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Season 1

  • SPECIAL 0x5 Moon Landing Special

    • July 15, 2019
    • BBC Two

    To celebrate the Apollo moon landing's 50th anniversary, Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain travel to where the historic Apollo 11 mission began – Cape Canaveral in Florida. They hear first hand from astronaut general Charlie Duke what it was like to guide Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the Moon in the Lunar Lander and how he followed in their footsteps three years later. They also look at the most exciting new developments and, with privileged access, they broadcast from the top of launch tower that is being prepared for crewed missions and from the assembly line of a spacecraft factory. They are joined by astrophysicist and medic Dr Kevin Fong and mathematician Dr Hannah Fry, who explore the latest developments in human space flight - from cutting-edge spacewalk technology to a future Mars buggy.

  • S01E01 Episode 1

    • January 3, 2011
    • BBC Two

    Join Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain to wonder at the night sky, with extraordinary images beamed in from telescopes across the globe. Learn how to observe and take pictures over three busy days in the celestial calendar, with a meteor shower, a partial eclipse of the sun and the biggest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, burning bright. Wannabe stargazer Jonathan Ross gets a crash course in planet spotting in his own back garden; while in Hawaii, Liz Bonnin reports from the edge of a volcano to help explain how the Earth was formed.

  • S01E02 Episode 2

    • January 4, 2011
    • BBC Two

    In the second of three live programmes, Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain look at images of the partial eclipse of the sun and investigate how stars are born. Liz Bonnin shows us the sun in a different light - live from Hawaii; while novice star spotter Jonathan Ross discovers the key to observing constellations. Plus astronomer Mark Thompson demonstrates how to find our nearest galaxy, Andromeda.

  • S01E03 Episode 3

    • January 5, 2011
    • BBC Two

    Jonathan Ross joins Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain at Jodrell Bank, home of one of Britain's biggest telescopes, for an hour of live stargazing. The search for extraterrestrial life is the subject of Liz Bonnin's report atop one of the world's highest observatories in Hawaii, Brian chats to the crew of the International Space Station as they orbit the earth at 17,500 miles an hour, and Dara experiences what it is like to be in space.

Season 2

  • S02E01 Episode 1

    • January 16, 2012
    • BBC Two

    Dara O Briain and Professor Brian Cox return to celebrate the wonder of our amazing night sky. Live from Jodrell Bank observatory, the team kick off with a look at the mysteries of the moon and meet Captain Eugene Cernan, the last man ever to walk on its surface. Liz Bonnin reports direct from South Africa on the differences between the constellations of the northern and southern hemispheres whilst Mark Thompson offers help on buying all the kit you need to get started in astronomy.

  • S02E02 Episode 2

    • January 17, 2012
    • BBC Two

    Dara and Brian's journey through the night sky continues with a look at black holes, the most mysterious and destructive objects in the known universe. Liz Bonnin finds out how our galaxy, the Milky Way, was formed and Mark Thompson investigates the problems that are caused by light pollution.

  • S02E03 Episode 3

    • January 18, 2012
    • BBC Two

    On the final night of their astronomical adventure, Prof Brian Cox and Dara O Briain discuss aliens, extra terrestrial life and the hunt for new worlds far outside our solar system. They also find out if they've been successful in their quest to find their own Stargazing planet. Meanwhile, Mark Thompson attempts to tackle light pollution by getting the entire population of a small town to switch off all of their lights.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Episode 1

    • January 8, 2013
    • BBC Two

    Dara O Briain and Professor Brian Cox celebrate our amazing night sky. They kick things off with the search for evidence of life on Mars and ask viewers for help to explore an uncharted area of the red planet's surface. Liz Bonnin reports live from NASA mission control to find out the latest findings of the Curiosity Rover, whilst Mark Thompson offers tips on how to observe the moons of Jupiter.

  • S03E02 Episode 2

    • January 9, 2013
    • BBC Two

    Dara and Brian's journey through the night sky continues with a look into the distant past, explaining how it is possible to chart the history of the universe by looking million of light years out into the depths of space. Meanwhile, Mark Thompson reveals what can be learned from the colours of the stars. At NASA, Liz Bonnin meets the team building the largest space telescope in the world, an instrument that's 100 times more powerful than the Hubble.

  • S03E03 Episode 3

    • January 10, 2013
    • BBC Two

    On the final night of their astronomical adventure, Brian and Dara discuss meteors, comets and asteroids and reveal how studying them reveals information about the origins of life on Earth. Meanwhile, Liz Bonnin meets the NASA team tasked with tracking any space objects on a collision course with Earth. The results of the experiment carried out by the Stargazing viewers - to explore an uncharted area on the surface of Mars - are also revealed.

