BBC Knowledge - June 2017

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What if you were the last person alive? Movie makers and authors continue to spend a lot of time and money on imagining a world when mankind has left the building, but we have the scientific version this issue. And it’s fascinating... To push the scenario along, but in a more fun way, we also have an engaging feature on Mars, and how the portrayal of the Red Planet over the years has mirrored the state of the world Away from gloom and doom, we’re loving our portfolio of cool photographs of flamingos; they make such a dramatic contrast to almost-colourless landscapes. Viruses come in for rare approbation too, with an analysis of how they play a part in keeping us alive. On our history menu is a captivating profile of BT Barnum, aptly nicknamed the Great Pretender, while our Great Indian Authors series serves up the powerhouse that was Mahasweta Devi. But, if the thought of life as we know it ending freaks you out, despite all our attempts to distract you, here are two happy thoughts: One, there are seven new exoplanets to plan trips to, a la Elon Musk, and two, if you don’t sharpen your brain with our easy tips, you may not even realise when the world is ending. Happy planning either way!