Wonders of the Solar System

This series, describing and explaining some of the extraordinary discoveries made in astronomy and our explorations of the solar system as well as our own world, ranks as one of the most entertaining and informative series of programmes I've seen in a long life of watching too much television.

While some of the images are repeated too often to maintain their initial impact, the visuals are stunning and generally essential to the narrative. The presenter, Brian Cox and most of the other contributors manage to demonstrate and explain the physics, chemistry and biology in ways that are both very rich and elegantly simple. The overall result is the sense of wonder that is promised in the title.

The most impressive feature of the series is the way that the strands are woven together, keeping life at the focus of a journey through awesome reaches of space and time. These are essentially wonders for everyone, not just physics professors. The production's faith in the intelligence of its audience is matched by the deep understanding of the subject that underlies the apparently effortless presentation.

This series is the antidote to the many formulaic, sensationalist and half baked documentaries that are increasingly dominating the schedules.

Continues a fantastic tradition in the making of science documentaries. Yes, I'm talking about the grand tradition of making science film documentaries with ever-increasing narcissism. Brian Cox has made a remarkable series of videos. About himself and about the universe as well. He's on a grand mission to teach humanity about the wonders of .. every zit on his face. In some of the scenes, his face literally covers the entire screen, for several minutes. Now, imagine watching that on IMAX! If he could please get even closer to the camera, we could perhaps see the individual cells in his skin, and the visuals could perhaps get more scientific that way!

Having said all that, I'd still watch this over "Last Man Standing" any day, hence the 9 stars.

What's with everyone bashing Dr.Cox? I think he's fascinating. He explains complex subjects in simple ways, and is obviously passionate about what he's doing. He speaks clearly, and I feel like he pauses just long enough for you to absorb the information before he moves on. I have to say though, sometimes it's difficult to absorb the information because I'm distracted by how darn handsome he is! That man makes science sexy. ;-)

The places he visits are amazing. It's very interesting to get to see (and learn about) these different places while also learning about the solar system. I loved the part about Aurora Borealis. But my favorite parts are when he makes models (of different things like Saturn's rings and moons) with ordinary items like rocks and sand, and then explains it so well that it seems that those rocks and sand are the absolute perfect tools for explaining whatever complex thing he's talking about.

This show legitimately changed my life when I first watched it. I finally understood what the point of physics lessons at school were. But more than that, it set a fire within me to learn more, not just about astronomy but about all science. I became interested in biology, history, culture, psychology all because I'd watched this series. After watching it I realised the enormous gaps in my knowledge about how the world and the universe work. Although I know I will never completely fill those gaps, trying to do so gives my life purpose and brings me no end of pleasure.

Brain Cox is a wonderful science presenter who makes it easy to grasp the basics of very complex ideas. The visuals are gorgeous and the soundtrack is a perfect match for them. I can't thank the BBC enough for creating this series.

Many reviewers I believe are entirely missing the point of this documentary series, people complain about the lack of complexity and detail. It is very clear that Brian has an immense passion for what he is talking about and wishes to share that passion, to show those who had no prior interest in science what it is all about.

If you are looking for an array of fun little facts about the solar system then this isn't for you, I can recommend "The Universe" documentary series for that. If you are already a fan of science and enjoy watching other similar documentaries then chances are you won't learn a great deal, but again that isn't the point.

Brian is trying to show that there is more to science than learning facts and is attempting to illustrate the wonderous side of science. Many it seems are utterly unable to handle anything that isn't loaded with CGI and facts. But for those who can enjoy a humble and passionate series presented by a humble and passionate presenter, I would recommend this series to.

Granted Brian Cox is no Carl Sagan and this series is no 'Cosmos' it can definitely do what it sets out to do which is to inspire those capable of holding a child-like sense of wonder and a passion for deeper thinking.

This series will encourage the curious minds to think deeper about things and won't attempt to overload you by repeatedly shouting interesting space facts at you.