The Beginning and End of the Universe

Watch The Beginning and End of the Universe

  • 2016
  • 1 Season
  • 7.7  (653)

The Beginning and End of the Universe is an awe-inspiring documentary series created by BBC Four in 2016, of which science presenter Jim Al-Khalili is the host. The series presents the most up-to-date scientific knowledge on the beginning and end of the universe and offers an illuminating view of the way the universe has evolved over the past 14 billion years.

The series contains two episodes, each of which offers an in-depth exploration of specific subjects. The first episode of the series is titled "The Beginning" and deals with the formation of the universe from its inception to the formation of stars and galaxies. The episode also examines the role of dark matter and dark energy in the creation and expansion of the universe. Jim Al-Khalili introduces the fundamental scientific concepts during the episode and breaks down the complex ideas into a straightforward and engaging narrative that is accessible to all viewers.

The second episode of the series is titled "The End" and, as the name suggests, deals with the ultimate fate of the universe. The episode explores various theories about how the universe may end, such as the Big Crunch, the Big Freeze, or the Big Rip. The episode also examines the role of black holes, dark matter, and dark energy in the death of the universe. Jim Al-Khalili provides viewers with a thorough understanding of the concepts that we use to describe the universe's ultimate end.

The series features some of the most prominent scientists from around the world, including theoretical physicist Paul Davies, astrophysicist Martin Rees, and cosmologist Carlos Frenk. The series also uses stunning special effects and animations that bring the science to life, making it easy for the viewers to understand the complex concepts.

In the first episode, Jim Al-Khalili begins by providing viewers with a brief history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day. He then delves into the early moments of the universe, where quantum mechanics rules, and the universe was dealing with intense energy and extreme temperatures. Al-Khalili also explains how matter began to form, and eventually, the first stars began to shine. The episode also discusses the role of dark matter and dark energy in the evolution of the universe, and how these concepts have revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos.

In the second episode, the focus shifts to the end of the universe, where Al-Khalili explores different theories that scientists have formulated about how the universe's end will look like. The episode discusses the concepts of entropy and thermodynamics and explains how these ideas relate to the end of the universe. Viewers will also learn about black holes and how these objects are both essential to the universe and potentially deadly to all lifeforms that may encounter them. There is also a discussion of the theories of physicist Stephen Hawking on black holes and how they relate to the end of spacetime.

Overall, The Beginning and End of the Universe is an absolutely fascinating and educational series that provides viewers with an in-depth look at how the universe has evolved over time. Jim Al-Khalili's clear and concise explanations make the complex ideas easy to understand, and the series' stunning special effects and animations bring the mysteries of space to life. The show is an excellent documentary that is not only informative but also captivating and entertaining. Whether you're a science enthusiast or a layman looking to indulge in the mysteries of the universe, you cannot go wrong with The Beginning and End of the Universe.

The Beginning and End of the Universe
Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
The End
2. The End
March 29, 2016
In this second part, Professor Jim Al-Khalili carries us into the distant future to try to discover how the universe will end - with a bang or a whimper? He reveals a universe far stranger than anyone imagined and, at the frontier of our understanding, encounters a mysterious and enigmatic force that promises to change physics forever.
The Beginning
1. The Beginning
March 22, 2016
Professor Jim Al-Khalili takes us back in time to tackle the greatest question in science: how did the universe begin? Uncovering the origins of the universe is regarded as humankind's greatest intellectual achievement. By recreating key experiments Jim unravels the cosmic mystery of science's creation story before witnessing a moment, one millionth of a second, after the universe sprang into existence.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    March 22, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (653)