Secrets of Size: Atoms to Supergalaxies

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Jim Al-Khalili explores the vast range of size in the universe, from atoms to galaxies.

In this mind-bending series, Jim Al-Khalili explores the vast range of size in the universe, from tiny atoms to gigantic, interconnected galaxies.

Series 1

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Jim Al-Khalili

Paul Sen

Andrew Smith

Secrets of Size: Atoms to Supergalaxies: Series 1: Going Big

Going Small

Going Big

BBC Four - Secrets of Size: Atoms to Supergalaxies, Series 1, Going Big

From our world to the edge of space, Jim Al-Khalili explores the vastness of the cosmos.

In this mind-bending film, Jim Al-Khalili explores the universe at its largest, from our solar system up to giant networks of interconnected galaxies.

In the concluding episode of the series, Jim encounters ever larger cosmic structures to reveal the latest breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe. For example, there’s the heliosphere, a vast cloud of solar plasma that surrounds and protects the solar system. Its unique physics help us understand why life is possible. Larger still, Jim comes face to face with our galactic home the Milky Way, a monstrous structure sculpted by the gravitational forces of dark matter. Jim finds out from pioneering researcher Adrian Fabian about the black hole at its centre, whose strange behaviour includes emitting the lowest note that can be heard in the cosmos.

At an even greater scale, Jim encounters huge structures such as the Laniakea Supercluster, of which the Milky Way is only a tiny part. Then there’s 'the giant arc', a collection of galaxies that account for more than three per cent of the observable universe. Jim learns from its discoverer, British PhD student Alexia Lopez, that this gargantuan structure is forcing scientists to reassess their theory of how the universe evolves and may overturn some of the most fundamental principles in physics.

Secrets of Size: Atoms to Supergalaxies: Series 1

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In this mind-bending series, Jim Al-Khalili explores the vast range of size in the universe, from tiny atoms to gigantic interconnected galaxies.

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Secrets of Size: Atoms to Supergalaxies

Series 1

Going Big

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