Episode 3

Image for Episode 3Not currently available on BBC iPlayer

Stargazing LIVE, Series 3 Episode 5 of 6

Duration: 59 minutes

On the final night of their astronomical adventure, Brian and Dara discuss meteors, comets and asteroids and reveal how studying them reveals information about the origins of life on Earth. Meanwhile, Liz Bonnin meets the NASA team tasked with tracking any space objects on a collision course with Earth. The results of the experiment carried out by the Stargazing viewers - to explore an uncharted area on the surface of Mars - are also revealed.

  • How do telescopes work?

    Graphic showing how a refractor telescope works

    Do you know the differences between refractor, reflector and radio telescopes?

    Find out about the principles behind each in this illustrated guide.

  • Astro audio slideshow

    Half moon
    Astronomer Mark Thompson handpicks his favourite space pictures from the Stargazing Live Flickr group.

    Watch on BBC Science

  • Follow @BBCStargazing

    K-9 and Matt Irvine
    News, event details and behind-the-scene photos from the Stargazing LIVE production team. 

    Follow @BBCStargazing on Twitter

Credits

Series Producer
Alan Holland
Presenter
Brian Cox
Presenter
Dara O Briain
Presenter
Mark Thompson
Reporter
Liz Bonnin
Executive Producer
Helen Thomas

Broadcasts

Take a 60-second adventure with The Open University

OU on the BBC: Stargazing LIVE

Watch the OU's 60-Second Adventures in Astronomy videos voiced by David Mitchell

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