The Universe is a TV series starring Erik Thompson, Alex Filippenko, and Laura Danly. This educational show explores many scientific questions and topics about the universe (Big Bang, the Sun, the planets, black holes, other…
Release Date: May 2007
10. Most Dangerous Places
Air Date: 21 Aug. 2007Season 1, Episode 12
Scientist describe the current understanding of exotic stars; magnetars, black holes and quasars with an obsession about how they would kill you. Galaxy collisions are simulated.
9. Jupiter: The Giant Planet
Air Date: 19 Jun. 2007Season 1, Episode 4
The Universe examines the stormy gas giant Jupiter and its mini-solar system of over 60 moons.
8. Secrets of the Sun
Air Date: 29 May 2007Season 1, Episode 1
The physical processes driving the energetic dynamics of the Sun and the resulting impact on the earth are examined.
7. The End of the Earth
Air Date: 12 Jun. 2007Season 1, Episode 3
A few of the cosmic threats to life on earth reviewed include meteors, gamma ray bursts and, in the distant future, evolution of the sun.
6. The Inner Planets: Mercury & Venus
Air Date: 17 Jul. 2007Season 1, Episode 7
Contrasts the radical differences between Earth and the planets Venus and Mercury. Lessons for life on earth are presented.
5. Saturn: Lord of the Rings
Air Date: 24 Jul. 2007Season 1, Episode 8
Program takes a brief look at the dynamics of Saturn’s rings before exploring the unique and amazing features of the planet itself, including the curious behavior at the poles, and recent discoveries about Saturn’s exotic moons.
4. Alien Galaxies
Air Date: 31 Jul. 2007Season 1, Episode 9
How the various structural types of galaxies form by merging with smaller galaxies is explained and simulated. The preliminary hints at the importance of dark matter in the process are mentioned.
3. Beyond the Big Bang
Air Date: 4 Sep. 2007Season 1, Episode 14
The universe began with a massive expansion, billions and billions of years ago, and it continues to expand with every passing second. The idea that the universe, and man’s very existence, began with a “Big Bang” is no longer a topic of debate among most scientists–it is essentially taken as fact.
2. Mars: The Red Planet
Air Date: 5 Jun. 2007Season 1, Episode 2
Program recaps the basic knowledge about Mars normally covered in high school.
1. Life and Death of a Star
Air Date: 7 Aug. 2007Season 1, Episode 10
Gravity plays a crucial role in both the birth and death of stars in this detailed review. Various types of stellar collisions are simulated.