The Planets

Brian Cox explores how the four planets closest to the Sun - Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars - battled the unbelievable violence of the early solar system.

For millions of years, Mars enjoyed oceans blanketed by a thick atmosphere and a temperate climate. At the same moment, our beloved blue planet was toxic to life.

Jupiter alone witnessed the birth of the Sun and, ever since, its immense gravity has shaped the destiny of the other planets.