Ep 16. The Planets: Ice Worlds

In this episode of NOVA, titled "The Planets: Ice Worlds," viewers are transported to the cold and distant regions of our solar system. The episode focuses on the outer planets, which are predominantly made up of ice, and delves into the unique properties and characteristics of these worlds.

The episode begins with a look at the planet Uranus, which is mainly composed of hydrogen and helium gases, surrounded by a layer of frozen methane. The team examines how the unique tilting of Uranus' axis results in extreme seasons and storms that can last for decades. Viewers are treated to stunning, high-resolution images of the planet's icy moon Miranda, as scientists try to unravel the mysteries of its chaotic surface.

Next up is Neptune, which has the most violent weather in our solar system, with winds reaching supersonic speeds. The episode explores the planet's icy moon Triton, which has a retrograde orbit and a geology that is eerily similar to that of Pluto, raising questions about the moon's origins and potential as a future target for exploration.

Moving towards the outer reaches of our solar system, the episode dives into the Kuiper belt, a vast region of space that is home to dozens of icy objects orbiting beyond Neptune, including Pluto. The team examines the history of Pluto's discovery and subsequent reclassification as a dwarf planet, as well as the New Horizons spacecraft's 2015 flyby of the distant world, which yielded unprecedented images and data.

Finally, the episode looks beyond Pluto to the even more remote regions of the Kuiper belt, where a new generation of telescopes and spacecraft are poised to discover more icy worlds and clues to the origins of our solar system. The team profiles the upcoming NASA mission Lucy, which will explore six Trojan asteroids that orbit in Jupiter's orbit, and the Europa Clipper mission, which aims to investigate the icy surface of Jupiter's moon Europa, which may harbor a subsurface ocean and the potential for life.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning animations and graphics that bring these distant icy worlds to life, from the dramatic storms of Uranus to the geysers of Triton to the icy landscapes of Pluto and beyond. The show also features interviews with leading scientists and experts in the field who share their insights, theories, and excitement for the exploration of these remote regions of our solar system.

In summary, "The Planets: Ice Worlds" is a fascinating and visually stunning episode of NOVA that explores the outer reaches of our solar system and the icy worlds that reside there. From the extreme seasons of Uranus to the violent storms of Neptune to the mysteries of Pluto and beyond, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in astronomy, space exploration, and the wonders of our universe.