PBS Space Time Season 2020 Episode 16 How We Know the Universe is Ancient

PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 16, titled "How We Know the Universe is Ancient," delves into the incredible methods and techniques used by physicists to determine the age of our universe. The episode begins by examining the Big Bang Theory and how it sets the foundation for understanding the universe's origins.

As the episode unfolds, the viewer is taken on a journey through time, from the first few moments after the Big Bang to the present day. Along the way, the program explores the various tools used by physicists to measure cosmic distances, such as supernovas, cosmic microwaves, and galaxy clusters. The episode also covers redshift, a key concept in cosmology that helps scientists understand the expanding universe's rate.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is introduced to various scientists, physicists, and experts in the field who explain the methods they use to calculate the universe's age. These experts discuss how they pieced together clues over time to estimate the age of various stars and galaxies, and eventually the Big Bang itself.

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is when the scientists discuss their use of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB). The CMB is electromagnetic radiation left over from an early stage of the universe. By studying it, scientists can learn about the universe's origins and infer the age of the universe. The episode goes into detail about how this ancient and ubiquitous radiation is measured, how it was first discovered, and what it tells us about how the universe began.

The episode also covers the phenomenon known as dark energy, which is thought to be responsible for the universe's accelerating expansion. Scientists use this information to calculate how much time has passed since the Big Bang and, ultimately, to determine the universe's age.

Throughout the episode, complex concepts are broken down into easy-to-understand explanations, with plenty of visual aids to help the viewer follow along. The show's hosts provide insightful commentary that helps the viewer understand why these concepts matter and how they fit into the broader context of cosmology.

Overall, PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 16 is an engrossing exploration of the scientific methods used to determine the universe's age. The episode offers an extraordinary window into the minds of the physicists and scientists who are working to unravel the mysteries of the universe and provides an exciting glimpse into the incredible techniques they use to make sense of the cosmos.