How the Universe Works

Throughout its history the planet has endured a succession of cosmic catastrophes, each shaping the course of human evolution and leaving lasting impacts on the biosphere. In this programme, specialists investigate just how narrowly Earth has escaped total annihilation over the ages.

Dark History of Earth is a television programme presented as an episode within its series. It falls under the genre of documentary‑style programming, focusing on the planet’s distant past and the forces that have shaped it. The show is structured to give viewers a concise yet informative look at pivotal moments in Earth’s timeline. The episode outlines how the planet’s history has been punctuated by a succession of cosmic catastrophes. Each disaster, from massive impacts to extreme climatic shifts, has left an imprint on the development of life, ultimately steering the course of human evolution. By tracing these events, the programme highlights the direct link between celestial upheavals and the emergence of our species. Specialist commentators and scientists are brought in to assess just how narrowly the Earth has avoided total ruin. They discuss the scale of each calamity and the thin margin that separated survival from extinction. Their analysis underscores the fragility of the planet’s habitability in the face of forces beyond human control. In summarising the episode, the series conveys a clear message: Earth’s survival has repeatedly hung in the balance, and understanding those close calls offers insight into the precarious nature of our own existence. The programme therefore provides a factual overview of the planet’s turbulent past without venturing beyond the documented events.