The Universe

From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time.

Seasons

9

Episodes aired

87

Latest aired

S09E06

Total runtime

2d 18h

Timeline when each season aired

1. Season 1 May 2007 – September 2007 14 episodes
2. Season 2 November 2007 – April 2008 18 episodes
3. Season 3 November 2008 – February 2009 12 episodes
4. Season 4 August 2009 – November 2009 12 episodes
5. Season 5 July 2010 – September 2010 8 episodes
6. Season 6 October 2011 – December 2011 7 episodes
7. Season 7 April 2012 – June 2012 7 episodes
8. the show was away for 1 year and 8 months
9. Season 8 March 2014 4 episodes
10. Season 9 April 2015 – May 2015 5 episodes

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  S08E01 Stonehenge

  March 1 · 45min find the promo

  Show synopsis

  Perhaps the most mysterious structure on Earth, Stonehenge has stood on a plain in Southern England for 5000 years. Why is it there? In this episode we explore the possibility that this was a prehistoric astronomical observatory. Here ancient astronomer priests may have divined the complex movements of the Sun and Moon, recognizing patterns that would not be discovered elsewhere for thousands of years. The primitive Shamans may have also been the first astronomers to predict eclipses.

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  S08E02 Pyramids

  March 8 · 45min find the promo

  Show synopsis

  The Great Pyramids of Giza remain one of the enduring wonders of the ancient world. These mesmerizing monuments have eluded astronomers and archeologists for centuries. Why and how were they built? Were they merely burial tombs, or a cosmic vehicle to the celestial world? The world's renowned Egyptologists, astronomers and engineers join forces to solve some of the long-held mysteries about the pyramids. What were the motives and methods behind the orientation of the pyramids to face the four cardinal directions with extreme accuracy? Did the ancient Egyptians use the sun or nighttime stars in the orientation of the pyramids? Were the pyramids the pharaohs' portal to the nighttime stars? Or was the entire Giza complex built as a place of cult worship to the sun?

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  S08E03 Heavenly Destruction

  March 15 · 45min find the promo

  Show synopsis

  Sodom and Gomorrah–a terrifying Biblical tale of two cities incinerated by a hail of fire and brimstone. Was this a fantastic fable, or an actual apocalyptic disaster? Astronomers, archeologists and biblical scholars investigate the possible science behind the myth. Two separate archeological sites along the Dead Sea claim to hold the remains of the actual sin cities. Newly discovered ancient artifacts may even hold the secrets to their destruction? Could an asteroid be responsible for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

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  S08E04 Star of Bethlehem

  March 22 · 45min find the promo

  Show synopsis

  What was the astronomical reality behind the star that, according to the Gospel of Matthew, guided the Magi to the young Jesus? This episode examines almost 20 centuries of theories, including meteors, novae, supernovae and comets…but is the truth to be found in a combination of astronomy–and astrology? Recent theories suggest that the "star" was the planet Jupiter in a series of conjunctions with other planets, stars and constellations, and that these conjunctions were interpreted by the Magi–astrologers and priests of the Zoroastrian religion–as heralding the birth of the Jewish Messiah.