Ep 7. Asteroids

Asteroids have existed for billions of years, and this episode of How The Universe Works Season 2 seeks to explore them. Starting with how asteroids are formed, we learn that they exist in the asteroid belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter. They are made up of rock, dust, and ice and are known to vary in size from small asteroids the size of pebbles to ones that are thousands of miles across.

The episode goes on to explain how these asteroids have affected Earth and the solar system as a whole. Firstly, we learn that asteroids have formed the Moon of Earth. This theory is known as the Giant Impact Theory, where it is believed that a mars-sized asteroid collided with Earth, and the debris that was created from the impact came together to form the Moon.

Further, we learn that asteroids have played a significant role in the extinction of many species on Earth, including Dinosaurs. The episode explains how this happened by showing computer graphics and how asteroids can penetrate the atmosphere and cause global devastation to the planet, leading to the extinction of life.

The episode goes on to explain how scientists are studying asteroids and how they can avoid collisions with them. The theory of the NEO (Near-Earth Objects) is discussed, where asteroids are monitored that have the potential of hitting Earth. The monitoring system uses space telescopes and other equipment to track the movement of asteroids.

Furthermore, the experts discuss how in the future, asteroids could be used as a source of fuel. Asteroids have been found to contain resources like water and other minerals that could be used for space exploration. This idea is not new as in the past, NASA sent a mission to study the asteroid Bennu, where they plan to collect samples from the asteroid and bring them back to Earth.

The episode also discusses the possibility of mining for resources on asteroids. Several companies are already investing in this concept, and there are discussions about how asteroids could be mined for their resources. The episode explores how this could be done and the potential benefits of such mining.

Lastly, the episode explores the possibility of colonizing asteroids and what life on asteroids would look like. The experts discuss how in the future, we could build a colony on an asteroid and use it as a space station. The episode explores what challenges one would face while living on an asteroid and how we can overcome them.

Overall, Asteroids is an episode that explores the potential of asteroids and their impact on our solar system. From studying them to the possibility of using them as fuel, to mining them for their resources, and even colonizing them, this episode offers a fascinating look into the role that asteroids have played and can play in the future of our space exploration.