Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 2 Episode 3 Lost City of Life

In Season 2, Episode 3 of Cosmos: Possible Worlds titled "Lost City of Life," viewers will witness an exploration of the mysteries of life beyond our planet, examining what it takes for life to arise and flourish. The episode travels billions of years into the past to the moment the first spark of life ignited in a barren universe and forward to our present and beyond, showing how life on Earth sparked life elsewhere in the cosmos, and how it continues to have an impact in the universe.

In this episode, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson takes viewers through the steps that lead to the formation of the Lost City of Life. The Lost City of Life is a metaphorical place where scientists believe life could exist in the universe. This city of life is a hypothetical place where the temperature and conditions may be right for life. Tyson explains that the Lost City of Life can be found in many places throughout the universe. One of these places is Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. With its thick, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, Titan is a possible location for the Lost City of Life. The episode also explores the oceans of Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter, and how the frigid moon's subsurface ocean could be home to life forms that are not found on Earth.

The episode delves into the complex process of how life arises and flourishes, outlining what Earth has in common with other planets and moons, and what makes Earth unique. Dr. Tyson introduces viewers to the concept of "panspermia," the idea that life on Earth was seeded by microbial life from elsewhere in the cosmos. This is not a new theory, as it has been debated by scientists for decades. However, as the episode points out, recent discoveries have provided more evidence for panspermia as a viable theory.

The episode explores the role that environmental factors play in the emergence and evolution of life, demonstrating how the right combination of temperature, radiation, and water can lead to the formation of life. The show argues that life emerges where it can, and that once it takes hold, it has the ability to transform its environment, often in surprising ways. Dr. Tyson describes how the presence of life has affected the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and soil, making the planet more habitable for life.

Throughout the episode, Tyson also touches on the significance of our search for extraterrestrial life, explaining how the discovery of life beyond Earth would fundamentally change our understanding of the universe and our place in it. He discusses the philosophical and ethical implications of contact with extraterrestrial life, and how it would transform our worldview.

In "Lost City of Life," viewers will be taken on an incredible journey, one that spans billions of years and countless light-years of distance. Through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, the episode provides a fascinating and informative look at the mysteries of life and our ongoing quest to discover it wherever it may exist.