PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 35 When Quasars Collide STJC

When Quasars Collide STJC is the 35th episode of the 2017 season of PBS' Space Time show. In this episode, the focus is on the phenomenon of quasars and how they interact when two of them collide. Quasars are incredibly bright and distant objects that are believed to be powered by supermassive black holes at their centers.

The episode begins with an explanation of what a quasar actually is and how they were first discovered. Quasars were first observed in the 1960s, and their extreme brightness and peculiar spectra puzzled astronomers for years. It wasn't until the 1980s that researchers began to realize that quasars were likely powered by black holes.

From there, the discussion turns to the idea of quasar collisions. When two quasars encounter each other, their black holes will eventually merge. This process is fascinating to astronomers because it is believed to be one of the most energetic events in the universe. The episode explains that when black holes merge, they create intense gravitational waves that ripple through the fabric of space-time.

But how do astronomers actually observe these collisions? According to the show, it's all about looking for the right kind of signature. When two quasars merge, the intense gravitational forces will cause the surrounding gas and dust to heat up and emit radiation. This radiation can be detected by telescopes, and it usually manifests as an incredibly bright outburst of light.

The episode then goes on to describe some specific examples of quasar collisions that have been observed by astronomers. One example is a collision that occurred about 10 billion years ago, which was recently detected by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The episode explains that this collision created a giant bubble of hot gas that is about 300,000 light-years across.

Another example is the merging quasars PG 1302-102 and SDSS J0159+0105. These two objects are currently locked in a gravitational dance, and astronomers are eagerly watching to see what will happen when they finally merge. The episode explains that this collision could be one of the most violent events in the universe, releasing as much energy as a trillion stars.

Throughout the episode, the hosts of Space Time do an excellent job of breaking down complex astronomical concepts in a way that is accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. They use clear and concise language, as well as helpful animations and visual aids, to explain the science behind quasar collisions.

Overall, When Quasars Collide STJC is an engaging episode that explores one of the most fascinating and energetic phenomena in the universe. Whether you're a seasoned astronomy buff or a casual viewer, this episode is sure to pique your interest in the mysteries of space.