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6. Roman Engineering

May 23, 2015

Do Rome's ancient monuments have secret connections to the Sun? New archaeological evidence, confirmed by NASA data and recreated in state-of-the-art virtual reality, suggests that early Roman emperors mastered architecture and astronomy to make the Sun create strange special effects for reasons both political and personal. One set up an obelisk and altar that blocked the Sun on the anniversary of Julius Caesar's murder, another built a domed room that bathed him in sunlight on certain days, and the Emperor Hadrian designed the Pantheon to mark cosmic events like equinoxes, and turned the central "oculus" of the temple dome into his own personal spotlight, but for what nefarious purposes? We uncover the last great mysteries of the ancient world's greatest empire. The answers are hidden in ancient ruins...and among the stars.

5. Predicting the Future

May 16, 2015

Many believe that the celestial movement of the Sun, planets and moon gives us the blueprint for life, and governs our future. From Roman emperors, to kings and queens, to modern politicians, knowledgeable and powerful people have consulted an ancient system of predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations. But is there proof that this system of tracking astronomical phenomena can actually predict our future?

4. Alien Worlds

May 9, 2015

The ancients believed that the universe consisted of countless worlds we could not see, and argued endlessly over the nature of these distant, invisible planets and whether they might be inhabited. Until recently many scientists thought we would never discover the truth, believing that extra-solar planets were simply too far, too small and too dim to detect. But new technologies have suddenly revealed thousands of distant planets, opening up the most exciting period in astronomy in decades. Some believe we're on the verge of answering the ancient question: are we alone in the universe?

3. Apocalyptic Visions

May 2, 2015

Hell fires, endless winters, or a planet wracked by earthquakes are a few versions of Armageddon visualized by the Vikings, Aztecs, and the rest of our ancient ancestors. But which does modern science think will be closest to the truth? Celestial phenomena--the aging of our sun, the expansion of our universe, and other potentially cataclysmic events--could trigger the kind of Armageddon the ancients feared. Which ancient prophecy do scientists believe actually foretells our doom? And how close are we to the end of the world?

2. Eye of God

April 25, 2015

Could the strange shapes of the universe solve the mysteries that have haunted mankind since ancient times? Is the eye of God peering at us from the heavens? What is the strange hexagon at the pole of Saturn, or the face on the Moon? Each shape tells its own story of an object's origin, and how physical forces shaped the Universe, and each is a chapter in the greater saga of existence.

1. Omens of Doom

April 18, 2015

To our ancestors, the appearance of certain astronomical events meant something big and something bad was coming. They were portends of death, plague, famine, or war. But what were they really seeing? And how did fear of these objects in the sky actually change the course of history?

Description

The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved was a captivating show that premiered in 2007 and ran until 2015 on H2. The series, which was narrated by Erik Thompson, explored some of the most interesting and perplexing questions about the universe and the world we live in. With the help of renowned astrophysicists Alex Filippenko and Laura Danly, The Universe dug deep into topics such as black holes, space travel, parallel universes, and the origins of life.

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Universe was how it blended science with history and mythology. The show delved into how ancient cultures and civilizations viewed the cosmos and how their beliefs helped shape the way we see the universe today. For instance, in one episode, the hosts examined how the ancient Egyptians and Greeks perceived the stars and planets and how those perceptions have influenced modern space exploration.

Another notable feature of The Universe was how it made complex scientific concepts accessible to the average viewer. Through stunning visuals, simulations, and easy-to-understand explanations, the show clearly explained some of the most mind-bending ideas in astronomy and astrophysics. Whether it was exploring the possibility of time travel or breaking down the laws of gravity, The Universe made learning about science both entertaining and informative.

The show also did an excellent job of showcasing some of the latest breakthroughs in astrophysics and space exploration. From the discovery of new exoplanets to the development of cutting-edge space missions, The Universe kept viewers up-to-date on the most exciting developments in the field. In this way, the show acted as a kind of bridge between the scientific community and the general public, helping people to understand the significance of these discoveries and how they might impact our future.

One of the standout episodes of The Universe was "Death Stars," which explored the fascinating and terrifying phenomenon of black holes. Through interviews with leading scientists and stunning CGI animations, the episode explained what black holes are, how they form, and the ways in which they impact the universe. The episode also examined the possibility of using black holes as a source of energy and the risks that would entail.

Another standout episode was "Life and Death on the Red Planet," which explored the possibility of life on Mars. With the help of experts in astrobiology and planetary science, the episode examined the conditions necessary for life to exist on the red planet and the ways in which humans might be able to colonize it in the future. The episode also addressed the ethical and moral implications of terraforming a planet for our own use.

Overall, The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved was an engrossing and educational show that successfully blended science, history, and mythology. Through its engaging and informative approach, the show helped viewers to better understand some of the most fascinating and mysterious aspects of the universe. Whether you're a die-hard science enthusiast or just someone with a passing interest in the cosmos, The Universe is well worth a watch.

The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved is a series that is currently running and has 9 seasons (88 episodes). The series first aired on May 29, 2007.

Where to Watch The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved

The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved is available for streaming on the H2 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved on demand at Apple TV.