Recent events like the Covid pandemic and climate crisis have put scientists under pressure from critics motivated by political views. American Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson wants people to understand the difference between opinion and fact. Sam and Rob talk about the topic and teach you related vocabulary.

This week's question
For centuries, the Earth was thought to be the centre of the Universe - but who was the first astronomer to have the correct idea that, in fact, the Earth and the planets revolve around the Sun?
a) Nicolaus Copernicus
b) Isaac Newton
c) Galileo Galilei
Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
cosmology
the study of the origin and nature of the universe

double-check
make certain something is correct by carefully examining it again

duplicate
repeat or copy something in exactly the same way

cross the t’s and dot the i’s
(idiom) pay close attention to the details of the activity or task you are doing

regurgitate
repeat something without properly understanding it

objective truth
scientifically proven truth about the natural world which is not influenced by human bias, opinions or emotion

[Cover: Getty Images]
You can download audio and text here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learning....english/english/feat

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