James May's Things You Need to Know

The Top Gear presenter investigates the science of speed, revealing the fastest way to travel around the world. He also shows how to safely dodge a hurricane and explains why the Moon does not fall out of the sky in reality.

The episode titled “Speed” is a programme that falls under the genre of an episode‑type broadcast. It follows the familiar format of a Top Gear feature, with the show’s presenter taking the lead in a concise, focused segment. In this installment the presenter turns his attention to the science behind velocity. He breaks down the most efficient route for circumnavigating the globe, offering a clear explanation of why that particular path beats all others in terms of speed. He then moves on to a practical survival tip – the method for steering clear of a hurricane’s destructive core, outlining the key steps that can keep you out of its way. The episode also tackles a seemingly unrelated question: why the moon stays aloft instead of plummeting to Earth. By examining the forces at play, the presenter clarifies the balance that keeps the lunar body in a stable orbit. Throughout, the programme sticks to factual, straightforward explanations, keeping the tone conversational and accessible while remaining firmly rooted in the scientific principles that govern motion, weather systems and orbital mechanics.