Ep 12. Sun Storm

Curiosity is a show that explores the world's most fascinating questions, and season 2 episode 12, titled "Sun Storm," explores the mysteries of our solar system's most prominent star: the sun. In this episode, viewers are taken on an exciting journey through outer space as scientists attempt to study and predict the sun's dangerous solar storms.

The episode begins with a brief history of scientists' understanding of the sun and solar storms. We learn that these storms are caused by the ejection of charged particles from the sun's surface during what is known as a "solar flare." These particles travel through space and can potentially impact Earth's magnetic field, causing power outages, satellite malfunctions, and other issues.

The show then introduces us to Parker Solar Probe, a NASA mission launched in 2018 to study the sun up close. The probe is named after Eugene Parker, who first proposed the theory of solar wind in the 1950s. Parker Solar Probe is equipped with a suite of instruments to measure the sun's magnetic fields, plasma, and energetic particles.

The episode dives into the challenges scientists faced in designing the probe. The sun's intense heat and radiation make it difficult to get close enough to study, and the probe had to be built to withstand these extreme conditions. We see footage of the probe being tested, including a moment where it is blasted with a huge flamethrower to simulate the sun's heat.

Once Parker Solar Probe is launched, the episode follows its journey as it approaches the sun. The probe uses Venus' gravity to slingshot itself towards the sun, a maneuver that allows it to get closer each time it passes. We see incredible footage from the probe's cameras as it captures the sun's flares and coronal mass ejections up close.

The show also explores the work of other missions studying the sun, including the Solar Orbiter and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), which are both set to launch in the near future. Along with Parker Solar Probe, these missions will help scientists gain a better understanding of the sun's behavior and how it affects Earth.

The episode then turns to how scientists are working to predict when these solar storms will occur and how to mitigate their effects. We meet a team from the Space Weather Prediction Center who monitor the sun's activity and issue warnings when a storm is expected to hit Earth. We learn about the potential dangers of these storms, including the significant impact they could have on the power grid and communication networks.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion of how Earth's magnetic field protects us from solar storms. We see footage of the Northern Lights, which are caused by solar particles interacting with Earth's atmosphere. We learn that while these storms can be damaging, they also provide a beautiful light show for those lucky enough to see them.

Overall, "Sun Storm" is a fascinating look at the science behind solar storms and the efforts scientists are making to study and predict them. With incredible footage from Parker Solar Probe and other missions, viewers can see the sun like never before and gain a greater appreciation for the power and beauty of our closest star.