Ep 3. Are We Alone?
- TV-PG
- May 9, 2018
- 53 min
-
7.5 (32)
NOVA Wonders season 1 episode 3 is called "Are We Alone?" and it explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The episode begins by discussing the concept of the "Goldilocks Zone," the region around a star where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface. This zone is considered the most likely place for life to exist in our galaxy, and scientists are using advanced technology to search for habitable planets.
The show features interviews with astronomers and astrobiologists who discuss their work to identify planets within the Goldilocks Zone and analyze their atmospheres for signs of life. They explain the various methods used to detect planets, including the transit method, which involves observing a star's brightness as a planet passes in front of it, and the radial velocity method, which measures the slight wobble of a star caused by the gravity of a planet orbiting around it.
One of the major challenges in the search for extraterrestrial life is the vast distances between planets and star systems. To address this, scientists are developing new technologies, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, which will be able to detect the chemical makeup of planets' atmospheres from thousands of light-years away.
The episode also explores the possibility of life existing in our own solar system, specifically on Jupiter's moon Europa. Scientists believe that Europa has a subsurface ocean of liquid water and that there may be volcanic vents on the ocean floor that could provide the necessary heat and nutrients for life to thrive. NASA is planning a mission to Europa in the 2020s to search for signs of life.
The show also discusses the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), which involves listening for signals or messages from other civilizations in the universe. Scientists explain the challenges of SETI, including the vast distances between stars and the difficulty in distinguishing between natural and artificial signals.
As the episode comes to a close, scientists discuss the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life. They explore the ethical and philosophical questions raised by the discovery, such as how we should treat alien life forms and what it would mean for our place in the universe.
Overall, NOVA Wonders season 1 episode 3 "Are We Alone?" is an intriguing exploration of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The show provides a fascinating look at the technologies and methods used to search for life in the universe and raises important questions about our place in the cosmos.