Cosmic Journeys Season 1 Episode 8 The Horizons of Deep Time

The Horizons of Deep Time is the eighth episode of Cosmic Journeys, season 1. This episode delves into the concept of deep time, which is a way of looking at time in an incomprehensibly large scale. The episode explores how scientists are able to peer into the deep past of the universe, going back billions of years, and how this knowledge can help us understand our place in the cosmos.

The episode starts by asking the question, how far back in time can we see? To answer this, the episode takes us on a journey through time, from the present day back to the birth of the universe. Along the way, we learn about the different techniques and instruments that scientists use to study the cosmos, such as telescopes and satellites.

We also learn about the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), which is the oldest light in the universe. This radiation was emitted just 380,000 years after the Big Bang, and it is still observable today. By studying the CMB, scientists are able to learn about the early universe, including its temperature and density.

The episode also discusses the cosmic web, which is the large-scale structure of the universe. The web is made up of galaxy clusters and filaments, which are connected by vast voids of space. Scientists are still trying to understand the formation of the cosmic web, and it is one of the major mysteries of the universe.

Moving on from the cosmic web, the episode explores the formation of stars and galaxies. Stars are born when clouds of gas and dust collapse under the force of gravity. Over time, these stars form into galaxies, which can contain billions of stars. The episode also touches on the formation of supermassive black holes, which are found at the center of most galaxies.

The episode concludes by discussing the possibility of life on other planets. With the discovery of exoplanets, which are planets outside of our solar system, scientists are now able to search for planets that are similar to Earth. While no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found yet, the sheer size and age of the universe suggest that it is a real possibility.

Overall, The Horizons of Deep Time is a fascinating look into the history and mystery of the universe. By exploring the furthest reaches of time and space, the episode reminds us just how small we are in the grand scheme of things, but also how much we have yet to discover.