General / Off-Topic Help me...

  • Thread starter Deleted member 115407
  • Start date

Deleted member 115407

D
I am looking for good astronomy documentaries to watch on youtube.

On one end of the spectrum, it's some uber nerdy theoretical physics nonsense that requires you to not change your underwear every day to understand.

On the other end of the spectrum is the History Channel "Idiot's Guide to Astronomy" series with the standard cast of JPL/Nasa folks who all tell you that the sun is really hot.

Can anyone recommend some good, in-between videos? Something with compelling, intelligent content without all of the good will hunting nonsense or the 8th grade physical sciences drivel?

Thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Deleted member 115407

D
Ah, this is much better. I'm watching a nice video about Energy and Entropy by the BBC.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
 

Chris Simon

Chris Simon
I can recommend listening to Sean Caroll's lectures.
He's primarily a cosmologist and he can explain the weirdest parts of physics, evolution of the universe, arrow of time and quantum theory with surprising ease.
 

the100thmonkey

the100thmonkey
Blue Planet.

It's not about space, but it's a truly wonderful documentary.

The Planets.

Old but good.

The Secret Life of Waves

Actually, any of The Secret Life of * documentaries are really good.

The Story of Science

Space Race

A four-part documentary about the competition between the US and the Soviets to put a man on the moon. Really good.

I'll post some more when I get home - I have a pretty large documentary library on my NAS and can't remember all the good ones.
 

Jezzah

Jezzah
Brian Cox wonders of the universe is brilliant as is his solar system sister documentary.

The episode about about Entropy made me think for days afterward. Such a simple thing but boy the thing hits hard. I loved how he put some historical colour into how entropy was initially "discovered".

The guy just knows how to put an idea across really well. I firmly believe he'll be the new Attenborough when that venerable man eventually leaves us.
 

Manticore

Manticore
Sir.Tj said:
See if there any BBC Horizon programs on there, they've done a few over the years. and Brian Cox has done some.
Click to expand...

The BBC just got in touch with me and there was something said about it being your fault.....

..... also you are entirely right.....

.... also Brian Cox rocks severely; totally recommended.
 

BirdWisdom

BirdWisdom
vindelanos said:
I am looking for good astronomy documentaries to watch on youtube.

On one end of the spectrum, it's some uber nerdy theoretical physics nonsense that requires you to not change your underwear every day to understand.

On the other end of the spectrum is the History Channel "Idiot's Guide to Astronomy" series with the standard cast of JPL/Nasa folks who all tell you that the sun is really hot.

Can anyone recommend some good, in-between videos? Something with compelling, intelligent content without all of the good will hunting nonsense or the 8th grade physical sciences drivel?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
just follow Netflix we all is Star Dust ;)
 

Para Handy

Para Handy
vindelanos said:
....... Something with compelling, intelligent content without all of the good will hunting nonsense or the 8th grade physical sciences drivel?

...........
Click to expand...

Not yootoob or similar but there are free online courses (MOOC - Massive Open Online Courses) out there. I can recommend the FutureLearn on on Moons:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/moons

"This online course will allow you to explore the rich diversity of moons in our Solar System. With experts from The Open University, you’ll explore the fundamental processes that have shaped them, and the relationship between our Moon and the Earth."

The next start-date is 12 Feb.

As a free course, good content and able to proceed at your own pace, this one is OK. I did it when it first came out and found it interesting.


There is a more general Astronomy one available now (currently running) "In the Night Sky: Orion": https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/orion

"Explore the night sky and improve your knowledge of astronomy, all through the constellation of Orion."

You might enjoy this one too, it starts off really basic, still it is free so you can have a look and make up your own mind (I would have liked more depth).

Both these courses are "Unlimited Access" so you can dip in and out over time, you don't need to do them in the weeks that the course is "running".


There are loads of courses in many different fields, here are some of the science-based courses:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses?filter_availability=open&filter_category=14&utf8=✓

I found the Higgs Boson one the most interesting of all the ones I have done (I am retired and use them to keep the grey matter firing) but then it was from my Alma mater, the University of Edinburgh, so I might be a bit biased. ;)
 
Last edited:

the100thmonkey

the100thmonkey
Jezzah said:
Brian Cox wonders of the universe is brilliant as is his solar system sister documentary.

The episode about about Entropy made me think for days afterward. Such a simple thing but boy the thing hits hard. I loved how he put some historical colour into how entropy was initially "discovered".

The guy just knows how to put an idea across really well. I firmly believe he'll be the new Attenborough when that venerable man eventually leaves us.
Click to expand...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhn8j7S4uKU
Some naughty language, so no embed.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom