Stargazing Live

Professor Brian Cox and Dara O' Briain will broadcast live from the control room of the Jodrell Bank radio 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 skies above Britain.

As they showcase breathtaking images from the world’s most powerful telescopes, Brian and Dara will be joined by celebrities and scientific experts including space nut Jon Culshaw and guest of honour Captain Eugene Cernan, the last man ever to walk on the surface of the moon.

In an information-packed jaunt across the cosmos, Brian and Dara will look at Moons (episode 1), the Galaxy (episode 2) and the Search For Life (episode 3), teaching us everything we’ve always wanted to know about the solar system, our Milky Way and the deepest recesses of space.

In their own unique style, the pair will tackle some of the most intriguing questions in astronomy, such as Why Does the Moon Cause The Tides?, How Do We Know Where Black Holes Are When They Are impossible To See? and What Will We Actually Say If We Ever Make Contact With An Alien Race?

Closer to home, there will also be hints and tips for getting started in Stargazing and advice on navigating your way around the skies.

The Stargazing Live audience will be asked to help make scientific history, as they’re invited to join an online experiment to discover a brand new planet, far outside the confines of our Solar System.

Stargazing Live will also attempt to tackle the issue of light pollution by turning off all the lights in a small town, live on air. During the final episode, the entire population of Dulverton in Somerset will be asked to come together and simultaneously switch off all of their lights to showcase the wonders of the night sky.

The Stargazing Live team are inviting everyone to get involved in one of the hundreds of astronomy events taking place across the country to coincide with the series. With astronomical societies, telescope demonstrations, interactive activities, AV media, talks, recitals, planetarium investigations and astrophotography, there’s something for everyone.

To find out about events near you visit bbc.co.uk/stargazing.

Stargazing Live is co-produced by the Open University.