Ep 14. When Space Changed History

When Space Changed History is the 14th episode of the season 6 of the popular show, The Universe. In this episode, viewers will be taken on a journey through time to explore how space discoveries have changed the course of human history.

The episode starts by highlighting how the invention of the telescope in the 16th century opened up new horizons in astronomy, allowing scientists to study the celestial bodies in more detail than ever before. This led to groundbreaking discoveries such as the phases of Venus, the four moons of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn. These discoveries challenged the traditional views of the universe and paved the way for more research and exploration.

The episode then moves on to delve deeper into the impact of space discoveries on history, focusing on the story of Galileo Galilei. Galileo was an astronomer who made several groundbreaking discoveries. However, he faced significant opposition from the Roman Catholic Church, who considered his ideas to be heretical. Despite this, Galileo continued his work, ultimately leading to a trial and persecution that has since become a symbol of scientific progress in the face of adversity.

From Galileo, the episode moves on to the story of Isaac Newton, who used his understanding of gravity to explain the motion of celestial bodies, leading to the discovery of new planets and other astronomical phenomena. Newton's work also had a significant impact on the development of modern physics and engineering.

Moving forward in time, the episode then explores the role of space discoveries in the Cold War rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union. This rivalry led to exciting technological advances as both sides competed to launch the first satellite and first man into space. These discoveries had important military implications but also played a crucial role in inspiring future generations of scientists and space exploration enthusiasts.

The show highlights NASA's Apollo mission, which aimed to land humans on the moon and bring them back safely to Earth. This mission was a major achievement, demonstrating that humans can venture beyond their planet, and sparking a renewed interest in space exploration among the general public.

The episode also features the story of Edwin Hubble, who made the groundbreaking discovery that the universe is expanding. This discovery challenged the traditional view of a static universe and fundamentally changed our understanding of the cosmos. Hubble's work also paved the way for future missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope, which has made many important discoveries in the field of astronomy.

Throughout the episode, viewers will learn about the various technological advancements that have enabled these discoveries, from early telescopes to modern spacecraft and observatories. They will also see how these discoveries have shaped our view of the universe and our place within it.

Overall, When Space Changed History is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that explores the transformative impact of space discoveries on human history. It highlights how these discoveries have challenged traditional views, stimulated scientific progress, and inspired future generations of scientists and space explorers.