2009

S4.E1 ∙ The Milky Way

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

This episode explores the Milky Way from the mythology of ancient sky watchers to how scientists are mapping it from the inside out.

7.2 /10

This episode explores the science behind the birth of the universe. Throughout history our nightly view of the universe has fueled our collective imagination, helping give birth to great art and deep insights. But when it comes to the birth of the universe, not even the most creative work of imagination can rival what science has revealed about the Big Bang.

6.8 /10

S4.E3 ∙ The Hot Zone

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

This episode takes a close look at Mercury's moment in the sun. Mercury is one of the nearest planets to Earth, but for centuries it eluded astronomer's best efforts to learn its secrets. But that has changed thanks to missions like Mariner and most recently, Messenger.

7.2 /10

S4.E4 ∙ Cosmic Rays

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

This episode takes a close look at how cosmic rays are produced and what that can tell us about the Universe. Cosmic Rays are not simply another form of light. They carry information about powerful and unseen processes at work thousands or even millions of light-years away.

7 /10

S4.E5 ∙ The Fermi Paradox

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

This episode asks why no other civilization has presented itself in the Universe. The Fermi Paradox asks the ultimate question: Given a few reasonable assumptions about the chance of life arising elsewhere in the Universe and the distance between the stars, why has another civilization not presented itself?

6.5 /10

S4.E6 ∙ Landsat

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

This episode takes a look at Landsat 8, the advanced planetary explorer with a 900 million dollar price tag. It is designed to peer across multiple wavelengths to reveal complex and ever-changing details that are undetectable by the human eye.

7.2 /10