How the Universe Works

Nightmares of Neutron Stars is a one‑hour science‑fiction documentary episode that first aired on BBC Four last month. It’s fronted by astrophysicist Dr Amelia Hart, with voice‑over narration by veteran presenter Michael “Mick” Davies. Think of it as a cross between a modern “Cosmos” episode and the more dramatic “The Expanse” – the premise is simple, the execution is a bit ambitious. The episode walks you through the latest research suggesting that neutron stars aren’t just dead, dense remnants but could actually unleash enough energy to shred whole planets and even destabilise neighbouring stars. Hart and Davies interview a handful of leading scientists, dramatise a few “what‑if” scenarios with CGI, and even stage a mock‑up of a planet caught in a star‑crushing tidal wave. No spoilers, but you’ll get a decent taste of how a super‑magnetised pulsar could turn a quiet solar system into a cosmic demolition site. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The concept is brilliant and the interviews are genuinely fascinating – you’ll learn more about magnetars than you ever did in school. On the flip side, the CGI looks a bit ropy by today’s standards and the pacing drags halfway through the dramatised bits. If you’re into hard‑science speculation, it’s worth a watch; if you expect slick Hollywood‑level visuals, temper your expectations. It feels dated in places, but the enthusiasm of the presenters keeps it surprisingly good. Rated PG for some intense visual effects and a few moments of cosmic destruction that might unsettle younger viewers. First terrestrial showing, not a remake, though it echoes the tone of the late‑90s “Space Odyssey” series. Run time is 58 minutes, so you can slot it in after dinner without a huge commitment. Fair warning: the scientific jargon spikes a bit, so a quick Google search might help if you’re not a regular stargazer.