PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 18 Martian Evolution

In the latest episode of PBS Space Time, titled "Martian Evolution," viewers are taken on a journey through the fascinating history of the planet Mars, focusing specifically on the evolutionary processes that have occurred over time. From the planet's formation to present day, this episode delves deep into what we know about Mars and what we can learn from it.

The show begins with an overview of Mars' geological history, noting that the planet formed around 4.6 billion years ago. But despite being only half the size of Earth, Mars was once a much more active world. It had a thick atmosphere, active volcanoes, and even liquid water on its surface. This means that the potential for life on Mars is significant, and scientists have been studying the planet for decades in the hopes of discovering evidence of microbial organisms or other forms of life.

The episode then moves on to discuss the many missions that have been sent to Mars throughout history, including the Viking landers, Spirit and Opportunity rovers, and more recent missions like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Through these missions, scientists have been able to gather a wealth of data about the planet, including its physical characteristics, chemical composition, and climate.

With this information, scientists have been able to piece together a more complete understanding of how Mars has changed over time and how it might continue to evolve in the future. For example, Mars' thin atmosphere means that the planet is much colder than Earth, with temperatures dropping as low as -143 degrees Celsius at night. This has led to the formation of polar ice caps and other unique geological features, such as the massive Valles Marineris canyon.

But despite these harsh conditions, scientists believe that life on Mars may be possible. The existence of liquid water in the past, evidence of organic compounds on the planet, and the discovery of methane in the atmosphere all suggest that Mars may have once been home to microbial life, and that it could still be hiding in the planet's subsurface today.

As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexity and wonder of Mars, as well as the ongoing efforts of scientists to learn more about this intriguing world. From potential future manned missions to continued exploration with robotic probes, the future of Martian research is sure to be filled with many exciting discoveries.

Overall, "Martian Evolution" provides a captivating and engaging look at one of the most fascinating planets in our solar system, and what we can learn from it about the evolution of life and the universe as a whole.