Horizon Season 2011 Episode 12 The Core

The Horizon series for 2011 features episode 12 titled "The Core." The show is a science documentary that explores the Earth's molten core, which has intrigued scientists for years. The episode takes viewers on a journey to understand the core, from how it was formed to how the movement inside it generates the magnetic fields that shield our planet from harmful cosmic radiation.

The program begins by presenting the theories that explain the birth of our planet and its composition. Through animated graphics and scientific explanations, it focuses on the innermost layer of the Earth- the core- and outlines how it's distinct from the surrounding mantle. The scientists involved in the research explain how the high pressures and temperatures within the core create a metal ball of molten iron and nickel. This core is the source of the magnetic field that can be detected by compasses, and it offers an invisible shield that keeps our planet relatively stable.

The program also sheds light on the challenges that researchers face when it comes to studying the core. Due to the temperature and pressure conditions that exist there, it is impossible to take a direct measurement of the core. Scientists, therefore, rely on indirect means like monitoring earthquake waves that pass through the core or measuring the Earth's magnetic field.

Furthermore, the program explores how understanding of Earth's core is crucial not only to comprehend its dynamics but also to address issues such as climate change. Research has shown that changes occurring inside the core have had a profound impact on the world we have today. For instance, the discovery that the Earth's magnetic field has sometimes flipped in the past and may do again in the future has huge implications for life on the planet and how it will adapt.

The scientists and researchers interviewed provide insight into the various hypotheses that try to explain the movements inside the core. One of the theories states that the core has a convection current in which hotter liquid rises while cooler liquid sinks down. This process creates a circular band of motion that eventually generates magnetic fields. Another hypothesis suggests that the Earth's core may be due to a continuous decaying process that releases a tremendous amount of heat.

In the last half of the program, the viewer is taken on a virtual journey to the center of the Earth and given an understanding of the unimaginable processes occurring there. The episode discusses both the potential power that can be harnessed from the molten core and the inherent danger that it poses.

Overall, "The Core" is an incredible program that delves deep into the workings of the Earth's innermost layer, offering a fascinating insight into how our planet works. The viewer is left with a newfound appreciation for the dedicated scientific research that goes into understanding the complexities of the Earth. The production is engrossing and enlightening, showcasing that science is magic in its precision and rigor yet is still open to limitless exploration.