The Sky at Night — 1966

Jan 1966

Patrick Moore discusses with Frank Hyde whether the radio emissions from Jupiter, which have been puzzling many astronomers, can be related to the movements of Jupiter's moons.

Feb 1966

On Christmas Eve the first meteorite to fall on British soil for many years exploded over the village of Barwell in Leicestershire. Patrick Moore discusses with experts and eye-witnesses its possible origin and nature.

Mar 1966

The recent successful landing of the Russian space probe Luna-9 on the moon has brought nearer the possibility of a manned landing there. Patrick Moore discusses the latest information, and speculates about the future.

Apr 1966

Is Astronomy a good basis for further education? Patrick Moore discusses with Professor A J. E. Ingram and Dr. R. C Maddison the Keele University practice of introducing all first-year students to astronomy, and the use they make of the University Observatory and telescopes.

May 1966

On May 20 there will be a partial eclipse of the sun, visible from Great Britain. Patrick Moore talks about eclipses and explains what will be seen on that day.

Jun 1966

Since Greenwich Observatory was founded in 1675 there have been eleven Astronomers Royal. Sir Richard Woolley, the present one, talks about the sometimes brilliant, sometimes eccentric characters of his predecessors. Introduced by Patrick Moore.

Jul 1966

Patrick Moore discusses with Barbara Middlehurst of the University of Arizona Observatory and lunar observer Peter Sartory a new theory of how the effect of the earth's pull on the crust of the moon may explain the reported volcanic outbursts there.

Aug 1966

Sundials were one of the earliest instruments used to study the earth's movements. Patrick Moore discusses with Henry Brinton, and with Sir Alan Herbert who makes his own, the use of sundials in modern astronomy.

Sept 1966

Patrick Moore talks to Professor P. A. Wayman, Director of Dunsink Observatory about the remote star-systems which have been found to be galaxies of immense size-many of them racing away from us at thousands of miles every second.

Oct 1966

Saturn is the lovely Ringed Planet - but this year the rings are not properly visible. Patrick Moore explains this unusual appearance of Saturn, and why astronomers find it so interesting.

Nov 1966

The Leonid shooting-stars may make a really brilliant display this month. Patrick Moore and N. B. Ridley talk about this interesting meteor shower, and ask for help from viewers in observing the Leonids of 1966.

Dec 1966

1966 is near its end. Millions more years are to come, but the earth will not last for ever. Patrick Moore discusses some of the ways in which our world will eventually come to an end.