Austin PBS to Air Documentary on Stargazing in October 2026
News related to:Austin PBS · 2 min read
AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Austin PBS is set to air a special documentary, "The Stars at Night," in October 2026, marking a month dedicated to stargazing and celestial exploration. The documentary, produced by Environmental Arts Alliance (EAA), delves into the connections between astronomy, mythology, and dark-sky conservation, blending science, storytelling, and cultural history to explore how humans have looked to the stars for meaning throughout time.
Directed by Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning producer Elizabeth “Betty” Buckley, "The Stars at Night" will air on Thursday, October 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM on Austin PBS. The broadcast will also be available to stream via the PBS app, inviting viewers of all ages to reconnect with the wonder of the night sky. This timing coincides with Dark Sky Month observances across the United States, highlighting Texas's leadership in dark-sky conservation.
The documentary features a diverse cast of experts, including astronomer/artist Tyler Nordgren, Nat Geo Explorer Babak Tafreshi, mythologist John Bucher, and author Amy Jackson. Additionally, the film showcases the work of night sky advocates from around the world, such as Rayan Khan (Cosmic Tribe), Susan Murbana & Chu Owen (Traveling Telescope), and Dark Sky Advocates from the Netherlands and Vietnam.
Austin PBS, established in 1962, has been a cornerstone of Central Texas, delivering programs that educate, entertain, and inspire. The station broadcasts 35,000 hours of curated content across four channels, dedicated to education, arts and culture, and news and public affairs. Austin PBS KIDS 24/7 is a beloved channel that provides a safe space for kids to learn and grow. The station is home to award-winning Austin PBS Original series such as Austin City Limits, Overheard with Evan Smith, Central Texas Gardener, and the Regional Lone Star Emmy®-nominated weekly news and feature program Austin InSight.
In addition to the October 7th broadcast, Austin PBS has scheduled a featured repeat broadcast on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM. The documentary will be available nationwide via PBS World, and viewers can check their local listings for more information. The film's World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival and subsequent screenings at festivals and events around the world underscore its significance in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
Elizabeth Buckley, the director and writer, has a 25-year career spanning PBS, HBO, National Geographic, and Curiosity Stream, with a focus on storytelling, mentorship, and creative leadership in Texas and beyond.
The Stars at Night had its World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival and has since screened at festivals and events around the world. Environmental Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using storytelling, film, and the arts to inspire environmental awareness and community engagement, produced the documentary. Austin PBS is committed to serving as a bridge to the community and providing essential services to 3 million potential viewers in more than 20 counties across the region.