The Modern Scholar

Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky

By: Professor James Kaler

Narrated by: James Kaler

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Have you ever gone outside at night to admire the stars? And wonder what they all are, and what stories they have to tell? Have you ever thought you'd like to know and understand the constellations or know the names of the stars? Here you can learn to find your way across the celestial landscape and begin to understand these patterns of the ages. Learn why the Big Dipper, not a true "constellation," might be seen all night, or why the Southern Cross is invisible from New York. Find out the meanings of the celestial figures, where they came from, and why we still use them today thousands of years after the first ones were invented.

This course guides listeners through the sights of the naked- eye sky, wherein we directly witness the effects of the turning and revolving of the Earth, the artistry painted by the human mind using the sky and stars, and how the view changes with time and with our place on the planet.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2007 James Kaler (P)2007 Recorded Books

Excellent

Very informative. I have listened through once and now listening again while taking notes. This is an excellent source for learning about stars, constellations, and much more. I recommend this to any person interested in Astronomy.

I'm biased because I love Kaler.

I love James Kaler's work because he explains everything to you like you're six, but also in college.

This book is about constellations. That's really it. If you want to know more about stars or general astronomy, this book may feel like a long chapter on constellations. However, if you're a beginning astronomy buff and you really like constellations and want to know everything about them, this book is great.

A word on the narration: I liked it, but it was somewhat slow so I listened to it at 1.15 speed and it was fine. Kaler is easy to listen to, but he's not an over-actor. It's a laid back style, he's obviously interested in the subject material, and I enjoyed his voice all the way through the end. Honestly I am biased - I've read a lot of his books but I'd never heard his voice so I was already on 'his side' when I started listening.

If this book wasn't for you: Try his '100 Greatest Stars' book. That's still my fave.

Everything you need to know about the night sky

This book is the perfect balance between science and star gazing. In a very practical way Professor Kaler teaches the basic science of astronomy and observation of the sky, as opposed to advanced astrophysics.

Not as Good as Professors Kaler's Other Lectures

I listened to Professor Kaler's other two excellent lectures which, were more science based than this one (which by its nature is more historical and visual). While I finished the lectures I did run through quickly some of his survey of the sky as it was difficult to follow and a little boring---this type of description is difficult to make interesting without visuals. While the lecture was OK, not nearly as good as the previous two, both of which I highly recommend.

Great series

What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar the most enjoyable?

Easy to understand the very complicated due to the ability of the speaker to break it down to everyday examples.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes