The Cosmos: A Beginner’s Guide

Science Documentary

BBC / Acorn Media

R4 DVD

Translating science into a product for the mass market is a skill that is still rather rare. To reduce a complex subject to a simpler version without dumbing it down is difficult, and made harder when some of the presenters themselves seem to be talking down to their target audience. Adam Hart-Davies is a good choice of presenter for a complex wide ranging subject like this, apart from his lurid taste in shirts. He almost seems to be on the same level of knowledge as his viewers and we explore the cosmos together, learning as we go. He is helped by a good range of scientists whose plain less-scientific approach is perfect for their subjects. Good quality CGI enhances each subject and makes the information easier to absorb.

The DVD is a big undertaking. Its aim is to show us topics the current state of information on the cosmos and how that information is obtained. Through its various episodes the series takes us from the Big Bang to out current level of knowledge. We can only admire the inventive ways scientists have worked out to develop their knowledge, from the many kinds of telescopes to the people who create suns and solar systems on their computers to see if they are viable. We also touch on the possibility of intelligent life “out there”, and how we may ourselves one day break free of earth and move into space.

The search for extraterrestrial knowledge is a good example of the thorough approach to each subject. We start by looking at the long running SETI (Search For Extra Terrrestrial Intelligence) program. What exactly are they looking for? How will they know if they receive a signal?

This raises a question. If we are hoping to communicate with similar beings in an intelligent way, how do we find them? In another episode we look at the search for earth-like planets and how scientists detect them. Surprisingly there seem to be a lot of candidates.

We move from here to the world of space travel, especially as it applies to our near neighbour planets like Mars. How would people live in Mars’ hostile environment? We look at theories of terraforming Mars into an earthlike state.

The tools the scientists use are fascinating, from the Large Hadron Collider to WASP, a bank of cameras using conventional cameras and lenses. The interpretation and enhancement of the photos recovers a huge amount of information. We may be earthbound but our technology lets us look much further than the human eye can see.

In the episode “Violent Universe” we look at galaxy-sized explosions, star-eating black holes, and other cosmic phenomena of incredible violence.

Although Hart-Davis has a Doctorate from York University he seems to have found his niche as a TV presenter. He has a lot of experience in this, and his quiet style is a pleasant change from brash American presenters. By contrast he oozes credibility. Breaking each episode into smaller segments is a good approach that makes his presentation easier to absorb. He makes it a pleasure to learn and the youngsters as well as the adults will find it fascinating.

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