The Universe is an American documentary television series produced by Flight 33 Productions and Workaholic Productions for The History Channel which outlines how humans have explored the universe, and scrutinises the discoveries they have made.
The series premiered in the USA on The History Channel 29 May, 2007. There are 32 hour-long episodes in two seasons to date.
The first season of The Universe aired in South Africa on DStv's The History Channel from 7 November, 2007 to 6 February, 2008, on Wednesdays at 20h30. There are 14 episodes in the first season.
Season 2 premiered on History on Friday 4 July 2008, at 20h30. There are 18 episodes in the second season.
Repeats
Saturdays: 08h30, 14h30
Synopsis
From the planets to the stars and out to the edge of the unknown, history and science collide in this epic exploration of the Universe and its mysteries.
It's a very old universe. Yet just 50 years since man first ventured into outer space, the heavens are yielding their greatest secrets.
Robotic rovers give us eyes on the red rock of Mars - NASA probes slam into comets at hyper speed - deep-space telescopes capture violent images of the birth of stars and their collapse into black holes.
All have significantly changed the way we see ourselves. We wonder, is there anywhere else out there that that can support life?
Using cutting-edge computer graphics, this series brings the universe down to earth to show what life would be like on other planets, and to imagine what kind of life forms might evolve in alien atmospheres.
Episodes examine how discoveries were made and the scientists and explorers who dared to venture into the uncharted territory of the universe.
Does life exist on other planets? How did life evolve on Earth? What will life look like on other planets? These and other pertinent questions will be answered.