Lightning is almost as old as the planet, yet little about it is understood. This programme looks at its cause and effect.
International news.
Followed by Weather
10/13. All
Smith, author of the Booker shortlisted Hotel World, talks about life and death to Martha Kearney.
1/4. Simon Schaffer starts an exploration into humanity's fascination for light with a history of the early pioneers, from the Ancient Greeks and the Arabs to Descartes and Newton.
BBCi: explore light through the night sky by pressing the red button on the handset
8/10. Scientist and comedian Timandra Harkness and former Radio Times contributor Quentin Cooper join the quiz. With
Marcus du Sautoy, Kathy Sykes and Michael Rosen.
When George-Michael is rejected by a private school due to the family's reputation, Michael hires a publicist to change the public perception of the Bluths.
4/6. A profile of Thomas Paine whose book The Rights of Man helped inspire the American War of Independence.
A harrowing film from China following the bleak existence of the Ma family. Along with 30 per cent of their village they are infected with HIV after selling their blood in the 90s.
