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(c) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.