Season 4

  • S04E01 Episode 1

    • January 7, 2014
    • BBC Two

    In the most ambitious series to date, Brian Cox and Dara O Briain are back at Jodrell Bank Observatory, in the first of three live shows with the latest news and the best views of the night sky. This time the team have taken on an astonishing challenge - to capture one of the top highlights of the solar system - the mysterious and elusive northern lights. But will the lights reveal themselves? Liz Bonnin reports live from within the Arctic Circle, joining aurora researchers in northern Norway, who will help her unravel the secrets of this eerie spectacle. Brian and Dara have the very latest weather reports from around the solar system. They welcome celebrated NASA scientist Dr Carolyn Porco, who shares some of the most jaw-dropping pictures of the solar system ever beamed back to Earth: Saturn's gigantic storms and baffling hexagonal clouds taken by the Cassini probe. Dara witnesses the launch of a new NASA mission to Mars, while resident stargazer Mark Thompson chases clear skies to show the best of what there is to see above the UK. And if the January weather is not for you, you can help the team search for undiscovered galaxies from the comfort of your own living room.

  • S04E02 Episode 2

    • January 8, 2014
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain host the second night of their three-day stargazing extravaganza from Jodrell Bank Observatory, where they are joined by two generations of astronauts. Walt Cunningham was one of the first ever crew to fly an Apollo spacecraft into orbit, while Commander Chris Hadfield recently returned from months aboard the International Space Station. Liz Bonnin attempts a world-first, reporting live from a plane 28,000 feet above the Arctic Circle, as she steps up her mission to capture the Northern Lights. Dara finds out how it feels to be truly weightless on the infamous 'vomit comet' aeroplane. Brian describes how scientists are tackling the problem of interstellar travel, and the team reveal never-before-seen images from around the solar system. Meanwhile, resident astronomer Mark Thompson navigates using the stars, and takes an unprecedented look at the 400-year-old giant storm on Jupiter, as it moves into view live during the programme.

  • S04E03 Episode 3

    • January 9, 2014
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain raise the stakes in the final night of their astronomy extravaganza, and reveal the results of their viewers' challenge to find undiscovered galaxies at the edge of space. Reporting live from above the clouds in Norway, Liz Bonnin has one last chance to capture the spectacular Northern Lights, using super-sensitive cameras. Brian reveals why no-one really knows what our own galaxy, the Milky Way, really looks like, and how the remarkable Gaia space probe is set to change all that by mapping a billion of our neighbouring stars. With his sights set on a weekend break to a distant planet, Dara prepares to suffer as he straps himself into a human centrifuge to find out whether humans can accelerate to light speed. Meanwhile, resident astronomer Mark Thompson joins thousands of amateur astronomers at one of the spectacular stargazing parties taking place across the country, and looks ahead at the treats the night sky has in store over the year.

Season 5

  • S05E01 Episode 1

    • March 18, 2015
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain are back at Jodrell Bank Observatory, building up to one of biggest astronomical events of the decade - a solar eclipse. They are joined by legendary Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who tells them why he believes we must look beyond the moon for mankind's next giant leap. At NASA Brian makes his own attempt to land a lunar module, while Dara finds out what happened to the moon rocks brought back from the lunar surface. Liz Bonnin prepares to take to the skies for the perfect view of the eclipse - from above the clouds. New resident Stargazer, Dr Lucie Green, reveals how to get the most from moongazing. From behind the scenes at Europe's spacecraft test centre, Dallas Campbell gets to grips with the robots which could revolutionise space exploration. Viewers are asked to help search for exploding stars to help refine the known age of the universe.

  • S05E02 Episode 2

    • March 19, 2015
    • BBC Two

    The countdown to the solar eclipse continues. Brian Cox and Dara O Briain are joined at Jodrell Bank Observatory by legendary Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, along with Dr Matt Taylor, who updates them on the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission after last year's groundbreaking touchdown on comet 67P. Liz Bonnin reports live from the Faroe Islands as she steps up her mission to take to the skies and beam back the most spectacular images of Friday's solar eclipse. The team reveals how to view the eclipse safely and Brian ponders how the movements of our solar system mean we can predict the next eclipse to the second. Dara investigates whether asteroid mining might be the next booming market and Dr Lucie Green has news of the very rare appearance of five planets during the daytime.

