Ep 8. Hourglass of Starbirth
- September 1, 2014
- 3 min
The Hubble's Universe season 1 episode 8 titled "Hourglass of Starbirth" takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through space as the Hubble telescope captures the formation of stars in the Carina Nebula. The episode starts with an introduction to the nebula, which is one of the largest star-forming regions in the Milky Way galaxy.
The episode then delves into the intricate details of the Hourglass Nebula, a short-lived astronomical phenomenon that is formed when fast-moving gas collides with slow-moving gas in the surrounding nebula. The Hourglass Nebula is a time-limited event, with the gas in the center of the nebula gradually dissipating over time.
Throughout the episode, stunning visuals of the Hourglass Nebula are showcased, as well as detailed discussions on the science behind the formation of stars. The show explores the various stages of star formation, from the collapse of a cloud of gas and dust, to the formation of a protostar, and finally the ignition of nuclear fusion, which marks the official birth of a star.
The episode also touches on the challenges faced by astronomers when studying such distant and complex phenomena. The Hubble Space Telescope is an indispensable tool in this regard, as it provides a unique perspective on the universe from beyond the limitations of Earth's atmosphere.
The Hourglass Nebula is also a symbol of the constant cycle of life and death in the universe. As stars are born, they release energy and radiation that heats up the surrounding gas and dust, eventually leading to the formation of new stars. However, this process also comes with a dark side - as stars die, they explode in a violent explosion known as a supernova, scattering their elements and enriching the surrounding gas cloud with the building blocks of new life.
Overall, "Hourglass of Starbirth" is a stunningly beautiful and informative episode that explores the complexities of star formation and the constant evolution of the universe around us. The visuals are truly breathtaking, and the discussion on the challenges of astronomical observation is thought-provoking.