About Stargazing LIVE

Stargazing banner Copyrighted imageCredit: BBC Stargazing LIVE returns!

Stargazing LIVE is returning for a third three-night series! Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain will broadcast from the control room of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, interacting live with the audience and calling on a starry collection of the country’s finest astronomical minds to explore the majestic wonders of the cosmos.

As well as asking some of the big questions, there will be hints and tips for getting started in stargazing and advice on navigating your way around the skies.

See the links below for a selection of astronomy animations, interactives and free related learning materials then check out the tabs above for Flickr updates (these photos are by individual Flickr users; the BBC and The Open University are not responsible for their content). If all this piques your interest, find out more about The Open University's popular physics and astronomy courses.

Get closer to the stars with The Open University

If you enjoy the Stargazing Live experience, you might like The Open University's course, Learn about galaxies, stars and planets.

Stargazing LIVE on Flickr

Stargazing banner Copyrighted imageCredit: BBC Stargazing LIVE returns!
These Flickr photos are by individual users; The Open University is not responsible for their content

Order your free Star Guide Featuring: Activity

Learn more about the fascinating objects in the night sky with your free Star Guide   Launch now: Order your free Star Guide

60 Second Adventures in Astronomy Featuring: Video

Days that last two years, space microbes bringing life and a moon which always shows its best side. Join us for a series of quick...  Watch now: 60 Second Adventures in Astronomy

Wonders of astronomy Copyrighted imageCredit: ESA - C.Carreau

Learn more about the subjects explored in our 60 Second Adventures in Astronomy animations with these academic articles   Read more : Wonders of astronomy

History of the Universe timeline Featuring: Activity Copyrighted imageCredit: Open University / BBC

Download a free .pdf of a timeline depicting the history of the universe  Launch now: History of the Universe timeline

Episode guide

OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 1 Copyrighted imageCredit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Find our more about the first episode of Stargazing LIVE  Read more : OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 1

OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 2 Copyrighted imageCredit: Open University / BBC

Dara and Brian's journey through the night sky continues with a look into the distant past  Read more : OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 2

OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 3 Copyrighted imageCredit: Used with permission

On the final night of their astronomical adventure, Brian and Dara discuss meteors, comets and asteroids  Read more : OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE - Episode 3

Stargazing interactives

Virtual planisphere Featuring: Activity Copyrighted imageCredit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Use our virtual planisphere to track the night skies throughout the year - and to get a close-up view of stars and planets.  Launch now: Virtual planisphere

Virtual Microscope Featuring: Activity

Examine moon rocks and meteorites up close with our Virtual Microscope  Launch now: Virtual Microscope

You are here Featuring: Activity Copyrighted imageCredit: Used with permission

Get to know the neighbourhood, with our interactive guide to our position in space – find out more about the Milky Way, the 30 or...  Launch now: You are here

Explore the Solar System Featuring: Activity Copyrighted imageCredit: photos.com

Explore the planets in our Solar System with our interactive guide.  Launch now: Explore the Solar System

Universe timeline Featuring: Activity Copyrighted imageCredit: NASA

From the Big Bang to the possible end, explore the story of our universe  Launch now: Universe timeline

Free learning materials

Comparing stars Copyrighted imageCredit: Thinkstock

Try this unit to help build your understanding of the nature of stars.  Read more : Comparing stars