Astronomy

1. Robin Ince

Writing the Universe

Robin Ince explores how authors, artists and astronomers have told the story of the cosmos From Shakespeare and Milton to Alan Moore and Douglas Adams, writers have striven to convey the enormity and wonder of our universe. In this enlightening three-part series, Robin Ince, aided by special guests including his fellow Infinite Monkey Cage presenter Brian Cox, appraises the great communicators past and present, who have captured our imagination and advanced our knowledge. Beginning with the birth of the universe, he reveals that Fred Hoyle’s famous phrase ‘the big bang’ was actually a derogatory expression, coined to satirise a theory he didn’t believe in. Now, it is part of our everyday language – but how helpful is it in explaining how the cosmos came about? Physicist Carlo Rovelli uses metaphor to clarify this mind-bending concept, while for cosmologist Carlos Frenk, the time before time existed is best illustrated by Dalí’s melting clocks. Investigating the mysteries of black holes, Robin looks at how they have inspired science fiction authors and filmmakers. First conceived of by Einstein in 1915, these vast tears in the fabric of spacetime exist at the centre of every galaxy: and thanks to Nobel Prize-winning author Kip Thorne (who consulted on the movie Interstellar), we have an idea of what they might actually look like. But what of the ultimate destiny of the universe? Will it end in a ‘big crunch’, a ‘big rip’, heat death or vacuum decay? And as they speculate around the fate of the cosmos, how careful do scientists and writers have to be to avoid arousing anxiety and bringing on ‘cosmological vertigo’? Contemplating the final chapter of the universe’s story, Robin wonders whether their predictions will be accurate – or whether there will be a twist in the tale... Production credits Presented by Robin Ince Produced by Marijke Peters and Adrian Washbourne Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem Soundscape Designer: Jane Watkins With contributions from: Brian Cox, Sean Carroll, Katie Mack, Carlos Frenk, Carlo Rovelli, Janna Levin, Paul Murdin, Kip Thorne, Paul Franklyn, Fay Dowker, Paul Sutter, Louisa Buck, John Lloyd, Adam Riess and Mike Turner First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 10-24 June 2024 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

1. Melvyn Bragg

In Our Time: 25 Explorations of Space

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the cosmos, from the origins of the universe to dark matter and dark energy'Consistently superb' John BanvilleIn Our Time is a linchpin of the Radio 4 schedule, attracting over 2 million listeners a week since its launch in 1998. Erudite, edifying and enlightening, it tackles serious ideas succinctly, providing fascinating insight into subjects ranging from the Fibonacci Sequence to Frida Kahlo.In this special thematic anthology, we traverse the solar system, the galaxies and the multiverse, voyaging across space to explore 25 celestial objects and phenomena. Included are programmes on the universe, the sun, the moon, the stars and the planets - among them our near neighbours, Venus and Mars. Also featured are discussions on comets, asteroids and black holes, as well as eclipses, exoplanets and the mysterious, invisible substance known as 'dark matter'. Topping and tailing the collection are episodes dealing with the science of astronomy, examining Ptolemy's geocentric theory of the universe and the relationship between astronomy and the British Empire.Hosted by veteran broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, with contributions from expert scholars and academics including Sir Martin Rees, John Gribbin, Carolin Crawford and Sir Roger Penrose, these captivating colloquies will inspire anyone with a sense of wonder and a thirst for knowledge.Production creditsPresented by Melvyn BraggProduced by Natalia Fernandez, Thomas Morris, Simon Tillotson, Julia Johnson and Phil TinlineFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:Ptolemy and Ancient Astronomy 17 November 2011The Multiverse 21 February 2008The Universe's Origins 20 May 1999The Universe's Shape 7 February 2002The Age of the Universe 3 March 2011Galaxies 29 June 2006The Sun 10 July 2014The Moon 3 November 2011Eclipses 31 December 2020The Planets 27 May 2004Venus 27 December 2018Mars 11 January 2007Saturn 14 January 2016The Kuiper Belt 2 March 2017Exoplanets 3 October 2013The Life of Stars 27 March 2003The Death of Stars 9 June 2022Black Holes 12 April 2001Asteroids 3 November 2005Comets 17 January 2013The Cool Universe 6 May 2010Dark Matter 12 March 2015Dark Energy 17 March 2005The Vacuum of Space 30 April 2009Solar Wind 23 January 2020Astronomy and Empire 4 May 2006© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

1. Andrea Wulf

Chasing Venus

1. Amir D Aczel

God's Equation

1. Roger Penrose

Cycles of Time

1. Martin Bojowald

Once Before Time