What on Earth?

Experts scrutinise images taken by satellites orbiting the Earth, using the high‑resolution data to explore remote locations. Their analysis includes a ship stranded on an island that time forgot and a mysterious Russian military compound, both captured in the same satellite passes, highlighting the breadth of the programme's investigative scope.

The series follows a team of specialists who scrutinise photographs taken from satellites circling the planet. Each episode sees them poring over high‑resolution images, using the data to shed light on remote or hidden places. It's a format that blends technology with on‑the‑ground curiosity, offering viewers a close‑up look at what the eye in space can reveal. In this particular instalment, the focus turns to two striking subjects captured from orbit. The first is a vessel that has run aground on an isolated island, a place described as having been forgotten by time. The second is a concealed Russian military installation, its purpose and layout shrouded in mystery. The experts dissect the satellite shots of the stranded ship, analysing its position, condition and surrounding terrain. By comparing successive images, they trace how the wreck has weathered the elements and consider why the island remains so remote. Their discussion highlights how a single photograph can open a window onto a forgotten story. Attention then shifts to the Russian compound, where the analysts examine the layout and any observable activity. The imagery provides clues about the site's scale and possible functions, prompting speculation grounded in the visual evidence. Throughout, the programme demonstrates how satellite surveillance can bring hidden locations into public view without ever setting foot on them.