Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Podcasts

Factual: Science & Nature

Comedy

Entertainment

Comedy: Chat

Brian Cox and Robin Ince host an irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes.

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 17

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 17: Episode 1: When Two Stars Collide

Documentaries

Episode 1

Episode 1: When Two Stars Collide

Series 17

When Two Stars Collide

BBC Radio 4 - The Infinite Monkey Cage, Series 17, When Two Stars Collide

Brian Cox and Robin Ince and guests including Dara O'Briain look at gravitational waves.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Dara O Briain, Prof Sheila Rowan and Prof Nils Andersson to look at 2017's spectacular discovery of gravitational waves.

When Two Stars Collide

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Dara O'Briain, Professor Sheila Rowan of Glasgow University and Professor Nils Andersson of Southampton University to look at last summer's spectacular discovery of gravitational waves from two colliding neutron stars. The observation of this huge cosmic event not only confirmed one of Einstein's great predictions, some 100 years ago, but also revealed the source of gold in our universe. Brian, Robin and guests look at how this momentous discovery brought together nearly 1/3 of the world's astronomers and astrophysicists as they raced to point their telescopes at the collision, but also confirmed the presence of gravitational waves, first predicted in Einstein's theory of general relativity back in 1915. They also discover why the source of our heavier elements such as gold and platinum has been so difficult to prove, until now.
Producer: Alexandra Feachem

The Infinite Monkey Cage book "How to Build A Universe (Part 1)" is out now and available to buy from all the usual places.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present the show that mixes science and comedy.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Series 17

Episode 1: When Two Stars Collide

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4