The Sky at Night — 2004

Jan 2004

The Universe has its own heavenly sounds, such as pulsars, panetary magnetospheres and solar winds. Patrick Moore explores the ancient link between the cosmos and music, with actor and musician Donald Francke and classical composer Dr Allan Chapman.

Feb 2004

Patrick Moore talks about the latest news from the NASA Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and the European spacecraft Mars Express. He also talks to lead scientists at NASA about plans for the rovers, surprises ahead, and the long term future of Martian exploration.

Mar 2004

Patrick Moore talks to Professor David Southwood about Europe's space missions. Plus, the latest from Mars with Chris Lintott.

Apr 2004

Scientists are searching for the elusive dark matter 1300 meters below ground. Without it, galaxies would fly apart and the Universe would be very different. Yet there is still no definite proof dark matter exists. Patrick Moore visits Europe's deepest mine, and meets the physicists mining at the frontier of astronomy.Also the latest news from Mars and more on the Kuiper Belt object Sedna.

May 2004

From the galactic maternity wards of clouds and dust we call nebulae, stars emerge. Yet little is know about this cosmic 'birth' process. Patrick Moore discusses how stars are created.

Jun 2004

On the morning of the 8 June 2004, the planet Venus passes in front of the Sun, a once in a lifetime event. This rare occurrence has only been observed five times ever, and in the past was used to calculate the astronomical unit.In this special programme, Patrick Moore previews the transit with advice on viewing and photographing the Sun, and explores the planet Venus and future missions.

Jul 2004

After a seven year journey the European and American spacecraft Cassini finally reaches Saturn. In the first of this two part special, Patrick Moore reviews the latest results following Cassini's spectacular flyby of the Saturnian moon Phoebe and the Huygens probe destined for Titan.

Aug 2004

After just a month orbiting Saturn, the spacecraft Cassini has sent back stunning images and amazing results. Patrick Moore unveils the mysterious gas giant.

Sept 2004

Responding to signals from space, new robotic telescopes are able to observe the first flashes of the Universe's most devasting explosions. Chris Lintott visits the world's largest robotic telescope on La Palma. Patrick Moore presents.

Oct 2004

Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott give a monthly guide to the night sky. They look at the constellation of Pegasus and the Andromeda galaxy. There's also review and analysis of astronomical events and news and another chance to find out about extrasolar planets and the project superWASP or wide angle search for extrasolar planets.

Nov 2004

Planetary nebulae are beautiful to look at whether through a back garden telescope or as a Hubble picture. Patrick Moore talks to Professor Nye Evans and Dr Don Pollacco about the death of stars and planetary nebulae.

Dec 2004

In this special, Patrick Moore finds out about how the world's largest telescope in Chile is unlocking the secrets to our Universe. Chris Lintott travels to the Very Large Telescope to see its revolutionary adaptive optics in action and takes time out to explore the Southern Sky.