BBC Focus - 09.2019

3

FROM THE

EDITOR

In astronomy, the horizons are changing all the time.

Bigger, more sophisticated telescopes and increasingly

inventive imaging techniques continually redefine

how much of our Universe we can see. In recent years

we’ve discovered hundreds of Earth-like planets

nestled in distant galaxies, witnessed neutron stars

crash into to each other and even got up close and

personal with a black hole.

In these terms, it seems odd to think there might be an

undiscovered planet lurking beyond Pluto, let alone one that might

be four times bigger than Earth. After all, Neptune was discovered

in 1846, and Pluto, though it isn’t considered a planet, was

identified in 1930. How is that this shadowy world has evaded our

gaze for so long? Find out on p50, where Colin Stuart reports on the

discoveries about to be made at the edge of our Solar System.

And finally, back on Earth, we met the affable Dean Burnett this

month, ahead of the release of his latest book. If you’re one of our

teen readers, then head to p90 where Dean explains why the world

ought to spend a little more time listening to you...

Enjoy the issue!

Daniel Benne, Editor

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ONTHEBBCTHISMONTH...

Why do some insect

look metallic? p

JOCELYN TIMPERLEY

As the global population

surges towards eight

billion, climate and energy

journalist Jocelyn looks at

whether having fewer

children can really make a

difference.  p

ABIGAIL BEALL

What will cities of the

future look like? Science

and tech journalist Abigail

reveals the plans to move

people into the trees, onto

the oceans, and deep

underground.  p

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DARREN NAISH

Everyone has a story

about gulls eyeing up their

lunch, but are the birds

getting bolder? Zoologist

and science writer Darren

investigates whether they

are really a menace.  p

HELEN GLENNY

Electroconvulsive therapy

is shrouded in controversy

and misunderstanding.

Science writer Helen

explains why it might be

time to rethink this

potentially life-saving

therapy.  p

COVER: MAGIC TORCH THIS PAGE: BBC, CHRISTA HOLKA, ALAMY

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Boone, IA 50037-0495.

The Infinite

Monkey Cage

Brian Cox, Robin Ince and

their horde of scientists and

comedians make a long

overdue return to Radio 4 on

19 September.

The Unshockable

Dr Ronx

In this new pilot on BBC

Three, NHS doctor Ronx

Ikharia is on a mission to

get young people talking

about their health.

Crowd Science:

Global Infertility

This episode of Crowd

Science on BBC Sounds

wonders whether the

world envisioned by

Margaret Atwood’s The

Handmaid’s Tale could

become a reality.

bit.ly/global_infertility

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