Ep 13. Venus: Death of a Planet

Cosmic Journeys season 1 episode 13 titled Venus: Death of a Planet explores the mysteries surrounding one of the most intriguing planets in our solar system - Venus. Many scientists believe that Venus may have been habitable millions of years ago, similar to Earth, but something happened that caused it to become the hot, inhospitable planet we know today.

Through stunning visuals and scientific research, this episode delves into the geological history of Venus, including its intense volcanic activity and the formation of its thick, toxic atmosphere. It also examines how a runaway greenhouse effect caused the planet to become hotter than a pizza oven, with temperatures reaching up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

The episode showcases the various spacecraft missions that have been sent to Venus over the years, including the Soviet Union's Venera missions in the 1970s and 80s and NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. These missions provided a wealth of data about the planet's surface and composition, as well as its magnetic field and atmospheric conditions.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Venus is its strange, slow rotation. Venus rotates backwards compared to the other planets in our solar system, and it takes longer for it to complete one rotation than one orbit around the Sun. This phenomenon, known as retrograde rotation, is still not fully understood by scientists.

The episode also explores the possibility of life on Venus. While the idea may seem far-fetched given its current conditions, some researchers believe that it's possible that tiny microorganisms could still exist in the planet's upper atmosphere.

Overall, Venus: Death of a Planet is a fascinating exploration of a planet that is often overlooked in favor of its more glamorous neighbors. Through the latest scientific research and stunning visuals, viewers will gain a new appreciation for this mysterious and complex planet.