PBS Space Time Season 2019 Episode 3 The Crisis in Cosmology

PBS Space Time is a show that covers a broad range of topics related to physics, astronomy and the cosmos. In its third episode of the 2019 season, the show delves deeper into a subject that has been a cause of concern for cosmologists and astrophysicists, i.e., the Crisis in Cosmology.

The theoretical framework of cosmology helps us understand the structure and evolution of the universe. However, in recent years, some observations and data have raised questions about the accuracy of our current understanding of the universe.

In this episode, the host Gabe Perez-Giz talks about some of the perplexing questions that have baffled cosmologists, such as the Hubble Constant crisis, the Lithium crisis and the Dark Matter crisis. The Hubble Constant is a measurement that determines the rate of expansion of the universe, while the Lithium crisis refers to the difficulty of explaining the origin of Lithium in the universe. The existence of a mysterious substance called Dark Matter has also been a big issue in cosmology as it cannot be directly observed, but its presence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter.

The episode begins by discussing one of the biggest conundrums in cosmology, the Hubble Constant dispute. Over the past century, astronomers have been measuring the universe's expansion rate, which indicates how far apart objects are in the cosmos. Although it was believed to be a constant, the most recent data suggests that it is not. There is ongoing debate among scientists as to whether this is the result of measurement errors or whether it represents a fundamental flaw in our current understanding of the universe.

The show then moves on to discuss the Lithium crisis, often called the “biggest crisis in current cosmology.” One of the most significant obstacles in studying the universe's origins is understanding Lithium's chemical fingerprint. Lithium's prevalence in the universe is predicted by our understanding of the Big Bang, but observations of stars don't seem to match theory. It’s a troubling discrepancy that does not have an easy explanation.

Finally, the host delves into the Dark Matter crisis, in which astrophysicists are still grappling to find a direct way to detect and study the elusive substance. With no observational clue as to what it might be made of, Dark Matter is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all. While it remains a topic of intense research and study, there is much yet to be discovered before we can fully understand it.

Throughout the show, the host introduces some of the leading theories and models proposed by scientists to try and solve these quandaries. However, every proposition or model comes with a set of limitations and issues that prevent a clear-cut solution to the Crisis in Cosmology.

The final segment of the episode speculates on what the future of cosmology might look like if we solve these problems. It’s an exciting time in the field, with new technologies, ground-based observatories and space exploration helping astrophysicists to gather data that will help solve these perplexing issues.

In conclusion, PBS Space Time’s third episode of the 2019 season offers a fascinating insight into the current conundrums posed by Cosmology, a science that delves deep into one of the most profound questions of humanity’s existence. The Crisis in Cosmology episode is an absorbing watch that covers a vast array of topics, from fundamental physics to astronomy, offering a glimpse of the ongoing efforts to solve some of the most significant mysteries of our universe.