Plot Synopsis

ANCIENT SKIES is a three-part documentary series that explores how centuries of knowledge, experimentation and engineering helped our ancestors explore outer space. From hunter-gatherers to Edwin Hubble, this series reveals the myriad of ways that we have observed and chronicled the movements of the heavens. And a cast of expert historians and astronomers explain the science behind the phenomena that our ancestors sought to explain through mythology. The three installments include:

"Gods and Monsters" (Premieres July 24 at 8pm): 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.

"Finding the Center" (Premieres July 31 at 8pm): 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.

"Our Place in the Universe" (Premieres August 7 at 8pm): 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.