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Science's Greatest Mysteries

Season 1
Does science have all the answers? It seems as if the more we discover, the more problems emerge. Exactly how old is our universe? Why are the two sides of our Moon so different? How did iron from space end up next to the body of Tutankhamun? Why do we even exist? This documentary series delves into some of the most perplexing problems faced by science and tries to find some solutions.
20226 episodes13+
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - The Far Side of the Moon
    October 11, 2022
    52min
    13+
    In 1959, a Russian space probe took the first ever images of the far side of the Moon. The iconic pictures shocked the science world, revealing it to be completely different to the visible side. This documentary explores the mystery of the far side of the Moon and follows three different theories attempting to make sense of it. New science, and old lunar samples, could unlock the mystery.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  2. S1 E2 - Solar Superstorms
    October 18, 2022
    51min
    ALL
    Ferocious explosions on the surface of the Sun can release clouds of electrically charged particles containing energy equivalent to millions of nuclear bombs. And when these particles reach Earth, havoc ensues. These solar superstorms have the potential to cause blackouts, satellite malfunctions and more. Understanding the mystery of these superstorms is required to ensure our survival.
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  3. S1 E3 - The Age of the Universe
    October 25, 2022
    51min
    TV-G
    In 1989, the space telescope Hipparcos focused on a single star. It then made an unbelievable discovery. Known as the Methuselah star, this celestial body appeared to be older than the universe itself. It led to some soul searching in the astronomical community as scientists realized that their estimations of the universe's age were potentially flawed. But could this mystery ever be solved?
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  4. S1 E4 - Tutankhamun's Space Dagger
    November 1, 2022
    48min
    ALL
    In 1925, explorer Howard Carter miraculously discovered the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. Amongst the many treasures that were unearthed were a pair of daggers lodged within the burial wrappings of the teenage king. Researchers were shocked to find that the daggers appeared to be made from iron that came from space. But how did these ancient people achieve this?
    Free trial of BBC Select
  5. S1 E5 - Is There Life on Mars?
    November 8, 2022
    49min
    TV-G
    In 1996, the scientific community was rocked by the discovery of a meteorite. The object appeared to come from Mars and researchers claimed there were traces of fossils inside. The controversial find suggested that there was life on the planet, but others were far more skeptical. As Martian exploration has intensified, proof of life there could help us understand how life on Earth was established.
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  6. S1 E6 - Why Do We Exist?
    November 9, 2022
    50min
    ALL
    Our existence doesn't really make sense. When the universe was created, matter and a substance called antimatter should have obliterated each other. But that didn't happen. If scientists can unravel the mysteries of antimatter, it could help us understand why there is life on this planet and possibly on planets elsewhere. But trying to study antimatter is a fiendishly difficult task.
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Details

More info

Content advisory
Alcohol use
Audio languages
English
Subtitles
English [CC]
Studio
BBC Studios
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