FROM THE EDITOR
Could I really land a plane in an emergency? �p84
CONTRIBUTORS
CONTRIBUTORS
S M A R T
, K Y L E
X 2
I M A G E S
, G E T T Y
I R O D G E R S / B B C
L E V
: Z A C H
PA G E
I S
T H
P O T T S
: A N D Y
C O V E R
Since the first confirmed detection of exoplanets in 1992, astronomers around the world have identified thousands of other solar systems scattered throughout space.
The thing is, very few of them look like the Solar System we call home. Some have two stars instead of one at their centres, while others have planets orbiting their stars so closely that any ‘rain’ falls in the form of liquid metal.
A terrifying thought.
Our Solar System is classed as an ‘ordered’ system, meaning that, generally, the planets increase in mass the further out f rom the Sun they are. Very few other systems follow this model. In fact, fewer than two per cent of the systems that we know about do. That alone is enough to make ours special, before we even get on to the subject of life.
So, how did this all happen? The origin story of our Solar System – and, by extension, us – are questions that have occupied the minds of scientists and philosophers for generations. But with every new mission, we’re getting closer to answering them. That quest for answers is the theme of Prof Brian Cox’s new BBC Two series, Solar System. Across the five episodes, he looks at where we are in the story of our origin, as well as the spacecraft, due to launch soon, which will hopefully give us insights into the next chapters.
Maybe, in those chapters, we’ll get closer to finding out if Earth really is unique, or if it’s just one of many planets that provides a home to intelligent life. Read more about the making of Prof Cox’s new series, and the origin story of the Solar System, starting on p66.
Daniel Bennett, Editor
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ON THE BBC THIS MONTH...
Curious Cases: Bubbles The Curious Ca ses team t akes a f un look at the science of bubbles. What role do they play in the ocean, how do they work in space and could you really make one lar ge enough to wrap around the entire planet? Listen now on BBC Sounds
Solar System In this new f ive-par t series , Prof Brian Cox t akes us on a tour of the Solar Sys tem, f rom the volcanoes on Venus to the f r igid nitrogen glacier s of Pluto. Watch on BBC iPlayer
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DR EMMA BECKETT Olive oil is celebrated for it s hea l t h-gi v ing proper t ie s . But could the water lef tover from it s production be just as good for us? Food scientist Emma gives us the lowdown. ->p32
PROF BILL MCGUIRE The planet is worryingly close to breaching several climate tipping points, but one of them worries climate scientists like Bill a lot more than others. ->p76
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