Horizon Season 2010 Episode 14 Asteroids: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Asteroids: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is the fourteenth episode of Horizon's 2010 season. In this episode, the focus is on asteroids. Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the sun, and they come in various shapes and sizes. The episode begins by exploring the history of asteroids and their impact on Earth. It then delves into the science of asteroids, including their composition, orbit, and potential danger to Earth.

The first part of the episode covers the discovery of asteroids and how they were initially thought to be small planets. We learn how astronomers began to understand their true nature and how they were formed. From there, the episode discusses the first asteroid discovery, Ceres, and how it was discovered. We also learn how the asteroid belt was formed and why asteroids are found in that region of the solar system.

Next, the episode explores the various types of asteroids and their compositions. We see how scientists study asteroids and use remote sensing techniques to understand their properties. We learn that asteroids can contain valuable resources, such as water and metals, and how they could be mined for these resources in the future.

The episode then turns to the potential danger that asteroids pose to Earth. We see how asteroids can collide with our planet and cause catastrophic damage. The episode takes us through the history of asteroid impacts on Earth, including the infamous Chicxulub impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. We also learn about the Tunguska event, a massive explosion caused by an asteroid impact in Siberia in 1908.

However, the episode also delves into the ways in which asteroids could potentially benefit Earth. We learn about the possibility of using asteroids as a source of water for space travel and exploration. We also hear about the idea of using asteroids to construct space habitats and colonies.

Overall, Asteroids: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is an informative and thought-provoking episode of Horizon. It covers a range of topics related to asteroids, from their history and composition to their potential as sources of resources or dangers to Earth. Viewers will come away with a better understanding of these fascinating objects and their place in the solar system.