The Modern Scholar Audiobook By Professor James Kaler cover art

The Modern Scholar

Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky

 Preview

Try for $0.00
Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

The Modern Scholar

By: Professor James Kaler
Narrated by: James Kaler
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $17.19

Buy for $17.19

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

 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 Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Science
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about The Modern Scholar

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    45
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    15
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    35
  • 4 Stars
    15
  • 3 Stars
    6
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    38
  • 4 Stars
    5
  • 3 Stars
    15
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Cindy

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.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Lindsay

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.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Wiley Byers

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.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Patrick

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.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for ROBERT H ESTETTER

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

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!