As the Millennium approaches, people are looking at the grand scale, seeking information on the widest issues. This book accompanies Channel 4's broadcasting venture of the same name. "Universe" presents a grand overview of the universe, as it is understood at the threshold of the new millennium. The series seeks to understand the big questions that people have asked through the ages. "How did the universe begin?", "Are we alone?". Astronomers all around the world explain their observations and the theories required to understand the universe. Graphics explain esoteric concepts, from the structure of the Big Bang to the anatomy of the Sun. The result is a summary of our vision of Universe 2000. Arising from a common research base, the concepts of "Universe" will be available across all media outlets - enabling the user to access the information in whatever form they want. This will include the book and series, a video, radio series, magazine and newspapaer features, and interactive CD-ROM and Internet access.