In Photos: Wonders of the Universe Who could possibly be a better companion in exploring the universe with than Professor Brian Cox? of 9 Herschel 36 Based on Herschel 36 this is a bright blue star at the heart of the Lagoon Nebula. Carina Nebula Based on the Carina Nebula - this is a place where stars are born and die. Supernova The death of a star, a Supernova. An explosion so powerful it briefly outshines an entire galaxy. Helio Gomes Professor Brian Cox stands on the roof of the Helio Gomes prison in Rio de Janeiro. An unlikely metaphor for the heart of dying stars like Betelgeuse (pictured). The Arrow of Time Professor Brian Cox at Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia Argentina. Filming at the glacier as part of an explanation of the arrow of time. Namibia Professor Brian Cox with a ship wreck at the skeleton coast in Namibia. The skeleton coast is a metaphor for the vast tracks of time that stretch out towards the eventual death of the universe. Cosmic Microwave Background Brian in the Namib Desert, Namibia. We filmed there to demonstrate infra red light and the Cosmic Microwave Background. Early Ancestors Brian in Tanzania. Our early ancestors walked in East Africa 2.5 million years ago when light left the Andromeda galaxy, and it is now just reaching us today. Burgess Shale Professor Brian Cox at the Burgess Shale in British Columbian Rockies to see the fossils from the Cambrian Explosion when the first eyes evolved. Slideshow Pause Show Images Hide Images Tweet