Cosmic Journeys

Compiling 16 instructional documentaries from writer-director Thomas Lucas—whose films on science and natural history have appeared on PBS and the Discovery Channel—Cosmic Journeys addresses various subjects related to our understanding of the cosmos, using a medley of computer graphics, archival footage, and occasional clips from movies and TV programs to illustrate points. Topics range from the general—the nature of anti-matter, the extent of the universe, the meaning of time—to the relatively specific in individual episodes dealing with the sun, the moon, Venus, Mars, and Saturn. The phenomenon of black holes takes up two installments, while a third is devoted to the search for planets apart from Earth that could support life. Well researched and skillfully presented, the episodes here successfully convey even the most esoteric material in an approachable style, and will not only serve nicely in middle and high school science classes, but also appeal to NOVA viewers. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (F. Swietek)