BEST OF THE REST
HUBBLE: THE WONDERS OF SPACE REVEALED BBC2, 9pm
ASK me to name a famous telescope and I could probably dredge up the word ‘Hubble’ from the back of my mind. But that’s where my knowledge stops. So this documentary is a fascinating insight into a piece of kit that has transformed our understanding of the cosmos since it began to orbit in 1990.
The project wasn’t without its teething problems. The first pictures of space, sent back by Hubble after its launch, were blurry – upsetting with holiday snaps, absolutely catastrophic with an expensive, ground-breaking telescope.
But once the camera was replaced, the window it offered to the universe justified all the effort. Scientists soon understood the huge potential for new discoveries.
Celebrating 30 years of incredible astronomy, this Horizon episode features interviews with the astronauts who have rocketed into space on dangerous missions over the years, repairing and upgrading the instrument. Their first-hand accounts of almost unimaginable experiences are wondrous.
THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW BBC1, 9pm
AS long as Graham has a glass of white wine in his hand and a decent internet connection on his laptop, his show presses on. Excellent news for all of us who are long past Friday nights on the razz (even before lockdown) and just need a takeaway and telly to get the weekend started.
The current circumstances haven’t stopped the A-listers coming out to play.
Michael Bublé, Martin Freeman, Ricky Gervais, Patrick Stewart and Thandie Newton are among the star guests so far this series, chatting from home and even revealing their jigsaw puzzle collections in the case of Sir Patrick.
Tonight, it’s another stellar line-up led by woman of the moment, Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-bridge.
Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth joins to discuss his latest Netflix film, homegrown legend Richard E. Grant drops by with starry anecdotes, and comedian Joe Lycett will be there to keep us laughing.