Tony Robinson investigates the history of natural disasters, putting a new perspective on our existence: that we are the product of catastrophe. Four and half billion years ago, a Mars-sized planet smashed into our young Earth with such force that this cataclysmic collision almost obliterated it. But it has since revealed itself to be the most defining moment in our planet’s history. As a molten Earth reeled from the impact, the Moon was formed. This orbiting moon in turn triggered an extraordinary sequence of events, enabling this unique planet to teem with life.

Monday 24 November 2008
9:00pm, Channel 4