Starless World

Starless World

Author: BBC Radio 4 November 27, 2024 Duration: 42:25

Brian Cox and Robin Ince consider how different our understanding of the universe would be without the stars. They are joined by Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Roberto Trotta and comedian John Bishop who illuminate all that we have learnt from the stars and how different life would be without them.

Every culture has looked up at the night sky, but why are we so drawn to the pin pricks of light in the sky above us all and how have they helped shape human civilisation? Roberto Trotta takes us back to the origins of astronomy, to women who he believes were the first astronomers, linking the orbital period of the moon with the length of the menstrual cycle. We continue the historical journey, through the astronomical greats, Galileo, Copernicus and Kepler, who all in part owe their scientific discoveries to the stars. Our panel marvel at how we, an infinitesimally small part of the universe, are able to look up at the stars and comprehend what is beyond and how this stargazing has profoundly shaped our sense of selves as well as underpinned science as we know it.

Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem Researcher: Olivia Jani

BBC Studios Audio production


Imagine a room where the biggest questions in the universe meet the sharpest, silliest wit. That’s the essence of The Infinite Monkey Cage, a BBC Radio 4 production hosted by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince. Each episode gathers a panel of leading scientists, experts, and curious celebrities to tear apart a topic, from quantum quirks to cosmic mysteries. The conversation is a genuine collision of rigorous thought and irreverent humor, where a profound insight about black holes might be followed by a perfectly timed joke. You’ll hear complex ideas explored with clarity and a sense of shared wonder, never taking the science-or themselves-too seriously. This particular podcast thrives on that dynamic tension, making the frontiers of knowledge feel like a lively, accessible, and often hilarious dinner party debate. It’s a journey through the latest discoveries and enduring puzzles, all filtered through the unique perspectives of people who are genuinely thrilled to be asking "why?" Tune in for a consistently surprising and enlightening blend of intellect and laughter that proves exploring life, the universe, and everything doesn't require a solemn face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Infinite Monkey Cage
Podcast Episodes
Jo Brand's Quantum World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:16
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are subject to a non-hostile takeover by comedian and non-physicist Jo Brand, as she challenges the panel to help her understand the almost unbelievable world of cheeky particles who may or may n…
Hollywood in Space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:23
Brian Cox and Robin Ince put Hollywood under the microscope to unpick the science fact v science fiction of some of the biggest movies set in space. They are joined by a truly out of this world panel of space experts inc…
The Scale of Life (or were dinosaurs just too big?) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:22
Brian and Robin are joined by palaeontologist Dr Susie Maidment, evolutionary biologist Dr Tori Herridge and comedian Dave Gorman to pitch giant creatures against tiny creatures in their bid to avoid extinction. They exp…
How I is AI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
Brian and Robin (the real ones) are joined by mathematician Prof Hannah Fry, compute scientist Dr Kate Devlin and comedian Rufus Hound to discuss the pros and cons of AI. Just how intelligent is the most intelligent AI?…
The Science of Coincidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:30
Are some people just lucky? Is there any scientific formula behind coincidences? Is randomness the norm? Brian and Robin team up with comedian Sophie Duker, mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy and statistician David Spiegelha…
Octopuses! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:54
If Aliens really are amongst us, the most likely candidates may not be little green men, but living in plain sight, just below our ocean waves, in the form of the mysterious and awe-inspiringly clever Octopus. Scientists…
The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Audience Favourites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:58
There’s no shortage of surprising science in The Infinite Monkey Cage and this episode is dedicated to you, the audience, as we hear some of your favourite clips from the past 14 years of the show. Palaeontologist Susie…
The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Infinity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:10
Endless inflation seems to be everywhere at the moment, including on this episode examining the nature of infinity. Brian and Robin dive through the back catalogue to discover there might be no limit to the number of par…
The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Being Human [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:54
Brian Cox and Robin Ince consider the quirks that make human beings unique and check in with experts from The Infinite Monkey Cage back catalogue. Prof Alice Roberts explains that our ancestors interbred with Neanderthal…
The Infinite Monkey’s Guide to... Oceans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
If there’s any doubt that the deep sea is as exciting to explore as the moon or Mars, this episode puts the question to rest, as Robin and Brian wade through the back catalogue to learn all about the ocean. Professor Llo…