Photo: History channel
Did you know Napoleon literally came undone in Russia because of the humble button?
Did you know that you carry the legacy of the Titanic every day in your pocket? Every call made with a mobile phone uses radio wave lanes, assigned after the Titanic’s telegraph rescue calls went unanswered.
The programme “Big History” puts a sci-fi spin on history, linking iconic events to our daily lives.
When you take out your mobile phone to make a call, you are also connected to explosions from the Big Bang that created tantalum, a rare and mysterious element used in every phone. Without this, the phone you carry in your pocket would have to be
12 times bigger!
To find out more interesting quirks of history and modern-day science that impact us, tune in to “Big History”.
Every episode is a recount of one great story in a whole new way, by shattering the wall between history and science.
This is also part of an emerging movement in academics, championed by innovators such as Bill Gates.
These are some of the upcoming episodes.
Episode 11: Pocket Time Machine
Premieres 29 Apr, 8pm
How in the world would a mobile phone that’s in your pocket be linked to the Big Bang, the evolution of human memory, and even the Titanic disaster?
“Big History” reveals how cosmic forces conspired to give us the tool that has revolutionised the planet.
Episode 12: Deadly Meteors
Premieres 29 Apr, 8.30pm
A series of impacts from space have created our planet and just about everything in it. Like celestial supply ships, these meteors have brought in water, metal, and possible even life.
However, will they snuff it all out in a fiery burst of destruction?
Episode 13: Decoded
Premieres 6 May, 8pm
DNA, the code of life, is the operating system for all organisms. Now, we’ve created an entire digital universe built on binary code.
Is it possible that the universe itself runs on code?
Episode 14: Silver Supernova
Premieres 6 May, 8.30pm
“Big History” uncovers how the heat from bursting stars transplanted silver’s place in our minds, how this one metal also saved democracy, gave us the dollar, and had a secret power to connect the world.
Find out an intriguing historical and scientific quirk each week.
New episodes of “Big History” premiere each Tuesday, at 8pm & 8.30pm, on History, StarHub TV Ch 401.
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