PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 5 Will Mars or Venus Kill You First?

In the fifth episode of the 2016 season of PBS Space Time, viewers are presented with the intriguing question, "Will Mars or Venus Kill You First?" The episode delves into the unique and deadly challenges posed by each planet to any human visitors who might venture there.

First, the show introduces viewers to the hostile environment of Mars, a planet that is often (somewhat optimistically) referred to as our "sister planet." We learn that Mars is a dry, dusty, and cold planet that is bombarded by solar radiation, posing significant threats to human health. Furthermore, Mars lacks a protective magnetic field to shield humans from the worst of these radiations. The episode explores potential solutions to these problems, including terraforming the planet, creating artificial magnetic fields, and developing radiation-resistant technology.

Next, the episode turns to Venus, a planet whose reputation as a hellish inferno precedes its massive potential threats to human life. Venus has an incredibly thick atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide, which creates a runaway greenhouse effect that traps heat and raises the planet's surface temperature to an unbearable 462 degrees Celsius (864 degrees Fahrenheit). The atmospheric pressure of Venus is also 92 times that of Earth, further limiting the possibility of human survival. The show examines some of the most cutting-edge ideas for navigating these inhospitable conditions, such as floating cities in the planet's temperate upper atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, the presenters acknowledge the daunting obstacles posed by both Mars and Venus, while still managing to maintain a sense of optimism about humanity's ability to overcome the challenges presented by space exploration. The show encourages viewers to consider the significance of taking on these challenges, from the development of new technologies to the ultimately inspiring possibility of eventual human settlement beyond our home planet.

Finally, "Will Mars or Venus Kill You First?" highlights the growing importance of space exploration in our technologically advanced world. From the resource potential offered by extraterrestrial bodies to the potential for finding new habitats and expanding human knowledge to its limits, space exploration represents one of the most intriguing and relevant topics of our time. PBS Space Time's fifth episode of its 2016 season underscores the significance of these and other issues, leaving viewers with much to contemplate as humanity continues to reach for the stars.