Bizarrely, this series shown on Discovery Science is not too well-praised round here, yet it seems remarkably blameless and in fact highly virtuous and educational. It is true that there are moments when it seems to be heading into, say, "Ancient Aliens" territory, by emphasising mysteries associated with features to be noted in satellite imagery. And while it may seem a little unfair or even (looking back on it) ridiculous for the series to speculate in various directions about things whose explanations are in fact known, this offers a very nice and interesting and realistic encapsulation of the scientific process.
With the help of a wide range of personable "talking head" experts, we focus in on various images that satellites catch sight of, mostly also with field trips (ultimately) taken to give us resolution on the ground. In the meantime, various possibilities are speculated on by people who seem to be earnest in making their proposals, even if it may perhaps be that they know what the true situation is.
Maybe that seems phoney, but the result is for adults and kids alike to pass through the process scientists do indeed use as they try to elucidate new phenomena, for example applying Occam's Razor to remove the crazier ideas from their list of possibilities. Logic and experience are also deployed to give most likely or "balance of probabilities" answers.
As NOT all the mysteries are resolved fully, the above approach is justified. But even where explanations are known, the simulation of the speculative approach is hugely valuable as it encourages real thinking, as opposed to the mute acceptance of spoon-fed answers. The fact that we take between 5 and 10 minutes to come to a conclusion in each case offers priceless time for viewers to think for themselves - it's a simply inspired formula!!!
What is more, it is typical for us to again and again come up against the beauty of our planet in this series, and cases of its being at one and the same time fragile and resilient. These are again extremely worthwhile messages.
There are therefore huge and genuine insights to be had here, into history, geology, climatology, natural history, the oceans and so on, and the more I watch, the more I enjoy...
With the help of a wide range of personable "talking head" experts, we focus in on various images that satellites catch sight of, mostly also with field trips (ultimately) taken to give us resolution on the ground. In the meantime, various possibilities are speculated on by people who seem to be earnest in making their proposals, even if it may perhaps be that they know what the true situation is.
Maybe that seems phoney, but the result is for adults and kids alike to pass through the process scientists do indeed use as they try to elucidate new phenomena, for example applying Occam's Razor to remove the crazier ideas from their list of possibilities. Logic and experience are also deployed to give most likely or "balance of probabilities" answers.
As NOT all the mysteries are resolved fully, the above approach is justified. But even where explanations are known, the simulation of the speculative approach is hugely valuable as it encourages real thinking, as opposed to the mute acceptance of spoon-fed answers. The fact that we take between 5 and 10 minutes to come to a conclusion in each case offers priceless time for viewers to think for themselves - it's a simply inspired formula!!!
What is more, it is typical for us to again and again come up against the beauty of our planet in this series, and cases of its being at one and the same time fragile and resilient. These are again extremely worthwhile messages.
There are therefore huge and genuine insights to be had here, into history, geology, climatology, natural history, the oceans and so on, and the more I watch, the more I enjoy...