60-Second Adventures in Astronomy - for iPad/Mac/PC: Recent Episodes
The Open University
Ever wondered where the Universe came from? Or more importantly, where it's headed? Voiced by David Mitchell, this series of 60 second animations examines different scientific concepts from the big bang to relativity, from black holes to dark matter. The series also explores the possibility of life beyond Earth and considers why David Bowie is still none the wiser about life on Mars.
Just how big was the Big Bang? Discover how scientists have calculated the exact volume of the noise created at the birth of the Universe.
Transcript -- Just how big was the Big Bang? Discover how scientists have calculated the exact volume of the noise created at the birth of the Universe.
What happens when a star explodes? Learn how all the elements in the Universe were formed, and where exactly your favourite silver necklace comes from.
Transcript -- What happens when a star explodes? Learn how all the elements in the Universe were formed, and where exactly your favourite silver necklace comes from.
We can't see exoplanets, but we know they're there. This episode explores how scientists have studied distant stars to learn more about the invisible planets that orbit them.
Transcript -- We can't see exoplanets, but we know they're there. This episode explores how scientists have studied distant stars to learn more about the invisible planets that orbit them.
No-one on Mercury could claim there's not enough hours in the day. Find out how you'd pass the time on a planet where a single day lasts two years.
Transcript -- No-one on Mercury could claim there's not enough hours in the day. Find out how you'd pass the time on a planet where a single day lasts two years.
The Moon is like a loyal servant to a Queen, and never turns its back on the Earth. Discover how the Moon's orbit means we always see it's best side.
Transcript -- The Moon is like a loyal servant to a Queen, and never turns its back on the Earth. Discover how the Moon's orbit means we always see it's best side.
Discover how asteroids and microbes flying through space could hold the secret to life on Earth and Mars.
Transcript -- Discover how asteroids and microbes flying through space could hold the secret to life on Earth and Mars.
Just what is the point of no return? German physicist, Karl Schwarzchild calculated the event horizon of black holes. And it can tell us more about the eventual fate of all the galaxies.
Transcript -- Just what is the point of no return? German physicist, Karl Schwarzchild calculated the event horizon of black holes. And it can tell us more about the eventual fate of all the galaxies.
Fritz Zwicky was a Swiss astronomer who discovered Dark Matter in the Universe. But what's the matter with dark matter?
Transcript -- Fritz Zwicky was a Swiss astronomer who discovered Dark Matter in the Universe. But what's the matter with dark matter?
Who had more fun in life, Albert Einstein or Richard Feynman? Whichever one of them was travelling faster.
Transcript -- Who had more fun in life, Albert Einstein or Richard Feynman? Whichever one of them was travelling faster.
Some thought it would create another Universe, while others thought it would suck us all into a black hole. But the Large Hadron Collider is not as dangerous as we thought.
Transcript -- Some thought it would create another Universe, while others thought it would suck us all into a black hole. But the Large Hadron Collider is not as dangerous as we thought.
Who'd have thought Albert Einstein could make a mistake? Dark Energy explores how Einstein was right all along about the expanding Universe. We never should have doubted him.
Transcript -- Who'd have thought Albert Einstein could make a mistake? Dark Energy explores how Einstein was right all along about the expanding Universe. We never should have doubted him.
How do you take a census in space? Find out how it is possible to produce a 3D map of the galaxy, with a little help from the new Gaia Spacecraft and a whole heap of measuring.
Transcript -- How do you take a census in space? Find out how it is possible to produce a 3D map of the galaxy, with a little help from the new Gaia Spacecraft and a whole heap of measuring.
How do you avoid killer asteroids? With the unpredictable threat of killer asteroids attacking the Earth, it's Gaia to rescue!
Transcript -- How do you avoid killer asteroids? With the unpredictable threat of killer asteroids attacking the Earth, it's Gaia to rescue!