Ancient Skies

Ancient Skies is a captivating three-part series that debuted on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 2019. The series illuminates the expansive mysteries of the cosmos, seeking to bridge the gap between ancient understandings of the skies and present-day scientific discoveries in astronomy. This show aims to connect the dots between modern technology, ancient astronomy, and the deep roots of our earliest civilizations that observed the night sky for guidance, spiritual wisdom, and survival.

Part history, part science, and part anthropology, each episode of Ancient Skies takes viewers on a journey through time and space, offering a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of mankind's relationship with the sky. Throughout its run, the series sheds new light on how our ancestors understood the cosmos and the ways in which their interpretations have guided, influenced, and informed modern astronomical techniques and knowledge.

The series begins with our ancient ancestors who turned their gaze to the heavens in wonder and awe. The first episode, "Gods and Monsters," explores how celestial bodies were once thought of as deities, divine beings to be worshipped or feared. It tells stories of ancient astronauts, gods, and monsters with comments and analysis from astronomers, historians, anthropologists, and other experts, providing viewers with an understanding of how early sky-watchers interpreted what they saw above them.

The second episode, titled "Finding the Center," delves into the Middle Ages, a time when people began to wrestle with the idea of Earth not being the center of the universe. This episode shows how visionary scientists like Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei clashed with the religious ideologies of the day. This episode discusses the fundamental shift in thinking that the Earth orbits the Sun, not the other way around – a concept that, at the time, was considered so radical and dangerous.

"Inventing the Future," the final episode, brings the series into the present day and gives a nod to the future. It charts the progression of technology, from the earliest tools humans used to chart the stars to cutting-edge space telescopes and probes. This episode offers an insight into the role of technology in unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos, showcasing humanity's ongoing fascination and our relentless pursuit to understand our place in the universe.

Ancient Skies does not exist in a vacuum; it references other renowned documentaries like Cosmos (1980) and The Ascent of Man (1973), blending their elements of visual storytelling with PBS' signature educative approach. The series also employs cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI), which brings astronomic events, constellations, and ancient structures to life, casting a visually spectacular lens on the complex workings of the universe.

While much of the series is rooted in the historical and astronomical intricacies of the past, Ancient Skies is far from being purely academic or esoteric. The series stays rooted in human stories, focusing on the individuals behind the grand theories and groundbreaking inventions. By chronicling the works and struggles of early astronomers, the series humanizes science, making it more relatable to the viewer.

Despite the complexity of the subject matter, Ancient Skies maintains a pace and presentation that are accessible to viewers without a background in science or astronomy. The series is replete with enthralling visuals, compelling narration, and insightful expert commentary. Combined with the historical and cultural context, these elements help create a bridge between the ancient and the modern, making the profound mysteries of astronomy accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

Ancient Skies serves as a reminder of how our understanding of the universe has expanded exponentially through the centuries, yet how much remains unknown. It rekindles respect for our ancestors who began our quest to reach for the stars and lays down a challenge for future generations to continue the journey.

Helping its audience appreciate the beauty and wonder of space, Ancient Skies invites you to look up and join the ongoing story of discovery, carrying the torch our ancestors lit thousands of years ago. This captivating show encourages us not only to contemplate the stars but also to consider our place among them.