PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 19 The Cosmic Conspiracy of Dark Energy Challenge Question

PBS Space Time is a science documentary series that explores the mysteries of the universe and the latest scientific discoveries. In the season 2016 episode 19 titled "The Cosmic Conspiracy of Dark Energy Challenge Question," the show delves into one of the biggest mysteries of modern cosmology: dark energy.

Dark energy is a mysterious force that is pushing the universe apart at an accelerating rate. Scientists don't yet know what dark energy is made of, but they have observed its effects on the universe through various telescopes and experiments. This episode explores some of the major questions surrounding dark energy and how it challenges our understanding of the universe.

The episode begins by discussing the history of dark energy and the experiments that led to its discovery. It explains how dark energy was first postulated by Einstein, but it wasn't until the 1990s that astronomers were able to observe its effects on the universe. The show also talks about some of the major experiments that have been conducted to study dark energy, including the Planck satellite and the Dark Energy Survey.

The episode then goes on to explore some of the major questions surrounding dark energy, such as what it is made of and how it interacts with other forms of matter. The show also discusses some of the theories that have been proposed to explain dark energy, including the cosmological constant and quintessence.

One of the main challenges of understanding dark energy is that it seems to be working against the force of gravity that holds the universe together. Scientists don't yet know why this is happening or how to reconcile this observation with our understanding of gravity. The show delves into some of the proposed solutions to this challenge, such as modifications to the laws of gravity or the existence of multiple universes.

The episode also explains how dark energy relates to the overall structure and fate of the universe. If dark energy continues to accelerate the expansion of the universe, it could eventually cause galaxies to become so far apart that they can no longer interact with each other. This would make it impossible for life to exist in the universe as we know it. The show explores some of the proposed scenarios for the end of the universe, such as the Big Freeze or the Big Rip.

Overall, "The Cosmic Conspiracy of Dark Energy Challenge Question" is a thought-provoking and informative episode that explores one of the biggest mysteries of the universe. It takes a complex and often bewildering topic and makes it accessible to a general audience, while still maintaining a high level of scientific accuracy and rigor. Whether you're a die-hard science enthusiast or just someone who's curious about the world around us, this episode is well worth your time.