Ep 1. Ladders to the Stars
- March 9, 2020
In the first episode of Cosmos season 2, titled "Ladders to the Stars," we embark on a journey through time and space to explore the history of our understanding of the universe. Host Neil deGrasse Tyson guides us through a breathtaking adventure investigating how ancient civilizations viewed the cosmos, how our modern understanding of gravity has developed, and the current efforts to explore deep space.
The episode begins by taking us back to ancient Egypt where we learn about the ancient civilization's fascination with the stars and their belief that the afterlife was closely linked to celestial bodies. We then move to ancient Greece where we meet the legendary philosopher Aristotle who made significant contributions to the study of physics and astronomy. Tyson highlights how these ancient civilizations began to lay the foundation for modern scientific inquiry by laying a framework for the study of the cosmos.
Next, Tyson takes us through the history of the development of gravity. He explains how Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity was a pivotal moment in human understanding of the universe. We learn about how Newton's laws of motion and gravity have shaped scientific progress, and how it has allowed us to launch rockets into space and explore the cosmos.
The episode then showcases the current efforts of scientists to explore deep space. We learn about NASA's mission to explore the outer planets of our solar system and the technologies that make it possible. We also witness SpaceX's successful rocket launches and the vision of making space travel accessible to the general public. Tyson ends the episode by emphasizing the importance of continued exploration of the universe to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe and the mysteries it holds.
Overall, "Ladders to the Stars" is a fascinating and visually stunning episode that seamlessly weaves together historical context, scientific inquiry, and the possibility of future exploration. With Tyson's engaging and informative commentary, the episode is both educational and awe-inspiring. It's an excellent start to Cosmos season 2.
