Who are we?

BBC has produced a handful of good astronomy TV programs including a bunch of Horizon shows. Recently (and by recent I mean 2001) there is a new series coming out on DVD called Space, the Series, and it's quite intriguing. It talks about the usual suspects - the big bang, supernova, black holes, galacies, stars, planets, dangers and the future of the universe, etc. It's up-to-date in terms of new findings and it's got nice 3D presentations of these stellar activities, bottom line, worth a closer look.

Since the first stargazers of ancient civilisations, man has always been fascinated by what lies beyond planet Earth. Look up at the stars and you see a million points of light - you’re looking at the entire universe. But what is out there? Let Sam Neill be your guide as state-of-the-art computer graphics take you on the ultimate journey beyond any known universe.

Experience the beautiful, astonishing and often dangerous phenomena for the Universe first hand - from the vast clouds where new stars are born, to planet-guzzling monsters such as black holes. This six-part series will realise the awesome scale of space and capture the mystery and intrigue that it inspires. And it tackles some of the biggest questions of all - are we alone? Where do we fit in? How did the universe begin? And perhaps most frighteningly of all, how will it end?

Torrents from torrentspy, download all six episodes

Programme 1: Star Stuff
How the Universe was made, from the Big Bang to the human body.

How did the Big Bang happen?
Why is my body made of star stuff?
Was life carried to earth by comets?
Webchat with Bob Kirshner about stars

Programme 2: Staying Alive
The Universe is a dangerous place. This programme investigates our survival in space.

What are asteroids?
Protecting planet Earth

Programme 3: Black Holes
Black holes are the Universe's ultimate monsters, sucking everything into their super-dense centres.

What are black holes?
How were they discovered?

Programme 4: Are We Alone?
Exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life in the Universe.

How do we find new planets?
SETI - Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Webchat with Seth Shostak from SETI

Programme 5: New Worlds
How could humans migrate from planet Earth?

Explore the Solar System
Mars - the likely candidate
Human exploration, past and future

Programme 6: Boldly Go
If humans are ever to reach deep space, there will need to be some revolutionary changes in transport.

Solar sails
Ion propulsion
Wormholes

Program guide: BBC.co.uk
DVD cover art: BBCshop