Skywatching: Seeing and Understanding Cosmic Wonders

Overview — Course No. 1852

Join Professor Alex Filippenko on a breathtaking journey through the cosmos, exploring the science behind the wonders of our sky. Skywatching offers a visually stunning tour of atmospheric and astronomical phenomena, from the blue sky and clouds to the planets and the zodiac. Each lecture is packed with stunning images and detailed animations to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the sky’s marvels.

Video Lessons

01: Day and Night Skies across All Distances

Embark on a panoramic tour of the sky, understanding the broad range of phenomena visible both day and night.

Duration: 49 min

02: The Blue Sky, Clouds, and Lightning

Uncover the science behind the sky’s blue hue, cloud types, and the myths and realities of lightning strikes.

Duration: 46 min

03: The Rainbow Family—Sunlight and Water

Explore the colorful phenomena created by sunlight and water, including rainbows and other optical marvels.

Duration: 47 min

04: Solar Halos—Sunlight and Ice Crystals

Investigate the beautiful and often misunderstood phenomena of solar halos and other atmospheric optics caused by ice crystals.

Duration: 48 min

05: The Colors of Sunrise and Sunset

Learn about the science behind sunrise and sunset colors, and the related phenomena like the “moon illusion” and alpenglow.

Duration: 47 min

06: Bright Stars, Constellations, and the Zodiac

Spot the brightest stars, understand constellations, and learn about the zodiac’s role in skywatching.

Duration: 47 min

07: Viewing the Planets and Their Motions

Differentiate between planets and stars, learn optimal viewing times for planets, and understand their motions in the sky.

Duration: 48 min

08: The Moon, Phases, and Lunar Eclipses

Explore the moon’s features, phases, and eclipses, and debunk common misconceptions like the “moon illusion.”

Duration: 47 min

09: Satellites, Comets, and Meteors

Learn to observe artificial satellites, comets, and meteors, and understand their impact on Earth and our view of the cosmos.

Duration: 45 min

10: Observing Solar Activity and Earth’s Auroras

Follow the sun’s activity and learn how to safely observe solar features and understand the science behind Earth’s auroras.

Duration: 47 min

11: Solar Eclipses—Marvelous Coincidences

Marvel at the stages of a total solar eclipse and learn where and when to view future eclipses.

Duration: 46 min

12: Celestial Sights When the Night Is Darkest

Discover what you can see under the darkest night skies, from stars and galaxies to clues about the universe’s origins.

Duration: 48 min