30 April 2013

SkyWeek video - an excellent online astronomy resource

There are many astronomy resources on the web that help you to better understand the night sky. One of the finest is the 5 minute video from Sky & Telescope Magazine entitled SkyWeek. Hosted by associate editor Tony Flanders, I find these weekly videos to be quite illuminating, combining the highlights of the night sky with science and understanding of the things you are seeing. Tony delivers all of this with a great sense of wonder and enthusiasm, without talking down to the audience. I always feel like I am being taught something new and interesting, combining simple observations with deeper astrophysics.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Tony and his family while on an eclipse expedition several years ago, and I really liked how he could balance the far ends of the spectrum of observational astronomy and astrophysics. He has been creating SkyWeek episodes for about one and a half years, and I hope he continues for a long time into the future. The show is carried on many PBS affiliates, adding considerable depth to the quality educational lineup available on public television.

Click here to view.

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