Great Heroes and Discoveries of Astronomy Season 1 Episode 4 The Heroic Discovery of Other Galaxies

The show Great Heroes and Discoveries of Astronomy tells the stories of great individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Season 1, episode 4 of the show is titled The Heroic Discovery of Other Galaxies.

The episode's focus is on the groundbreaking discovery made by the astronomer Edwin Hubble that challenged the prevailing view of the universe. The episode takes us back in time to the early 20th century when there was a widespread belief that our galaxy, the Milky Way, was the entire universe.

Hubble, who was a gifted observer, used the new technology of the day, the 100-inch Hooker telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory, to make a series of observations that would change everything. He was able to observe something previously unseen, and it was shocking.

Hubble found that there were many more galaxies beyond ours, each containing billions of stars. He found that these galaxies were not static, but instead, they were moving away from us due to what became known as the "expansion of the universe."

The episode showcases how Hubble's discovery was met with great skepticism from some of the leading astronomers of the time. However, his discovery was eventually accepted, and it paved the way for the development of the Big Bang theory.

Moreover, the episode highlights the impact of Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler on Hubble's discovery. The former's groundbreaking discoveries and use of the telescope set the stage for Hubble's observations, while the latter's mathematical laws of planetary motion helped Hubble refine his measurements of the distances to other galaxies.

As the episode progresses, we learn more about Hubble and his life. He was more than just an astronomer; he also played a vital role in both World War I and II. Additionally, the episode discusses how he pioneered a new method for categorizing galaxies, known as the Hubble tuning fork diagram.

The episode also introduces some of the other astronomers who followed in Hubble's footsteps, such as Vera Rubin, who discovered the existence of dark matter, and Allan Sandage, who continued Hubble's work and made significant contributions to the understanding of the universe's age and size.

As the episode draws to a close, we see how Hubble's discovery changed our understanding of the universe and became the foundation for many of the scientific advancements of the next century. His discovery also brought about discussions about alien life and the potential for other worlds. Ultimately, it was a discovery that would inspire generations of astronomers and change forever our perception of our place in the universe.

In conclusion, The Heroic Discovery of Other Galaxies is an engrossing exploration of one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. The episode combines fascinating history with cutting-edge science to provide an insightful look at one of the most important events in the history of astronomy.