PBS Space Time Season 2020 Episode 14 Was the Milky Way a Quasar?

PBS Space Time is one of the most highly acclaimed science shows, taking its viewers on an incredible journey through the mysteries of the universe. In season 2020, episode 14, titled "Was the Milky Way a Quasar?", the show takes on the fascinating topic of quasars and their possible connection to the Milky Way galaxy.

Quasars are among the most distant, bright, and mysterious objects in the universe. These extremely luminous and massive celestial entities emit incredible amounts of energy, outshining entire galaxies and sometimes even rivaling the brightness of an entire galaxy. Quasars are believed to be powered by supermassive black holes that are located at their centers, which swallow up vast amounts of matter from their surroundings, creating intense radiation and light emissions that can be detected by telescopes.

In this episode of PBS Space Time, the show's host explores the intriguing idea that the Milky Way galaxy itself may have been a quasar in its early history. The theory is that the Milky Way went through an active quasar phase millions of years ago, possibly triggered by a merger with another galaxy. This quasar phase may have produced intense energy emissions that would have been visible from great distances, but which have faded away over time.

The show dives into the science behind quasars, explaining how they are formed and why they emit such enormous amounts of energy. Viewers will learn about the event horizon of supermassive black holes, the accretion disks that surround them, and the role of magnetic fields in the generation of powerful jets of plasma that shoot out from the black hole's poles.

The host goes on to explore how scientists study quasars and use them to learn more about the universe's origins and evolution. This includes the use of telescopes and other observational instruments to detect quasar light emissions, as well as advanced computer modeling techniques that simulate the physical processes taking place in quasars.

The show also examines the evidence that suggests that the Milky Way may have indeed been a quasar at some point in its history. This includes observations of quasars located in other galaxies that resemble the early Milky Way in their properties and behavior. The show also explores the role of black holes in the evolution of galaxies, and how they can merge with other galaxies to trigger periods of intense activity and energy emissions.

Throughout the episode, viewers will gain a deep appreciation for the incredible power and mystery of quasars, and the fascinating ways in which they are helping scientists to uncover the secrets of the universe. With stunning visuals, clear explanations, and engaging storytelling, PBS Space Time's "Was the Milky Way a Quasar?" is an enthralling exploration of one of the most intriguing topics in modern astronomy.