Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 1 Episode 8 Sisters of the Sun

In episode 8 of Cosmos: Possible Worlds season 1, titled "Sisters of the Sun," host Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the mysteries of our nearest star, the Sun, and its relationship to other stars in the universe.

The episode begins with a look at the history of our understanding of the Sun, from ancient civilizations that worshiped it as a deity to modern-day technological advancements that allow us to study the Sun in detail. We learn about the discoveries of early astronomers like Galileo and Newton, who laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of the Sun's composition and behavior.

Tyson then introduces us to the concept of star clusters, groups of stars that form together and are held together by gravity. We learn about the two main types of star clusters: open clusters, which are loosely held together and can contain anywhere from a few dozen to thousands of stars, and globular clusters, which are tightly packed with hundreds of thousands of stars.

The episode focuses on one particular open cluster, the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Tyson explains how the seven brightest stars in the cluster were named after mythological sisters and how they have captured the imaginations of people around the world for centuries.

We then learn about the concept of stellar evolution, how stars are born, live, and die. We see beautiful animations depicting the life cycle of a star, from the birth of a protostar to the explosive supernova that marks its death.

The episode also delves into the concept of stellar twins, stars that are born together and have the same composition and age. Tyson introduces us to two such stars, HD 181327 and HD 181328, which are located just 20 light-years from Earth. He explains how studying stellar twins can help us better understand our own Sun and the processes that govern the evolution of stars.

The episode also touches on the phenomenon of sunspots, dark spots on the surface of the Sun that appear to be cooler than the surrounding areas. We learn that sunspots are linked to the Sun's magnetic field and can provide clues about the state of the Sun's interior.

Finally, the episode explores the transport of energy within the Sun. Tyson takes us on a journey from the Sun's core, where nuclear fusion releases vast amounts of energy, to its surface, where that energy is radiated out into the surrounding space. We see stunning visuals of the Sun's atmosphere, including the corona, which can only be observed during total solar eclipses.

Overall, "Sisters of the Sun" is a fascinating exploration of the mysteries of our nearest star, and how our understanding of it has evolved over time. Tyson's engaging narration and the stunning visuals make for an entertaining and informative episode.