Ep 1. Mars: Hunt for Alien Life

Mysteries of the Universe: Our Solar System is a captivating and educational exploration of the far reaches of space. In season one episode one, entitled "Mars: Hunt for Alien Life," viewers are taken on an exciting journey to the red planet.

The episode begins with an introduction to the current state of Mars exploration. The narrator explains that while humans have sent a number of unmanned missions to Mars, the ultimate goal is to send astronauts and establish a permanent human presence on the planet. However, before we can do so, we need to investigate whether or not Mars has the necessary resources to support life.

The first segment of the episode focuses on the history of Martian exploration, beginning with the Viking Missions of the 1970s. The segment explains how the Vikings searched for life on the planet by studying its atmosphere and analyzing soil samples. Ultimately, the Vikings did not find any conclusive evidence of life on Mars.

The episode then moves forward to the present day, showcasing the various missions that are currently underway to explore Mars. Viewers are introduced to the Curiosity Rover, which has been exploring the planet since 2011. The segment explains the many fascinating details about Curiosity, including its ability to drill into rocks and analyze their composition.

Next, the episode delves into the search for water on Mars. Scientists have long known that Mars has polar ice caps, but recent missions have revealed evidence of water beneath the planet's surface. The segment explains how scientists are using a variety of tools, including radar and satellite imagery, to map the distribution of water on Mars.

From there, the episode shifts focus to the search for signs of life on Mars. Viewers are introduced to scientists who are studying the planet's geology and atmosphere in order to determine if it is possible for life to exist on Mars. The segment explains how the presence of methane gas on Mars could be a possible indicator of life, but also acknowledges that there are other potential explanations for the gas.

The latter part of the episode explores the ongoing efforts to find evidence of past or present life on Mars. Scientists are analyzing soil and rock samples, searching for signs of organic compounds that could indicate the presence of life. Viewers are also introduced to the Mars 2020 mission, which will be searching for signs of ancient microbial life on the planet.

Overall, "Mars: Hunt for Alien Life" is an engaging and informative look at the ongoing search for life on our neighboring planet. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Martian exploration, as well as the cutting-edge technologies and techniques currently being used to investigate the planet. Whether you are a seasoned science enthusiast or a casual viewer, this episode is sure to fascinate and educate!