Jo Marchant
The Human Cosmos
Join us for a fascinating event in which bestselling author Jo Marchant explores the subject of her acclaimed new book, humanity’s intimate relationship with the heavens.
For most of human history, humans have led not just an earthly existence but a cosmic one. Celestial cycles drove every aspect of our daily lives. Our innate relationship with the stars shaped who we are – our religious beliefs, power structures, scientific advances and even our biology. But over the last few centuries we have separated ourselves from the universe that surrounds us. And that disconnect comes at a cost.
In The Human Cosmos, we travel to the Hall of the Bulls in Lascaux and witness the winter solstice at a 5,000-year-old tomb at Newgrange. We visit medieval monks grappling with the nature of time and Tahitian sailors navigating by the stars. We discover how light reveals the chemical composition of the sun, and we are with Einstein as he works out that space and time are one and the same. A four-billion-year-old meteor inspires a search for extra-terrestrial life. And we discover why stargazing can be really, really good for us.
Jo Marchant is a New York Times-bestselling author and speaker. Her writing explores the nature of humanity and our universe, from the mind-body connection to the mysteries of past civilisations and the awesome power of the night sky.
How do online events work?
Adults & young people
Unless otherwise indicated, you can watch events on our website homepage (or on the event page in the programme), or on our YouTube channel. We'll send you further information nearer the time.
During the event, you can ask a question by using the box on the homepage, or in the chat box on YouTube (you'll need a google account for the latter).
Children
Unless otherwise indicated, Children's events will be streaming to the Big Wig Facebook page.
If the event is free do I need to sign up?
No. You can go to our website or YouTube channel and watch most events without registering. However, it’s still worth signing up as you will be sent a link to the event and a reminder 30 minutes beforehand.
Catch up
Many of the events will be available on catch up.
Buy the book
Browse our festival bookshop, which has titles from nearly every event in the programme.