PBS Space Time Season 2018 Episode 6 The Death of the Sun

PBS Space Time is a series dedicated to exploring the various mysteries of the universe. In season 2018 episode 6, titled "The Death of the Sun," the show delves into the impending doom of our very own star.

The episode begins by discussing how the sun is essentially a nuclear bomb that has been going off for billions of years. However, all good things must come to an end, and eventually, the sun will die. The show explores the different ways in which this may happen, ultimately leading to the demise of our solar system.

One possible scenario is that the sun will run out of fuel, which will cause it to cool down and shrink. As the sun contracts, it will become a white dwarf star, which is incredibly dense and hot. This will cause the surrounding planets, including Earth, to be swallowed up and destroyed.

Another scenario is that the sun will grow in size, becoming a red giant. As it expands, it will cause its outer layers to heat up and blast off into space. This will create a planetary nebula, which is a cloud of gas and dust. Eventually, the red giant will shed its outer layers completely, leaving behind a hot, dense core known as a white dwarf.

The show also explores the concept of black holes. It discusses how, as the sun continues to burn, it will eventually run out of fuel and lose its ability to support itself. This will cause it to collapse in on itself, becoming what is known as a black hole. The show dives into the physics behind black holes and how they are formed.

The episode concludes by discussing the long-term future of the universe. As stars continue to die, they will release all of their energy back into space. Eventually, galaxies will collide and merge, forming larger and larger super-galaxies. The show speculates on what the ultimate fate of the universe may be.

Overall, "The Death of the Sun" is a fascinating look at what will inevitably happen to our solar system. While it may be a bleak topic, the show presents the information in an engaging and informative manner. Fans of space and science will undoubtedly find this episode to be fascinating.