Ever wondered where the Universe came from? Or more importantly, where...
Ever wondered where the Universe came from? Or more importantly, where it's headed? Voiced by David Mitchell, this series of 60 second animations examines different scientific concepts from the big bang to relativity, from black holes to dark matter. The series also explores the possibility of life beyond Earth and considers why David Bowie is still none the wiser about life on Mars.
Just how big was the Big Bang? Discover how scientists have calculated the exact volume of the noise created at the birth of the Universe.
| Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Big Bang | Just how big was the Big Bang? Discover how scientists have calculated the exact volume of the noise created at the birth of the Universe. Play now The Big Bang |
| 2 | Supernovae | What happens when a star explodes? Learn how all the elements in the Universe were formed, and where exactly your favourite silver necklace comes from. Play now Supernovae |
| 3 | Exoplanets | We can't see exoplanets, but we know they're there. This episode explores how scientists have studied distant stars to learn more about the invisible planets that orbit them. Play now Exoplanets |
| 4 | A Day on Mercury | No-one on Mercury could claim there's not enough hours in the day. Find out how you'd pass the time on a planet where a single day lasts two years. Play now A Day on Mercury |
| 5 | The Rotating Moon | The Moon is like a loyal servant to a Queen, and never turns it's back on the Earth. Discover how the Moon's orbit means we always see it's best side. Play now The Rotating Moon |
| 6 | Life on Mars | Discover how asteroids and microbes flying through space could hold the secret to life on Earth and Mars. Play now Life on Mars |
| 7 | Event Horizons | Just what is the point of no return? German physicist, Karl Schwarzchild calculated the event horizon of black holes. And it can tell us more about the eventual fate of all the galaxies. Play now Event Horizons |
| 8 | Dark Matter | Fritz Zwicky was a Swiss astronomer who discovered Dark Matter in the Universe. But what's the matter with dark matter? Play now Dark Matter |
| 9 | Special Relativity | Who had more fun in life, Albert Einstein or Richard Feynman? Whichever one of them was travelling faster. Play now Special Relativity |
| 10 | Large Hadron Collider | Some thought it would create another Universe, while others thought it would suck us all into a black hole. But the Large Hadron Collider is not as dangerous as we thought. Play now Large Hadron Collider |
| 11 | Dark Energy | Who'd have thought Albert Einstein could make a mistake? Dark Energy explores how Einstein was right all along about the expanding Universe. We never should have doubted him. Play now Dark Energy |
| 12 | Black Holes | Is it possible to make your own black hole? DIY experts take note. Play now Black Holes |
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There's an interesting article on the origin and history of the term "Big Bang" in the April 2013 edition of "Astronomy and Geophysics" ("Big Bang: the etymology of a name" pages 2.28 - 2.30). In the article, the author asserts that the claim that Hoyle used the term 'Big Bang' pejoratively is false. In any case, it's clear that 'Big Bang' is not an accurate description; my personal preference is the more evocative alternative, 'Mighty Burp'!
The "Event Horizon" podcast does not work, and its transcription is not available.
Hi Alastair,
Could you possibly try again, I've just checked both the transcript and the clip for 'Event Horizon' and both seem to be working ok now.
Many thanks
OpenLearn Moderator
"The Rotating Moon" podcast does not work, and the transcription is not available.
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