  • SPECIAL 0x1 Eclipse Live

    • March 20, 2015
    • BBC Two

    Dara O Briain and Professor Brian Cox are joined by a team of reporters and experts as they host live coverage of the biggest astronomical event to be seen in Britain's skies this decade. To bring you the best possible views, Liz Bonnin beams live pictures of the eclipse from a specially equipped plane high above the clouds. On the Faroe Islands, Watchdog's Chris Hollins is amongst thousands of people who have travelled from around the world to witness the jaw-dropping spectacle of a total eclipse. Stargazing's own solar scientist, Dr Lucie Green, joins Newsround's Leah Boleto and hundreds of children carrying out a nationwide experiment to see how the weather changes during the eclipse. And BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood tells us where in the country you are likely to get the best views.

  • S05E03 Episode 3

    • March 20, 2015
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain host their final night of stargazing from Jodrell Bank Observatory where, following the day's extraordinary events, they have exclusive images from the solar eclipse. Brian also reveals the latest discoveries and solar secrets of our nearest star, whilst Liz Bonnin discovers how a new generation of missions to the sun will fly closer than ever before. Live from the heart of the European Space Agency's spacecraft test centre in the Netherlands, Dallas Campbell discovers how they recreate the harsh conditions of space here on earth and resident stargazer Lucie Green takes a closer look at the North Star. Plus the team reveal the results of this year's stargazing challenge - to hunt for supernovae, exploding stars which could help revise the known age of the universe.

Season 6

  • SPECIAL 0x2 Blast Off Live

    • December 15, 2015
    • BBC Two

    Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain present live coverage celebrating British astronaut Tim Peake's space mission as he blasts off to become the first Briton to serve on the International Space Station. They are joined at the Science Museum in London by astronauts including Chris Hadfield, the former commander of the ISS, alongside thousands of people who are there to cheer Tim on. Meanwhile, in sub-zero temperatures in Kazakhstan, Dallas Campbell reports live from the Soyuz rocket launch site.

  • SPECIAL 0x3 Brit in Space

    • December 15, 2015
    • BBC Two

    Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain present live coverage of British astronaut Tim Peake's arrival at the International Space Station. At the Science Museum in London they are joined by astronauts including former ISS commander Chris Hadfield and Helen Sharman, who can give them the low down on the journey through space, life aboard and what Tim will face from his very first night on the ISS. Plus Dallas Campbell reports live from Kazakhstan with Tim Peake's first phone call home from space.

  • S06E01 Episode 1

    • January 12, 2016
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain return for another celebration of space and astronomy. This series they talk to British astronaut Tim Peake as he orbits 250 miles above the Earth. Tim reveals how he is settling into life on the International Space Station just one month after his launch into space. Brian and Dara also attempt to make a garden shed fly, as they explore what keeps the ISS in space. Roving reporter Liz Bonnin reports live from the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, where she finds out whether comedian John Bishop has the 'right stuff'. A lifelong astronomy fan, John will be following astronaut Tim Peake's training programme over three nights, starting with a live, simulated space-walk - underwater. Brian and Dara are joined in the studio by NASA scientist Carly Howett to enjoy some spectacular new views from the surface of Pluto, as well as exploring some of the biggest planets and stars in the universe. They will also be asking for your help to find new pulsars - spinning stars that are heavier than the Sun, yet smaller than Manchester. Meanwhile, Professor Lucie Green will be on hand to guide you around the night sky and to show you how to photograph the International Space Station.

  • SPECIAL 0x4 Back to Earth

    • January 12, 2016
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain are joined by a panel of stellar guests to delve deeper into the universe after a night of Stargazing Live. NASA's Carly Howett discusses 2015's New Horizons mission to Pluto, sharing some of the astonishing discoveries made possible by the images and data still being sent back from the probe. Also in the studio, Professor Chris Lintott explores the strange world of pulsars - spinning stars that are heavier than the Sun, yet smaller than Manchester - and explains how Stargazing viewers can make their own contribution to astronomy by discovering new ones over the next three nights. The panel will be answering viewers' questions, as well as enjoying their photographs of the night sky, including the International Space Station.

  • S06E02 Episode 2

    • January 13, 2016
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain return for their second night celebrating space and astronomy, with more updates from British astronaut Tim Peake as he tackles his six-month scientific mission, 250 miles above the Earth. Brian and Dara also explore the amazing engineering behind the International Space Station, demonstrating the catastrophic impact that ordinary atmospheric pressure can have on a space ship. Roving reporter Liz Bonnin reports live from the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, where she is testing whether comedian John Bishop has the 'right stuff'. A lifelong astronomy fan, John will be following astronaut Tim Peake's training programme over three nights - tonight, what happens if there is an emergency on the Space Station. Brian and Dara are joined in the studio by European Space Agency director general Jan Woerner to explore Europe's ambitions for colonising the Moon, and they reveal which parts of the UK most resemble other planets in the Solar System. They have updates from the Hubble Space Telescope on its 25th anniversary, and also from the Rosetta mission, which landed on a distant comet in 2014. Meanwhile, Professor Lucie Green is on hand to guide you around the night sky.

