Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Scientific docuseries with a human touch inspires curiosity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Secrets of the Solar System
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SECRETS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM is an eight-part documentary series that takes viewers on a visual tour of our solar system, from the heart of the sun all the way to the icy isolation of the former planet Pluto. Narrated by theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili, each episode focuses on the mysteries of one of our celestial neighbors, as well as the scientific missions undertaken by humanity to solve those mysteries. This includes everything from the life and death of the Opportunity Mars rover to the crash landing of the Rosetta space probe on the Churyumov–Gerasimenko comet and the 2018 launch of the Parker Solar Probe, the first NASA craft to be named after a living person. The series explores these historic moments in space exploration by using a combination of archival and never-before-seen footage from the NASA vaults along with interviews with the people directly involved. These tales show not only the wonders the universe has to offer, but also the curiosity and determination of the people seeking out those wonders.
Is It Any Good?
It's easy to forget sometimes that, behind every scientific discovery throughout history, there were people seeking to answer the questions of the universe; this docuseries helps change all of that. Secrets of the Solar System doesn't simply focus on the interesting scientific facts about the various stops on its interplanetary tour; it goes behind the scenes and details the historic missions developed to research those discoveries. Viewers gain a better understanding of the wonders of the universe, as well as the wonders of the human spirit.
Secrets of the Solar System doesn't just tell viewers about how the sun propels its solar winds through space, but shares the story of Eugene Parker, the solar astrophysicist who initially came up with the theory, only to be rejected at the time by his peers. Then, after his work was verified and accepted, how it changed the way we look at space forever. The story culminates with a scene of Parker watching the 2018 launch of a solar probe bearing his name. It's just one of many emotional moments the series injects into its scientific information. And it's these moments, in seeing the passion and heartache on the faces and in the voices of the people behind these missions, that viewers are reminded of the human element that comes with knowledge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about space and exploration. How important is it for us to continue to study the universe that exists outside of our own planet? What are some ways that learning about other planets, asteroids, etc., could benefit life on Earth?
Talk about inspiration and dedication. What are some of the traits that drove scientists to explore our solar system and beyond? How much effort, teamwork, and perseverance did it take to see each of these scientific missions through from inception to completion?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 13, 2020
- Cast : Jim Al-Khalili
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : STEM , History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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