1. The birth of radio astronomy

How to explore space, without leaving earth.

Astrophysicist Emma Chapman takes us on an electrifying voyage through the cosmos using one of the most powerful, yet overlooked, tools in science - the radio wave. Emma reveals how these invisible messengers glide through space, bounce off planets, tunnel through clouds and slip past galactic dust, carrying secrets of the universe that no other kind of light can uncover.

A celebration of human ingenuity and cosmic curiosity, The Radio Universe reveals that the true frontier of space isn't 'out there' - it's humming quietly all around us, waiting to be heard.

Read by Jasmine Hyde
Produced and abridged by Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4