Ep 3. Hubble Examines an Earth-Sized Planet

Hubble's Universe is an informative show that explores the vast cosmos, highlighting the incredible discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope. In season 3 episode 3, titled "Hubble Examines an Earth-Sized Planet," viewers are taken on a journey to explore a newly discovered exoplanet, which is believed to be similar in size and composition to our very own Earth.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the Kepler telescope, which was launched by NASA in 2009 with the goal of discovering new exoplanets outside our solar system. Kepler succeeded in its mission, and in 2015, it detected a small, rocky planet orbiting a star in the habitable zone of its solar system, which means it is in an area that could support liquid water on its surface.

The planet, named Kepler-186f, is the first Earth-sized exoplanet discovered within the habitable zone of another star. To learn more about the planet's composition, scientists turned to the Hubble Space Telescope, which is known for its incredible ability to capture high-resolution images of the cosmos.

The episode then delves into the technical aspects of how the Hubble Telescope captures images and data. Viewers are given an inside look at the intricate details of how the telescope operates, including the use of advanced software and imaging tools that allow scientists to study objects in space with unrivaled accuracy.

Using the Hubble Telescope, scientists were able to study the atmosphere of Kepler-186f, which is critical in determining if the planet has the potential to support life. The episode explores the various elements that make up the planet's atmosphere, including the presence of water, oxygen, and other key ingredients that are essential for life as we know it.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken on a journey into the heart of space, exploring the various challenges and obstacles that scientists face in studying exoplanets. From the vast distances between stars to the limitations of current technology, viewers gain an appreciation for the incredible effort and dedication that scientists put into exploring the cosmos.

Overall, "Hubble Examines an Earth-Sized Planet" is an exciting and informative episode that showcases the incredible capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope and the amazing discoveries made possible by modern astronomy. From the technical aspects of space exploration to the potential for discovering life beyond our planet, this episode takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the vast universe.