PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 9 The Race to a Habitable Exoplanet - Time Warp Challenge
- March 8, 2017
The Race to a Habitable Exoplanet - Time Warp Challenge is the ninth episode of the PBS Space Time Season 2017 series. In this episode, the quest for a habitable exoplanet is explored as the possibility of finding life beyond our solar system becomes more and more realistic.
The episode begins with a familiar concept, time travel; however, it applies it to the science behind finding an exoplanet. The Time Warp Challenge is used as a visualization tool to demonstrate that the universe is so vast that, to accurately find a habitable exoplanet, we would need to have faster-than-light travel. This is where the Time Warp Challenge comes in as a way to simulate faster-than-light travel. It takes us on a journey, simulating time travel, to a new sphere of the universe.
The episode then moves onto the Kepler Space Telescope, which is one of the most successful projects of its kind, having discovered thousands of exoplanets in our galaxy. The focus then shifts to the most recent endeavors, including TESS and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope, which will allow us to study the atmosphere of exoplanets in detail.
The episode then explores the requirements for habitability, including the need for a suitable star, a stable orbit, a protective atmosphere, and a proper temperature range. It also looks at the prospect of a moon and plate tectonics, both of which can play a significant role in the habitability of a planet.
The episode also discusses how it is difficult to find a habitable planet, as the methods of detection used so far only allow us to examine a small portion of the sky. However, things are looking up with the introduction of the Ground-Based Infrared Astronomy Facility (GBIR) and the observation capabilities of the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope.
In the latter part of the episode, the focus is on the future and the possibility of colonizing an exoplanet. It explores various concepts such as the idea of terraforming a planet to make it habitable for humans, the challenges we have to overcome, and the resources available for us.
Finally, the episode concludes with the thought-provoking idea of humanity's ultimate fate in the universe as it pertains to the search for a habitable exoplanet. It emphasizes our need to find a planet that is not just suitable for us, but also to preserve life as a whole.
In conclusion, The Race to a Habitable Exoplanet - Time Warp Challenge, is a well-researched and informative episode. It presents a clear picture of the current state of the search for a habitable exoplanet, the challenges we face, and the possibilities for the future. It is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in space exploration and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
