S1E2:…about the Universe | James May’s Things You Need to Know

Duration: 28'58''

Synopsis

James May takes a journey of discovery across the universe, asking where it all began, how stars work, and what Madonna is doing in space.

Further Information

More clips from James May's Things You Need to Know

An introduction to Dark Energy and Dark Matter | James May's Things You Need to Know

An introduction to Dark Energy and Dark Matter | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'38''

James May explains what elements our universe is made up of.

Evidence of the Big Bang | James May's Things You Need to Know

Evidence of the Big Bang | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'27''

James May explores the clues left in outer space that are proof of the Big Bang's occurrence.

How the sun creates energy | James May's Things You Need to Know

How the sun creates energy | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'19''

James May explains how stars work and the difference between fission and fusion.

The death of a star | James May's Things You Need to Know

The death of a star | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'51''

James May explains how as a star dies, it gets brighter, hotter and smaller.

The formation of our Solar System | James May's Things You Need to Know

The formation of our Solar System | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'35''

James May explains how our solar system began as a solar nebula, a formation of clouds and dust.

More resources about Space Physics

4: Messengers | Wonders of the Universe

4: Messengers | Wonders of the Universe

BBC Two | 2011 | 57'49''

Professor Brian Cox explores the laws of the universe. He shows how light holds the key to our understanding of the whole universe, i...

Billions of Galaxies Out There | The Planets

Billions of Galaxies Out There | The Planets

BBC Two | 2011 | 2'27''

Exploring the fate of our solar system and the new planetary systems that are being found around nearby stars.

5: The Big Bang: Before the Dawn | Universe

5: The Big Bang: Before the Dawn | Universe

BBC Two | 2021 | 59'01''

It's the ultimate question: why are we here? Brian Cox explores how cutting-edge space missions take us back 13.8 billion years t...

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey | Learning Zone

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey | Learning Zone

BBC Two | 2012 | 58'58''

Kate Humble and Dr Helen Czerski follow the Earth's voyage around the sun for one complete orbit, to witness the astonis...

The Northern Lights | From Above

The Northern Lights | From Above

BBC News | 2024 | 8'47''

Seen from the International Space Station - a spectacular display of aurora borealis.

1: A Moment in the Sun - The Terrestrial Planets | The Planets

1: A Moment in the Sun - The Terrestrial Planets | The Planets

BBC Two | 2019 | 59'02''

The rocky planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars were born at the same time from the same material - yet have...

1: Deep Earth | How Earth Made Us

1: Deep Earth | How Earth Made Us

BBC Two | 2010 | 59'24''

Series telling the story of how the development of civilisation was influenced by planetary forces. Professor Iain Stewart explores the rol...

1: Destiny | Wonders of the Universe

1: Destiny | Wonders of the Universe

BBC Two | 2011 | 59'04''

Professor Brian Cox explores the laws of the universe. In this episode, Brian looks at the nature of time and its role in creating both ...

2: Alien Worlds: The Search for Second Earth | Universe

2: Alien Worlds: The Search for Second Earth | Universe

BBC Two | 2021 | 58'48''

Professor Brian Cox questions whether we are alone in the universe. There might be more planets than stars in our gal...

How hurricanes are formed by Earth's rotation | Learning Zone

How hurricanes are formed by Earth's rotation | Learning Zone

BBC Two | 2012 | 5'20''

Physicist Helen Czerski explains that hurricanes happen because the earth is rotating. She shows how, because t...

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey

Orbit: Earth's Extraordinary Journey

BBC Two | 2012 | 58'23''

Kate Humble and Dr Helen Czerski follow the Earth's voyage around the sun for one complete orbit, travelling first from July to the Dece...

02: Out of Sight | Richard Hammond's Invisible Worlds

02: Out of Sight | Richard Hammond's Invisible Worlds

BBC HD | 2010 | 58'22''

Richard Hammond uses groundbreaking imaging technology to take the viewer on a journey of discovery beyond the visible ...

1: Empire of the Sun | Wonders of the Solar System

1: Empire of the Sun | Wonders of the Solar System

BBC Two | 2019 | 58'29''

Professor Brian Cox describes how the laws of nature have carved natural wonders across the solar system. He explores the ...

1: Seeing is Believing | Stephen Hawking's Universe

1: Seeing is Believing | Stephen Hawking's Universe

BBC Two | 1997 | 49'18''

Professor Stephen Hawking explains the history of mankind's quest to explain the Universe. He shows how advances in techn...

1: Space: How Far Can We Go? | Brian Cox's Adventures in Space and Time

1: Space: How Far Can We Go? | Brian Cox's Adventures in Space and Time

BBC Two | 2021 | 59'06''

Brian Cox explores the latest science and takes a new look at his old films and asks: how far can we ...

1: The Sun: God Star | Universe

1: The Sun: God Star | Universe

BBC Two | 2021 | 59'10''

Since the first star lit up the universe, they have been engines of creation. Professor Brian Cox reveals how, ultimately, stars brought life...

1: Volcano Worlds | Solar System

1: Volcano Worlds | Solar System

BBC Two | 2024 | 58'57''

Professor Brian Cox explores planets and moons covered in volcanoes. He encounters alien landscapes bursting with fire and ice - eruptions s...

2: Aliens: Are We Alone? | Brian Cox's Adventures in Space and Time

2: Aliens: Are We Alone? | Brian Cox's Adventures in Space and Time

BBC Two | 2021 | 59'14''

Brian Cox looks at our attempts to answer one of the most profound questions we can ask - are we alone in...

2: Dark Worlds | Solar System

2: Dark Worlds | Solar System

BBC Two | 2024 | 58'40''

Professor Brian Cox explores the solar system's hidden realms, between and beyond the planets, where countless worlds lie hiding in the darkness.

2: In the Beginning | Stephen Hawking's Universe

2: In the Beginning | Stephen Hawking's Universe

BBC Two | 1997 | 49'01''

Professor Stephen Hawking looks at the mystery of how the Universe. He introduces the Big Bang theory and the scientists who...

More from James May

Why Do Cats Have Nine Lives? | James May's Things You Need to Know

Why Do Cats Have Nine Lives? | James May's Things You Need to Know

BBC Two | 2012 | 2'45''

James May explains about speed, using a fast-moving mix of animation and graphics. Here he explores why te...

S1E1 | James May's Cars of the People

S1E1 | James May's Cars of the People

BBC Two | 2014 | 59'26''

James May discovers how cars became an everyday part of people's lives. His journey begins in Europe, where he reveals a tale of war, f...

S1E6: Music | Dara O'Briain's Science Club

S1E6: Music | Dara O'Briain's Science Club

BBC HD | 2012 | 59'20''

Dara O Briain and his expert team examine the science behind music. James May explores how music is linked to our emotions and Mar...

Creating moulds | James May's Man Lab

Creating moulds | James May's Man Lab

BBC Two | 2011 | 10'50''

James re-forms some impractical kitchen items into the perfect lemon squeezer in his very own foundry.

S2E3:…about Evolution | James May's Things You Need To Know

S2E3:…about Evolution | James May's Things You Need To Know

BBC Two | 2013 | 28'53''

You might relish cabbage about as much as a two-month bout of chickenpox, but would you consider it as a leafy ...