Ep 2. Expanding Universe

In the second episode of Wonders of Life season 1, titled Expanding Universe, host Brian Cox delves deep into the mysteries of the universe and its incredible expansion.

Cox begins by discussing the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, which was first observed by accident in 1964 by two scientists working for Bell Laboratories. This discovery helped to confirm the Big Bang theory, which suggests that the universe began as a tiny, hot, and dense point roughly 13.8 billion years ago.

Cox explains that since the Big Bang, the universe has been expanding at an ever-increasing rate. He introduces viewers to the concept of dark energy, a force that is driving the expansion of the universe and remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology.

The host also explores the role of dark matter, another enigmatic substance that makes up roughly 27% of the entire universe. While dark matter doesn't emit, absorb, or reflect light, its gravitational effects can be seen in the rotation of galaxies and the behavior of clusters of galaxies.

To better understand the nature of dark matter and dark energy, Cox takes viewers on a tour of some of the world's most powerful observatories, including the European Southern Observatory in Chile, which is home to the largest ground-based telescope in the world.

Cox also visits the Large Hadron Collider, a massive particle accelerator located in Switzerland, where scientists are attempting to unlock the secrets of dark matter by recreating the conditions that existed in the moments just after the Big Bang.

Throughout the episode, Cox emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry and encourages viewers to engage with the wonders of the universe themselves. He also discusses the need for international collaboration in scientific research, pointing out that discoveries made in one country are often built upon by researchers in other parts of the world.

Overall, Expanding Universe is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of our ever-expanding cosmic landscape, and the mysterious forces that propel it forward.