The Sky at Night — 1998

Jan 1998

Patrick Moore describes the family of moons belonging to the planet Saturn.

Feb 1998

Leading astronomical photographer Dr David Malin joins Patrick Moore.

Mar 1998

Patrick Moore describes the total eclipse of the sun that he witnessed in the Caribbean on 26 February.

Apr 1998

Patrick Moore assesses new research about infra-red radiation in space.

May 1998

Amateur astronomers can now undertake important research by using charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with a moderate-sized telescope. Patrick Moore assesses the value of CCDs with British Astronomical Association president Martin Mobberley.

Jun 1998

Patrick Moore and DrJohn Mason discuss the possible existence of extra-solar planets.

Jun 1998

lain Nicolson and Patrick Moore discuss the Sun's activity cycle.

Jul 1998

Dr Russell Cannon, former Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, joins Patrick Moore to discuss the results of the UK Schmidt Telescope in New South Wales.

Aug 1998

A bright starthat flares up where no naked-eye star has been seen before is termed a "nova". But a nova is not really new, merely a formerly faint star which suffers a temporary outburst. Professor Chris Kitchin , of Hertfordshire University, joins Patrick Moore to discuss these strange, unpredictable stars.

Sept 1998

Patrick Moore talks about the chief autumn constellation, Pegasus, the Flying Horse.

Oct 1998

The Leonid meteors of 17 November are rarely predictable, but as Dr John Mason explains to Patrick Moore , there is a chance of a major display this year.

Nov 1998

Patrick Moore is joined by Dr Jasper Wall, the last Director of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Dec 1998

Patrick Moore is joined by Dr Allan Chapman to see how to use the stars to tell the time. and looks forward to events due in 1999, including the total eclipse of the sun next August.