andromeda galaxy, the nearest large galaxy to our own....
31 min
09: The Winter Sky
Continuing your focus on the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, survey the magnificent winter sky, dominated by Orion. "Star hop" around the region, which includes a wealth of interesting stars, globular clusters, nebulae, and other features, especially the Orion Nebula-the finest nebula in the northern sky-and the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in Taurus....
33 min
10: The Spring Sky
The spring sky opens the view into intergalactic space perpendicular to the plane of the Milky Way. Among the objects visible are the immensely rich galaxy clusters in Virgo and Coma Berenices, which are many millions of light-years distant and can be seen with small and moderate telescopes....
31 min
11: The Summer Sky
Arching high overhead in the summer sky is the Milky Way, which is the plane of our galaxy seen from the inside. Tour this densely packed region of stars of all types, from dusty regions of star birth to the exquisite shells of dying stars. Here, a useful orienting feature is the Summer Triangle....
31 min
12: The Southern Sky and the Milky Way
In this final lecture, travel to the Southern Hemisphere for sky views inaccessible from northern latitudes. Discover the famous Southern Cross, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, and a spectacular panorama of the Milky Way-along with new myths and stories that add a human dimension to our marvelous night sky....
32 min
