Quick Summary
The documentary turns its focus to quasars, exploring the powerful celestial phenomena that dominate the cosmos. It explains the role these objects likely played in the creation of the universe, shedding light on their formative influence. Finally, it describes how quasars are expected to contribute to the universe’s eventual destruction.
About This Program ✦
The Quasar Enigma is a documentary‑style episode that centres its attention on one of the most powerful phenomena in the cosmos – quasars. As a programme classified under the genre of documentary, it sets out to examine these distant, energetic objects and their place in the broader story of the universe. In the core of the episode, the narrative pivots to a detailed look at quasars, outlining the way they are thought to have influenced the early development of the universe. The film explains that, according to current scientific thinking, these luminous beacons likely played a crucial part in the processes that gave rise to the cosmos as we know it. The documentary then moves forward to consider the opposite end of the cosmic timeline, describing how the same quasars may eventually contribute to the universe’s ultimate demise. It presents the idea that the energy and dynamics associated with quasars could become a factor in the long‑term destruction of the cosmic order. By linking the formative influence of quasars with their potential role in the universe’s eventual end, the programme offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of how these extraordinary objects are woven into both the birth and the possible destruction of everything around us.
How the Universe Works broadcasts on Discovery Science at 3:00am, Tuesday, 10 February 2026. (Subtitles)



