See how our ancestors understood the ‘Ancient Skies’

Discover how centuries of knowledge, experimentation and engineering helped our ancestors understand the mysteries of space in this three-part series airing Wednesdays at 7 p.m., beginning July 24. Expert contributors decode astronomical myths and uncover the science behind their origins.

MORE: See the rest of our Summer of Space programming.

July 24: Gods and Monsters

Explore the origins of our relationship with the skies. Our ancestors use the sky to navigate and tell time, and give religious significance to what they see in it. Then, a revolution gives birth to modern science. Watch online.

July 31: Finding the Center

Follow the efforts to give the Earth a shape and a place. From flat Earth legends to Galileo’s telescope, track major changes in scientific understanding. Ideas rise and fall as we continue to explore our ancient skies. Watch online.

August 7: Our Place in the Universe

Complete the puzzle of our ancient skies. A cast of scientific pioneers reshapes the solar system and better understands a growing universe. But there is still much more space to explore. Watch online.