Space has captivated humanity since the beginning of time. Recent advances in space exploration technology have allowed us to make giant leaps in unraveling its mysteries. From awe-inspiring images of distant galaxies to groundbreaking discoveries about alien worlds, YouTube has become a treasure trove for all kinds of space content.
To celebrate the final frontier, I‘ve compiled this list of the top 10 best YouTube channels for all things space-related. Whether you‘re an aspiring astronomer or just have a casual interest in the cosmos, you‘re sure to discover amazing new videos from these standout channels.
1. NASA – 10.7 Million Subscribers
As the leading space agency worldwide, NASA produces pioneering videos detailing its latest missions, research and technologies. With over 10 million subscribers, it‘s the most viewed space channel on YouTube.
Content includes stunning footage from NASA space flights, live streams from the International Space Station, and updates on future missions to the Moon and Mars. Expert interviews provide fascinating insights from astronauts, scientists and engineers advancing space exploration.
An invaluable resource for staying current on the most groundbreaking discoveries and innovations happening in astronomy and spaceflight today.
2. SpaceX – 6.1 Million Subscribers
Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, privately-held SpaceX manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft. Their YouTube channel grants insider access to launches, landings and testing of its workhorse Falcon 9 rockets and Crew Dragon capsules that ferry cargo and crews to space.
With brilliant 4K footage and informational graphics, you’ll witness milestone achievements like the spectacular synchronized landings of Falcon rocket boosters. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the future of space travel and exploration through SpaceX’s ambitious projects.
3. SciShow Space – 1.44 Million Subscribers
Run by Complexly production company, SciShow Space unpacks perplexing concepts in physics, astronomy, cosmology and astrobiology. Hosted by witty and charismatic YouTube educator Reid Reimers, each 10-15 minute episode tackles another baffling question from the comments section.
Recent videos explore mind-bending topics like the Fermi Paradox, speculative alien megastructures, and whether our universe exists inside a black hole. It‘s perfect for curious viewers looking to expand their knowledge of space science.
4. Cool Worlds – 465,000 Subscribers
Hosted by experimental physicist Dr. Tony Darnell, Cool Worlds offers exclusive interviews with leading researchers and thinkers in astronomy. In relaxed yet insightful conversations, world experts share their cutting-edge theories and latest findings in cosmology and astrophysics.
Recent guests include Nobel laureate Dr. Adam Riess discussing discoveries of baffling new phenomena causing the universe to expand. The series provides privileged access to the fascinating ideas percolating at the forefront of space science.
5. Anton Petrov – 912,000 Subscribers
Through his popular channel What Da Math, science educator Anton Petrov presents bite-sized 5 minute videos analyzing newly published astronomy studies for mass audiences.
A trained astrophysicist, Petrov excels at clearly communicating complex subject matter like quantum physics and general relativity using animations and thought experiments. From examining exoplanets in neighboring star systems to proposals for next generation space telescopes, it’s a first-rate source for space news updates.
6. Deep Sky Videos – 752,000 Subscribers
Run by astronomy graduate student Deep Sky Videos, this channel primarily shares mesmerizing photos and footage of celestial phenomena captured by amateur astronomers around the world.
Marvel at timelapses of the Milky Way galaxy arcing over mountaintops and desert landscapes. The 4K videos filmed through high powered telescopes reveal galactic clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies in breathtaking clarity. It‘s an ethereal escape into the awe-inspiring beauty of our universe.
7. PBS Space Time – 1.3 Million Subscribers
Astrophysicist Matt O’Dowd hosts the Emmy-nominated PBS web series Space Time exploring mind-bending concepts like quantum gravity, the multiverse, and mysterious dark matter through animated videos.
Impressive graphics allowed viewers to visualize Einstein‘s theory of relativity and illusions of quantum particles. While frequently tackling abstract and highly technical physics theories, O‘Dowd has a genuine talent for demystifying baffling space science topics for mainstream viewers.
8. Event Horizon Telescope – 204,000 Subscribers
The groundbreaking research project Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) linked radio telescopes across the globe to form an Earth-sized virtual telescope powerful enough to image a black hole for the first time in 2019.
Their YouTube channel chronicles the international scientific collaboration behind this remarkable achievement with lecture videos from director Shep Doeleman. For those interested in the intersection of global cooperation and technology enabling new frontiers of astronomical observation, the EHT documents a pivotal moment in human history.
9. Jack Eddy Art & Science – 18,000 Subscribers
Jack Eddy’s niche channel Art & Science beautifully blends space documentary filmmaking with poetic motion graphics reflecting on our cosmic origins.
Ethereal animations built around Carl Sagan’s iconic “Pale Blue Dot” speech merge scientific visions with philosophical imagination. For space enthusiasts interested in the sublime intersection of art and astronomy, Jack Eddy’s short films make wonderful viewing.
10. John Michael Godier – 344,000 Subscribers
Hosted by space reporter and futurist John Michael Godier, this channel primarily focuses on hypothetical concepts in astrophysics like asteroid mining and stellar engines for moving solar systems.
In his Event Horizon show, Godier moderates physics discussions with expert panelists like Nobel laureate Dr. Michel Mayor who discovered the first exoplanet in 1995. Topics range from the promise of nuclear fusion reactors to preserving humanity through colonizing space. It‘s perfect for those seeking thought-provoking dialogue on humanity‘s long term prospects.
As this tour through the top space channels proves, YouTube offers unlimited opportunities to explore mysterious galaxies and ponder life’s biggest questions from the comfort of your screens. Each channel provides another spectacular window for witnessing the marvels of the universe or understanding the science behind the stars.
For even more captivating space content, be sure to check out these popular History Computer posts next:
- The 8 Best Astronomy Apps for Stargazing
- The Best Telescopes for Kids to Explore Space
- The Most Groundbreaking Discoveries Made by the Hubble Space Telescope
Let the ageless call of infinite space continue beckoning your mind ever outward and onward!
