The Sky at Night

Patrick Moore discusses with Gilbert Fielder the age-old problem of what caused the craters on the moon, and whether the next Russian lunik may solve the problem.

Patrick Moore discusses with Dr. Francis Jackson bacteriologist of King's College Hospital reports that signs of past life have been found in meteorites They also report on the latest progress of the 'life on Mars' experiments inaugurated last year.

Pluto, on the boundary of the solar system, is the planet most remote from the earth. Patrick Moore discusses this strange small world whose mysteries have puzzled astronomers ever since its discovery in 1930.

The recent United States attempt to put millions of fine copper wires into orbit round the earth for communication purposes has aroused fierce objections from some astronomers. Patrick Moore discusses this controversial subject with Colin Ronan.

Is space empty? Astronomers used to think so, but nowadays it is believed there is matter spread out between the stars so that we look out through a sort of cosmic fog. Patrick Moore talks about what astronomers have learned by studying this matter.

Every year many people watch the midsummer sun rise over the avenue at Stonehenge. Patrick Moore discusses how much the ancient peoples knew of astronomy and how far the old Stone Circles of Britain were aligned astronomically.

From the control point of Frank Hyde's amateur radio astronomy station at St. Osyth in Essex, Patrick Moore discusses with Frank Hyde his work there, especially on the problem of whether the planet Jupiter generates its own radio signals.

With the help of a camera attached to the twenty-four-inch telescope in George Hole's back garden at Patcham, Patrick Moore brings viewers pictures directly from the sky and discusses with Dr. A. F. O'D Alexander, the most beautiful object to be seen there, the planet Saturn.

The first interplanetary rockets could carry with them bacteria from earth which might contaminate other planets. Returning spacemen might bring back new and dangerous bacteria which could endanger our existence here. Patrick Moore, Sir Bernard Lovell, and Dr. Francis Jackson give their views on this vital aspect of space travel.

Algol, now visible in the evening sky, was called 'The Demon Star' in ancient times. Certainly it is a most unusual star; periodically it seems to 'wink'. Patrick Moore discusses Algol, and explains its importance.

The American spacecraft Mariner II should be at its nearest to Venus on about December 14. Patrick Moore discusses with Howard Miles, Director of the Artificial Satellite Section of the British Astronomical Association, what it may reveal about the mysterious cloud-covered planet.

This year is the bicentenary of the death of James Bradley, third Astronomer Royal. Patrick Moore and Colin Ronan discuss his work and observations, remarkable for his time, which first proved the earth was moving through space.