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The Planets

The Planets
★ 8.1/10•1999•48m•TV-G•Documentary
Similars

Documentary series tracing mankind's exploration of our solar system.

David McNab · Director

David McNab · Writer

StatusEnded
Runtime48m
LanguageEN
First Air DateApr 29, 1999

Episodes

Episode 1 - Different WorldsE148m

Different Worlds

Travel back in time and space to witness the awesome forces that gave birth to the Sun and the far-flung family of planets that orbit it. From the rocky, superheated surface of Mercury, to the storm-wracked atmosphere of gigantic Jupiter and the distant mysteries of Pluto, this is a richly detailed introduction to the creation, composition and alien landscapes of The Planets.

Apr 29, 1999

Episode 2 - Terra FirmaE248m

Terra Firma

Relive the thrill of first glimpses of otherworldly terrain as you join the early quest to discover the true nature of our planetary neighbours. Pierce the toxic clouds of Venus to map ancient lava flows the size of continents. Visit a Martian volcano taller than Mount Everest and head even further out into the planetary system in search of clues to the "living" geological forces at work in the most unlikely cosmic corners.

May 6, 1999

Episode 3 - GiantsE348m

Giants

They are the heavyweights of the planetary line up. There are unimaginable vast orbs of seething gas and brilliant could bands that contain virtually no landscapes. Now, take a closer look at these planetary behemoths.

May 13, 1999

Episode 4 - MoonE448m

Moon

While a number of planets are accompanied by moons of all sizes and compositions, only the Earth boasts such a comparatively huge "companion world." What forces could have resulted in this planetary odd couple? Join the search for the answer to one of the solar system's most baffling mysteries, from Cold Warrior scientists racing to be first on the moon, to current theories and remarkable computer-generated visions of the moon's explosive creation.

May 20, 1999

Episode 5 - StarE548m

Star

To primitive peoples, the Sun was synonymous with God - the ultimate source of life-giving warmth and light. Now, step aboard with the Skylab space station to probe the turbulent heart of our local power source. Plunge into the centre of the Sun to witness the reactions driving its primordial atomic pulse. And observe the spectacle of massive solar flares capable of engulfing entire planets - including our own.

May 27, 1999

Episode 6 - AtmosphereE648m

Atmosphere

Atmospheres make weather. This can result in alien weather reports that seem as if they're right our of a science program: torrential sulphuric rain and metallic snow on Venus, global dust storms raging across Mars and centuries-long, Earth-sized cyclones circling Jupiter. It's an eye-opening exploration of other worldly weather that reveals the surprising variety and force of atmospheric activity throughout the solar system.

Jun 3, 1999

Episode 7 - LifeE748m

Life

From the startling Copernican revelation that the Earth was not the centre of the Universe, humanity has wondered if life is unique to our world. But how likely is it that the Earth is the only reservoir of life in the vastness of space? Come along for the ride as early planetary researches learn that conditions on our neighbouring planets may be too hostile to support life and discover how recent findings hint there may be alien life "hiding out" in places we've overlooked.

Jun 10, 1999

Episode 8 - DestinyE848m

Destiny

What is the long-term fate of the planets in our solar system? Voyage to a future billions of years in the distance. Explore the Sun's expansion as it engulfs its planetary progeny in the final, fiery act of its billion-year long dilemma.

Jun 17, 1999

Actors

Samuel West

Samuel West

Himself - Narrator

Recommendations

Solar System
The Planets
The Universe
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Our Universe
Horizon
Drain the Oceans
Top Gear
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Prehistoric Planet
Planet Earth III
Down to Earth with Zac Efron
Blue Planet II
Wonders of the Solar System
Animal
One Strange Rock
Cosmos
The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy
American Experience
Earth at Night in Colour

Similars

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Once Upon a Time in Space
Bill Nye the Science Guy
The Moon and Us
Europeans in Space
Secrets of the Solar System
Journey into the Cosmos
Sur le front
Among the Stars
Tours du Monde, Tours du Ciel
Mystery Lab
A Traveler's Guide to the Planets
America's Secret Space Heroes
LIFE BEYOND
Challenger: The Final Flight
Xploration Outer Space
The Great Acceleration
Wonders of the Moon with Dara Ó Briain
The Planets and Beyond
Spaced Out