The Planets And Beyond

Astronaut Mike Massimino reveals the cataclysmic events that led to the creation of the solar system, the planet Earth and the conditions for life.

The Milky Way has over two hundred billion stars. Where did they all come from? And what impact does the black hole at the heart of the galaxy have?

The solar system is the Earth's local neighbourhood. But how far does it extend? And what fascinating secrets remain to be discovered?

Neptune and Uranus are two giant frozen worlds far from the sun. Despite this, could they hold the secret of how and why life developed on Earth?

Astronaut Mike Massimino journeys to the Sun, revealing the secrets of Earth's star and how it will one day destroy our planet.

Astronaut Mike Massimino explores Mercury. This tiny planet faces constant attacks from the Sun and might one day pose a threat to all life on Earth.

Astronaut Mike Massimino examines the deadliest stars in the universe. Though they can rip planets apart, they may be integral to life on earth.

Mike Massimino uses the latest science to explore the alien volcanoes of distant worlds and investigates if they could contain extraterrestrial life.

Astronaut Mike Massimino uncovers the solar system's strange and violent birth. How were its planets built from the wreckage bygone alien worlds?

Astronaut Mike Massimino explores dwarf planets in our solar system. Too small to be planets, they are home to some of the universe's biggest secrets.