Ep 3. Mission to the Sun

Mysteries of the Universe: Our Solar System season 1 episode 3, titled "Mission to the Sun," takes viewers on an exciting journey to explore the mysteries of the Sun, our closest star. Through advanced technology and cutting-edge research, scientists are finally able to study the Sun up close and reveal its true nature.

The episode begins with an introduction to NASA's Solar Probe Plus spacecraft, which was launched in 2018 and has been making groundbreaking observations of the Sun ever since. Viewers are shown footage of the Solar Probe Plus getting closer and closer to the Sun, and learn about the unique challenges that scientists faced in designing and launching the spacecraft.

As the Solar Probe Plus approaches the Sun, viewers are taken on a tour of the different layers of the Sun's atmosphere, including the corona, which is millions of times hotter than the surface of the Sun itself. Scientists explain the current theories about what causes the corona to be so hot, and how the Solar Probe Plus is helping to shed light on this mystery.

Next, the episode explores the Sun's magnetic field, which plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior of the solar wind and the Sun's activity cycle. Viewers learn about the complex interactions between the Sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field, and how these interactions can sometimes lead to solar storms that can have a significant impact on our planet.

The episode also delves into the topic of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are explosive events that can release huge amounts of energy and particles into space. Scientists explain how these events can disrupt communications and other technologies on Earth, and how the Solar Probe Plus is helping to improve our understanding of their causes and effects.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Sun and the spacecraft that are studying it, bringing this fascinating topic to life in a way that is both informative and visually stunning. Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of the universe, "Mission to the Sun" is an episode that is sure to captivate and educate.