Ep 17. Super Hot

Modern Marvels season 15 episode 17, titled "Super Hot," takes a closer look at some of the hottest and most intense technologies in the world, from fiery furnaces to blazing rockets.

The episode starts with a visit to a glass factory where we see molten glass being transformed into beautiful vases, lamps and other decorative objects. The factory uses furnaces with temperatures of up to 2700°F to melt the glass, making it pliable enough to be shaped by craftsmen. We get a glimpse of the intricate techniques used to create glassworks used around the world.

Next, the show takes us to a metalworks factory that uses a powerful furnace, which heats up iron and turns it into liquid. We see how the molten metal is cast into pipes, beams, and other shapes that are used in construction projects. The high temperature furnace, which runs on coal, reaches an impressive 3000°F and is one of the critical factors in ensuring that each cast metal piece is of the highest quality.

Moving on to the world of transportation, we explore rocket engines and their incredible power. We see footage of rockets being launched into space, and learn about how these incredible machines generate the necessary thrust to escape Earth's gravity and head towards the stars. To create enough power to launch heavy payloads, rocket engines use a mix of fuel and oxidizer, which is ignited to create the necessary explosion. These engines reach temperatures that are hot enough to melt steel and can generate several million pounds of thrust.

In the manufacturing sector, the episode focuses on rubber factories. We watch as huge bales of rubber are transformed into tires, rubber hoses, and other final products that are vital in the automotive industry. The process requires high temperatures at every stage of production. From the rubber-making itself to the molding of tires and other products, factories rely on specialized ovens and curing machines to generate temperatures of up to 400°F. The show delves into the science behind how these high temperatures impact the rubber, making it stronger and more durable.

Moving from manufacturing to the culinary world, the episode explores the world of pizza making. We go behind the scenes of a pizza restaurant and watch as the chef prepares the dough, adds the toppings, and places it in a blazing-hot oven - one that reaches temperatures of up to 900°F. We learn how pizzas cook quickly and evenly when subjected to such temperatures and get insight into the science behind making a perfect pie.

Finally, we end the episode with a journey to a glass studio that specializes in creating unique works of art. We watch as a glass artist transforms molten glass into one-of-a-kind pieces, such as delicate sculptures and gorgeous beads. The artist uses a special kiln to create the bloom colors that adorn the glass, which takes a delicate balance of temperature and timing. We see how the artist's skill coupled with the high-temperature kiln creates stunning, unique pieces of art.

In conclusion, Modern Marvels season 15 episode 17 explores heat and the many ways in which it is harnessed to create fantastic works of art, durable goods, and powerful machines. From the intense heat of rocket engines to the controlled heat in a pizzeria, this episode is sure to fascinate anyone interested in the power and possibility of high temperatures.