‎The Origin and Evolution of Earth: From the Big Bang to the Future of Human Existence - Apple TV

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In 48 lectures by Professor Robert M. Hazen, the noted scientist who pioneered the study of mineral evolution, you follow events from the big bang to the formation of Earth to the many twists and turns in our planet’s evolution. In a course suitable for scientists and nonscientists alike, Professor Hazen recounts Earth’s story through the unique lens of mineral evolution.

Documentary · 2013 · 38 min

Starring Robert Hazen

EPISODE 1

Mineralogy and a New View of Earth

Begin your study of Earth's history by voyaging backward in time, seeing how each crucial stage in the evolution of our planet depended on what came before. Preview the surprising role played by minerals, which coevolved with life-a link that provides a revolutionary new way of understanding Earth.

38 min · Nov 15, 2013
EPISODE 2

Origin and Evolution of the Early Universe

Earth has existed for only a third of the history of the universe. What happened before our planet formed? Journey back to the big bang, learning how fundamental forces and particles froze out of a homogeneous state in the initial moments of cosmic evolution.

31 min · Nov 15, 2013
EPISODE 3

Origins of the Elements—Nucleosynthesis

Discover how simple atoms of hydrogen and helium make stars, and how stars manufacture all other naturally occurring elements through processes including titanic supernova explosions. Called nucleosynthesis, this remarkable mechanism is responsible for the chemical richness that made Earth possible.

33 min · Nov 15, 2013
EPISODE 4

Ur-Minerals, First Crystals in the Cosmos

Trace the origin of minerals and discover a surprising candidate for the first crystal forged in the cauldron of dying stars. Then follow the processes that created other early minerals, which survive in their original form in microscopic presolar dust grains in interplanetary space.

32 min · Nov 15, 2013
EPISODE 5

Presolar Dust Grains—Chemistry Begins

Unravel the story told in "presolar" grains of dust formed by stars very different from our sun. These are the earliest building blocks of our own solar system. Learn how scientists identify these microscopic particles, which often contain diamond crystals. Also see how the field of cosmochemistry is revolutionizing the study of minerals.

32 min · Nov 15, 2013
EPISODE 6

Coming to Grips with Deep Time

Plunge into deep time-the vast period that reaches back to Earth's beginning. Professor Hazen walks you through a memorable analogy that orients you along this sea of ceaseless change. Also explore the techniques that allow scientists to date rocks and other materials with astonishing precision.

29 min · Nov 15, 2013

Robert Hazen

Host