The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
Malcom Longair: Origins
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are annual lectures by the Royal Institution presenting scientific subjects the general public in an entertaining manner (since 1825), this series has been broadcast by BBC four since 2010.
Where to Watch The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures • Malcom Longair: Origins
5 Episodes
- The Birth of the StarsE2
The Birth of the StarsMost of the visible light in the universe is starlight. What are stars? How are they born? How do they generate their immense energy? How do they fade and die? Professor Malcolm Longair probes deep into the regions where stars are forming, and examines their birth and violent death. - The Origin of QuasarsE3
The Origin of QuasarsAfter the Second World War, the development of radio astronomy led to the discovery of Quasars, the nuclei of galaxies that generate such immense luminosities. The 60s and 70s led to the revelation of pulsars and black holes, potentially the most powerful sources of energy in the Universe. Professor Malcolm Longair explores what is known about these remarkable phenomena. - The Origin of GalaxiesE4
The Origin of GalaxiesAstronomers believe that they understand the great cosmic cycle of the birth, life and death of stars. But Professor Malcolm Longair, Astronomer Royal of Scotland, explains that some great questions remain: how did the great gas clouds from which stars may form come about? - The Origin of the UniverseE5
The Origin of the UniverseProfessor Malcolm Longair leaves the biggest problem of the lot to his last lecture. In his explanation of some of the most puzzling aspects of the structure of the universe, he illustrates how modern particle physics - the pursuit of the very small - is providing some remarkable new theories to explain the evolution of the very large.