I'm not sure why I didn't mention this series when it first started, but the Histoy Channel (one of about 3 I'll even stop on when really bored) is having a series on the Universe.
I don't have cable here at home so I can't speak to the quality of this particular program, but judging from the other programs the History Chanel has done that I have seen, I expect it's pretty good quality.
So if you happen to have some time free and an episode is on, why not take a watch?
For pure excellence in astronomy documentaries, does anything really top the original Carl Sagan "Cosmos?"
ReplyDeleteI know much of the information is now out of date but it really set a level that no one else has really been able to reach. Well, Errol Morris came close but it wasn't quite the same thing.
i found it very commercial and they take relitivly simple ideas and dumb them down for mass audiences, but, at least they werent talking about aliens crashing in new mexico.
ReplyDeleteand i have to agree with Thomas, the bench is pretty high
I tried to watch a few episodes but they were a bit too glib for my tastes... for example, mentioning that Mars has "no atmosphere" is technically false, although it is virtually true in comparison to Earth's. However, it is far better than most of the other crap on TV, and anything that popularizes science is a good thing in my book.
ReplyDeleteDoes the show repeat the same simple information over and over? I watched a couple History Channel shows that did that--the one on the hurricane that devastated Galveston was the worst about redundancy.
ReplyDeleteHi Angry Astronomer, I just discovered your excellent blog. I find the History Channel series to be pretty decent. They did an episode the other night on galaxies that was pretty cool. Of course it is fairly dumbed down, and it also tends to sensationalize things. Every episode it seems they have to discuss how the object in question could play a role in the future destruction of earth. I guess some people read about astronomy simply to indulge their fascination with end of the world scenarios. But on the whole, as a non-scientist with a long time interest in astronomy, I appreciate the History Channel's effort and hope that the series stimulates more interest in astronomy and cosmology. I think next week's episode is about the life and death of stars.
ReplyDeleteHi Angry Astronomer, I just discovered your excellent blog. I find the History Channel series to be pretty decent. They did an episode the other night on galaxies that was pretty cool. Of course it is fairly dumbed down, and it also tends to sensationalize things. Every episode it seems they have to discuss how the object in question could play a role in the future destruction of earth. I guess some people read about astronomy simply to indulge their fascination with end of the world scenarios. But on the whole, as a non-scientist with a long time interest in astronomy, I appreciate the History Channel's effort and hope that the series stimulates more interest in astronomy and cosmology. I think next week's episode is about the life and death of stars.
ReplyDeleteI tried to watch a few episodes but they were a bit too glib for my tastes... for example, mentioning that Mars has "no atmosphere" is technically false, although it is virtually true in comparison to Earth's. However, it is far better than most of the other crap on TV, and anything that popularizes science is a good thing in my book.
ReplyDelete