Wonders of the Solar System (2010)

Presenter: Brian Cox
In this science television series produced by BBC and Science channel, physicist professor Brian Cox focuses on an aspect of solar system and features a wonder related to the theme in each episode. It comprises of five episodes:
1) 'Empire of the Sun': This episode illustrates how the formation and behavior of sun affects the other members of the solar system. He visits India to witness a total solar eclipse and Norway to see 'Aurora'/ 'Northern Lights'.
2) 'Order out of Chaos': This episode illustrates the orbits of planets around sun. He explains how tilt of the Earth creates four seasons. He visits Atlas mountains and explain the orbit of Mars when seen from Earth and provides an insight into the rings of Saturn.
3) 'The Thin Blue Line': This episode looks at the atmospheres of different planets and moons in Solar System. There is also an in depth looks at the moon Titan as well as how the earth keeps its temperature in comparison to Mars.
4) 'Dead or Alive': This episode mainly focus on geographical activities in Earth which makes it active, visits Hawaii islands to witness the volcanic activities creating new land mass and Deccan trap in India which was created by volcanic activities. Cox also analyses Jupiter's gravitational impact which ocassionaly throws asteroids into a collision course with earth.
5) 'Aliens': The final episode focus on life surviving in extreme conditions, and how the search of life on other worlds follows the search for water, focusing on Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa.

The program is presented in a way that a lay man can understand things easily. The visuals are stunning an the music used is excellent. Brian Cox was a keyboard player for the pop band D:REAM. His presentation style is also very good and personal.

Rating:5/5