Naked Science Season 6 Episode 5 Countdown To Impact

Countdown to Impact is the fifth episode of the sixth season of the Naked Science documentary series. It follows the world's leading experts as they race against time to prevent a catastrophic asteroid impact on Earth.

The episode explores the real-life threats of asteroid impacts, which have become a popular sci-fi trope but are a real and present danger. The documentary takes a closer look at the asteroids that orbit our planet, their sizes, speeds, and potential danger to Earth. It also discusses the impact of asteroids on Earth in the past, such as the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, which wiped out the dinosaurs.

Countdown to Impact dives into the global efforts currently underway to detect, track, and divert potentially hazardous asteroids. The documentary follows the scientists working at the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, on their latest mission: to redirect an asteroid using a crashed spaceship. The episode explores the latest technology and techniques employed by space agencies to prevent asteroid impacts on Earth, including ground-based telescopes, space-based scanners, and laser beams.

The episode also highlights the possibilities of using asteroids as a resource for future space exploration and development. Scientists believe that studying asteroids can help us understand the origins of our Solar System and even unlock new technologies. The episode explores the comet-hopping mission of the Rosetta spacecraft and how it provided unprecedented insight into the composition of comet water.

Overall, Countdown to Impact is a fascinating exploration of the science behind asteroid impacts on Earth and the latest technological advances in detecting and preventing them. The documentary showcases the dedication and research of scientists from around the world, highlighting the importance of global collaboration in space science. It is an informative and thrilling journey that leaves viewers with a newfound appreciation for the universe around us.