2007

S2.E1 ∙ Alien Planets

Mon, Nov 26, 2007

Astronomers who search for extrasolar planets were once thought of as crack-pots but are now at the forefront of astronomical research. The various methods used to locate and research these planets and the unexpected diversity of these bodies are described.

7.8 /10

S2.E2 ∙ Cosmic Holes

Mon, Dec 03, 2007

Black holes, white holes and worm holes are all consistent with Einstein's theory of General Relativity. Of the three, actual evidence exists only for black holes. Their behavior is explained. Scientists speculate on on whether white holes and worm holes exist and how they would behave.

7.6 /10

S2.E3 ∙ Mysteries of the Moon

Mon, Dec 10, 2007

Various phenomenon observed on earth, both real and perceived, are linked to the moon. Explanations for these phenomenon are presented.

7.2 /10

S2.E4 ∙ The Milky Way

Mon, Dec 17, 2007

Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, consists of more than stars and planets. The wide variety of other celestial objects that call the Milk Way home are described. And the Milky Way is not alone but has some nearby companions.

7.7 /10

S2.E5 ∙ Alien Moons

Mon, Jan 07, 2008

The number of known moons of the outer planets have exploded in recent years. Each has it own story to tell regarding its composition, geological activity and origin.

7.8 /10

S2.E6 ∙ Dark Matter

Mon, Jan 14, 2008

Scientists hunt for dark matter in the strangest of places. They know where it is, what it does and can sort of see it if they look in the right way. They just can't quite figure out what it is or how to get their hands on it even though it's everywhere. But it is well understood compared to dark energy which is an even bigger mystery.

7.7 /10

S2.E7 ∙ Astrobiology

Mon, Jan 28, 2008

Scientists speculate on how life originated on earth based on the range of conditions where life survives today and the conditions that existed on the early earth. They then look for those conditions, past or present, that may exist on other planets or moons.

7.4 /10

S2.E8 ∙ Space Travel

Mon, Feb 04, 2008

The many and various hazards to space travel are explained. But solving that problem better propulsion systems are need to travel anywhere beyond the moon. Some possibilities, both realistic and speculative, are described.

7.8 /10

S2.E9 ∙ Supernovas

Mon, Feb 11, 2008

Although supernovas are associated with the death of stars they also seed the universe with heavy elements that comprise rocky planets like Earth and living creatures. Due to their extraordinary brightness supernovas have a recorded history dating back 2,000 years. Although closely studied for decades their infrequency has permitted only a general understanding of their behavior until very recently. New computer models can model the major details of the explosion while new exploratory techniques reveal many more events including some truly super supernovas.

7.6 /10

S2.E10 ∙ Constellations

Mon, Feb 18, 2008

In this program the constellations serve as a backdrop for the diversity of stellar objects and for a few very special stars that serve as navigation aids for sailors, seasonal markers for farmers or distance milestones for astronomers.

7.2 /10

S2.E11 ∙ Unexplained Mysteries

Mon, Feb 25, 2008

A few of the astronomical mysteries that bother scientists and the progress toward understanding them are described.

7.2 /10

S2.E12 ∙ Cosmic Collisions

Mon, Mar 03, 2008

Collisions between relatively minor bodies in the solar system can have far reaching effects. Astronomers are trying to trace meteors that caused mass extinctions back to the event that cause them to cross Earth's path in case they have relatives waiting to pay a visit.

7.6 /10

S2.E13 ∙ Colonizing Space

Mon, Mar 10, 2008

Many considerations come to the forefront when planning space travel beyond the moon. Scientists are currently working on overcoming the many challenges and testing their solutions.

7.4 /10

S2.E14 ∙ Nebulas

Mon, Mar 31, 2008

They are the crown jewels of the galaxy. Neither stars, planets, moons or asteroids, they are the mysterious clouds of gas we call NEBULAS. Nearly invisible to the naked eye, astronomers use the most sophisticated techniques to tease images of these fascinating phenomena from the dark sky. When revealed in their full glory, they glow, reflect or obscure the galaxy's light.

7.7 /10

S2.E15 ∙ Wildest Weather in the Cosmos

Mon, Apr 07, 2008

If a planet has an atmosphere it has weather. And where there is weather there are storms. Our solar system is chock full of them. And the bigger the temperature extreme the bigger the storm. Which makes Earth hurricanes and thunderstorms seem rather uninteresting.

7.5 /10

S2.E16 ∙ Biggest Things in the Universe

Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Compared to the largest things in the universe galaxies are trifles compared to super clusters, voids, lyman alpha blobs, and the cosmic web. But even among the smaller objects such as stars and planets, some are mind boggling by human standards.

7.5 /10

S2.E17 ∙ Gravity

Mon, Apr 21, 2008

Program presents scientists current understanding of gravity and some of the phenomenon it causes.

7.5 /10

S2.E18 ∙ Cosmic Apocalypse

Mon, Apr 28, 2008

Program examines the possible ways the universe could come to an end. The most likely scenario, eternal expansion, is expected to be rather eventful in the long term.

7.7 /10