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BBC Earth From Space shows planet in must-see breathtaking satellite images

A new BBC documentary is set to bring viewers a different perspective on parts of the world they may never have seen before.

Earth from Space will show global landmarks from a top down view from miles above on the edge of space in amazing detail.

The series is due to start on Wednesday and will show more than 300 breathtaking images from 20 different satellites.

One spectacular shot shows an aerial view of Britain illuminated at night while another shows agricultural patterns laid out in a striking circular formation in Bolivia.

(BBC/DEIMOS IMAGING SLU)
(BBC/DEIMOS IMAGING SLU)

When is Earth From Space on TV?

Earth From Space will start on Wednesday, April 17.

Tonight's show will start at 9pm and will be shown on BBC One.

The programme will last for an hour and will be broadcast in four episodes.

What is Earth From Space about?

Executive Producer Jo Shinner said: “Our mantra from the get-go was, what can satellite imaging add to the natural history genre that feels fresh, revelatory and from a new perspective?

“What could you discover from space that you didn’t know before? How could these discoveries help scientists monitor the fragile health of our natural planet?

Bolivia (BBC/2018 DIGITALGLOBE, A MAXAR COMPANY)
Bolivia (BBC/2018 DIGITALGLOBE, A MAXAR COMPANY)

“How had animals helped make the extraordinary patterns that emerged only when seen from such a distance? And what were the strategies other species used to survive within these patterns?

“How have animals contributed to the rainbow hues that splash the world with vibrant colour? We learnt so many things: that satellite cameras have revolutionised how scientists can monitor the natural world.”

The Albert River Delta in Queensland, Australia (BBC/ESA/NASA)
The Albert River Delta in Queensland, Australia (BBC/ESA/NASA)

Although the images were amazing, Ms Shinner said the photos also offered a glimpse into how the environment is changing.

She added: “And there is no doubt that the most sobering and extraordinary insight of all is being visually confronted with the incontrovertible truth of just how fast our planet is changing.

New colonies of emperor penguins have been discovered in Antarctica (BBC/2018 DIGITALGLOBE, A MAXAR COMPANY)
New colonies of emperor penguins have been discovered in Antarctica (BBC/2018 DIGITALGLOBE, A MAXAR COMPANY)

“Time-lapses over years show cities growing and swallowing up the countryside around them.

“Huge swathes of forests are decimated before your eyes or converted into regular agricultural patterns. Ice melts away from mountain tops and glaciers.”