What do we gain when we gaze at the stars? How has cosmology shaped our politics? Why take the celestial seriously? And why is awe a feeling that we can’t afford to lose? Acclaimed science writer Jo Marchant takes Niki Seth-Smith on a dazzling and surprise-filled journey through the history of science, mythology and our view of the night sky. For fans of Brian Cox, Carlo Rovelli, Robert Macfarlane and Gaia Vince.

Hosts: Niki Seth-Smith and Samira Shackle
Producer: Alice Bloch
Music: Danosongs
Sound Engineer: David Crackles

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Further reading:

‘The Human Cosmos: A Secret History of the Stars’ (2020) Jo Marchant

‘Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body’ (2016) Jo Marchant

‘The Order of Time’ (2017) Carlo Rovelli

‘They Didn’t Come From Outer Space’ (2013) James Gray, New Humanist Magazine