  • S06E03 Episode 3

    • January 14, 2016
    • BBC Two

    Brian Cox and Dara O Briain return for their third night celebrating space and astronomy, with more updates from British astronaut Tim Peake. This time they explore what keeps Tim and his International Space Station crew-mates safe in the hazardous environment of space. Brian and Dara also welcome a very special guest to take the gravity challenge - and find out what it would feel like to walk on Mars and the Moon. Roving reporter Liz Bonnin once more reports live from the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, where she tests whether comedian John Bishop has the 'right stuff'. A lifelong astronomy fan, John will be strapped into a giant centrifuge machine to experience how future astronauts will simulate gravity during missions into deep space. Brian and Dara are joined in the studio by Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell, to hear how she discovered the first pulsar star - giving astronomers all over the world one of their most precious tools for studying the universe. They also find out whether Stargazing viewers have discovered any new pulsars in their three-night search, training Jodrell's famous telescope onto them to reveal exactly what has been discovered, and how much that means to astronomers.

  • S06E04 Episode 4 - The Spacewalk

    • January 15, 2016
    • BBC Two

    As British astronaut Tim Peake exits the safety of the International Space Station for his very first spacewalk, Brian Cox and Dara O Briain watch him every step of the way in this Stargazing Special. They are joined by someone with a unique insider's view and who has done this himself, astronaut and former Space Station commander Chris Hadfield. Find out about the perils that Tim is facing and what is really going on as he carries out time-critical emergency repairs in the dangerous vacuum of space.

Season 7

  • S07E01 Australia: Episode 1

    • March 28, 2017
    • BBC Two

    Stargazing Live is back for its seventh year - this time promising to blow your mind with a totally new view of the night sky - live, from the bottom of the world! Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain have packed their sunscreen and headed to Australia to gaze up at a sky that will be completely unfamiliar to viewers in the UK - packed full of the most astonishing features from constellations like the Southern Cross, famously featured on Australia's flag, to jewel-like clusters of stars and perfectly positioned planets. But capping it all is the most remarkable view of the Milky Way, arching overhead like a river of stars. Join them live as they finish a long night under the stars, and as dawn approaches in Australia. Brian and Dara are joined by Liz Bonnin and Aussie outback-astronomer Greg Quicke as their guide to the southern sky. Surrounded by kangaroos, snakes and spiders, the team reveal the wonderful star-tales told by indigenous people, embark on a mission to catch a shooting star and celebrate Australia's role in rescuing the stricken Apollo 13 moon mission. Plus, we ask viewers' help in a challenge to find the missing ninth planet in the solar system.

  • S07E02 Australia: Episode 2

    • March 29, 2017
    • BBC Two

    Stargazing Live is back for a second night of spectacular night-sky views from Australia. Join Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain live as they complete another long night under the stars down under, and watch the glorious stars of the southern sky gradually twinkle away to reveal the coming dawn. Tonight, unprecedented views of Saturn are the big prize. Aussie astronomer Greg Quicke reveals more ancient tales from the indigenous astronomers of Australia, explaining why the moon looks upside down in Australia and showing us the remarkable link between the moon and the Great Barrier Reef. We hear more about life on top of this remote mountain amongst the kangaroos and spiders of the Aussie outback - none of which stops the astronomers here making some amazing discoveries, including the oldest known star in the universe.

  • S07E03 Australia: Episode 3

    • March 30, 2017
    • BBC Two

    Join Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain live from Australia, as they complete their three-night mission to bring you the most glorious sights of the southern night sky. From their remote mountain top beside the vast Warrumbungle National Park, Brian and Dara share another night of beautiful views, wandering kangaroos and spectacular landscapes. In the company of Liz Bonnin and with Aussie outback-astronomer Greg Quicke as their guide to the southern sky, they reveal how the apparently monochrome sky at night is in fact a riot of glorious colour. Brian and Dara also reveal how Australia, which faces directly into the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, is in the front line when it comes to protecting our planet - whether it be from the threat of a giant asteroid impact or from contact with alien life. And we hear how the Aussie outback contains secrets that Nasa hope will lead them to alien life on Mars. And will viewers have managed to find the elusive missing ninth planet in our solar system?