We live in a world ablaze with colour. From rainbows and rainforests to oceans and humanity, earth is the most colourful place we know of. But the colours we see are far more complex and fascinating than they appear. In this series, Dr Helen Czerski uncovers what colour is, how it works, and how it has written the story of our planet.
From the colours that transformed a dull ball of rock into a vivid jewel to the colours that life has used to survive and thrive. But the story doesn’t end there. There are also the colours that we can’t see, the ones that lie beyond the rainbow. Each one has a fascinating story to tell.
As series co-producer, we've collated a range of fascinating content to help take your learning further. You can:
- Find out more about the science of colour with free articles and podcasts, plus try your own science experiment.
- Explore colour in art, culture and everyday life with even more articles written by OU academics.
- Read the programme guides outlining each episode of the series.
- Try a free course in science - from Chemistry to astronomy.
- Take it further with The Open University - become a science student.
The first episode of Colour: the Spectrum of Science will air on BBC Four on Wednesday 4th November 2015 at 9PM. Full broadcast details and watch again links can be found on bbc.co.uk.
Learn more about the science of colour
To find out more about the optical illusions, confusing lighting and how the Lion King can change your perception of colour visit the BBC iWonder guide Why do we see colours differently?, written by OU academic and programme consultant Nicholas Turner.
Look at colour in everday life and culture
Like science? Try a free course
Take it further with The Open University
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