Ep 4. Megaflares

Megaflares are cataclysmic events that happen on the surface of stars, releasing massive amounts of energy which can cause various impacts on the universe. In How The Universe Works season 2 episode 4, the show explores the science behind these intense events.

The episode begins by explaining the basic physics of stars, how they are formed, and what happens when their fuel runs out. When hydrogen in the core of stars is depleted, the gravitational pressure forces the core to contract and heat up, pushing outward on the outer layers of the star. This causes the star to expand, turning into a red giant. But when all the fuel is exhausted, the contracting core can cause a series of reactions leading to a supernova explosion, which becomes the most energetic event in the universe.

The episode then shifts its focus towards the Sun and its flares. The Sun is an active star, and its magnetic fields can become twisted, eventually releasing energy in the form of solar flares. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that can cause massive damage to the Earth, disrupting communication systems, power grids, and other technologies. The show explores various types of solar flares and the impact they have on our planet. The show also explains the ways we can protect ourselves from these flares and how scientists are studying them to better understand their behavior.

Moving further, the episode dives into the concept of megaflares. These are flares that occur on other stars, which are much more massive than the Sun, and have more active magnetic fields. These stars release enormous amounts of energy, releasing more energy in seconds than the Sun does in years. The show explores the different types of stars that are known to produce megaflares, such as the Red Giants, and what happens when these megaflares are directed towards our planet. Despite being rare, and not well-understood, these megaflares are known to cause severe disruption to communication systems, power grids, and other electronics.

The episode also explains the concept of space weather, how it affects our planet and how megaflares are a significant contributor to such events. Space weather experts and scientists discuss the impact of megaflares on space weather, how they can destroy satellites, and be a cause of radiation hazards to astronauts. The show further discusses the different tools and technologies used by scientists to study these events and predict the timing of such megaflares.

Towards the end of the episode, the show explores the possibility of megaflares being discovered on stars close to our Galaxy. Using the latest telescopes, scientists have discovered stars that have similar characteristics to stars that produce megaflares. They are studying these stars to better understand the phenomena and predict when they will occur.

In summary, How The Universe Works season 2, episode 4, Megaflares, delves into the mechanics and consequences of these catastrophic events that occur on the surface of stars. The show explores various topics, from the basic science behind these events to the potential to predict and protect ourselves from their impact. Megaflares are rare events, and the show highlights the work done by scientists globally to study and understand these catastrophic events to safeguard against their impact.