The Great Year is a compelling documentary that explores the possibility that the fall of ancient civilizations around the globe, and the rise of modern civilization, might be related to our Sun’s motion around a companion star. The film examines evidence that ancient civilizations may have known of this celestial cycle and that our Sun may indeed display the characteristics of binary motion. Just as the Earth’s spin on its axis causes day and night and our planet’s annual orbit around the Sun is responsible for the ongoing cycle of the seasons, what if there is some greater celestial cycle, lasting thousands of years, slowly influencing the rise and fall of civilization across the globe? Where is the evidence? What could be the cause?

A look at the human fascination with the end of times and a few other discussions on some of the events that take place in the film. We hear from experts such as 'Arguing the Apocalypse' author Stephen O'Leary, clinical psychologist Selina Matthews, Cal State Northridge professor of anthropology Sabina Magliocco, Loyola Marymount assistant professor of theological studies David A. Sanchez, UCLA Center for the Study of Religion's Jean Rosenfeld, Chapman University Associate Professor of Sociology Paul Apodaca, USC Department of Physics and Astronomy professor/chair Werner Dappen, and UCLA Professor of Physics and Astronomy Mark R. Morris. (Included in the Bluray release of Knowing).