The Sky at Night

Original version

BBC Four HD

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Iconic series exploring space science and the incredible universe all around us.

Look up! Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Professor Chris Lintott present the iconic, inspirational look at cutting-edge space science and the incredible universe all around us.

BBC Four

Chris Lintott

Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Pete Lawrence

Carisse Perks

Charlie Bennett

Chris Johnston

Marina Hui

Steve Crabtree

Amena Hasan

The Sky at Night: Photographing the Universe

Photographing the Universe

BBC Four - The Sky at Night, Photographing the Universe

The Sky at Night turns its focus to the wonderful world of astrophotography.

The Sky at Night turns its focus to the wonderful world of astrophotography, including a look at the new technology being built for the Very Large Telescope.

For centuries, humans have been drawing what they see in the night sky through telescopes. But there is something about a photograph that can make you feel you are right there, up close to the moon, planet, star or galaxy you are looking at. Having the light from those distance objects, fixed in an image, has meant scientists can analyse and understand the beautiful universe around us. So, this month, the Sky at Night is looking at the wonderful world of astrophotography.

Dr Jen Gupta visits Chris to talk about her favourite pictures, many of which have changed our very understanding of the cosmos. Some leave us with questions still unanswered, even 60 years on.

Maggie is in Scotland looking at the latest in new technology being built for the Very Large Telescope. Once installed, it will give scientists the ability to understand and study the formation of galaxies throughout the entire history of the universe.

Meanwhile, the Sky at Night’s very own astrophotographer, Pete Lawrence, takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of his highlights over the years. 

Plus, a look at how the camera on your phone can be a great place to start if you are new to taking astrophotographs and want to give it a go.

With favourite pictures, competition-winning images and a guide to all there is to see and do in the coming month, there is lots to discover.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Sky at Night

Photographing the Universe

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Four HD

About BBC Four