Broadcast Outage: We're investigating a broadcast transmission failure affecting the San Luis Valley from Antonito in the south to Salida in the north. We're working to resolve this issue. You can stream our live broadcast online or via the RMPBS+ App.

Stream live and on-demand content now on our new app:
RMPBS+

Help tell more stories in 2026 - make a year-end gift!

Give Now
PBS Space Time show's poster
Science and Nature
PBS Space Time

How Do We Know What Stars Are Made Of?

PBS Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth. Host Matt O'Dowd breaks down both the basic and incredibly complex sides of space and time.

How Do We Know What Stars Are Made Of?

Season 6 Episode 26 | 11m 13s | CC

Pin-pricks in the celestial sphere, through which shines the light of heaven? Or gods and heroes looking down from their constellations? Or lights kindled above middle earth by Varda Elbereth and brightened with the dew of the trees of Valinor? Science has long pondered the mysteries of the stars. This is how we finally figured them out.

PBS Space Time

Watch more episodes

See more
See more

Subscribe to Our Newsletters

Get trusted Colorado stories, programs, and events from Rocky Mountain PBS straight to your inbox.

Set Your Preferences >