NOVA: The Planets Season 1 Episode 2 Mars

In the second episode of NOVA: The Planets season 1, viewers are taken to the planet Mars, which has remained a source of fascination for scientists and space enthusiasts alike for decades. The episode, titled "Mars," explores the history of Mars, its potential for having supported life, and ongoing efforts to explore the planet.

Through stunning footage and interviews with leading scientists and researchers, viewers are given a glimpse into the complexity of Mars' atmosphere, terrain, and geological history. The episode begins by outlining the history of Mars exploration, including the numerous failed attempts by the United States and the former Soviet Union to land probes on the planet.

The episode then goes on to discuss the current state of Mars exploration, focusing on the Mars rovers and missions launched by NASA. Scientists explain the challenges of sending rovers to Mars, including the extreme terrain and harsh conditions that any rover must survive if it is to conduct any useful research on the planet.

The episode also explores the potential for life on Mars, considering what we know about the planet today and what we can infer from its history. The discussion is centered primarily around the possibility of microbial life, and the potential impact that the discovery of even primitive life on Mars would have on our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to incredible images of Mars, including stunning shots captured by rovers as well as computer-generated visualizations of the Martian landscape. The episode also includes a look at Mars' two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are some of the smallest moons in the solar system.

Ultimately, "Mars" provides a comprehensive overview of one of the most fascinating and mysterious planets in our solar system. Through expert interviews, informative graphics, and breathtaking footage, viewers are given a glimpse into the ongoing quest to explore and understand the Red Planet, and the potential impact that such knowledge could have on our understanding of life, the universe, and everything.