Ep 40. The Supernovas At The End of The Universe
- December 15, 2020
The PBS Space Time series returns for season 2020 with a bang, exploring the final stages of the Universe in episode 40 titled "The Supernovas At The End of The Universe."
As we gaze into the heavens above, the study of stars has always been an alluring factor for scientists and astronomers. This episode explores the culmination of these celestial bodies in their final act of stellar death, the supernova.
From our current understanding, the Universe contains a plethora of stars that at some point will undergo a supernova. But what happens when all the stars in the Universe reach this final stage? We explore the implications of this scenario, from the resulting radiation that chronicles the "Big Rip" of the Universe to the potential creation of black holes that consume everything in their path.
But it's not all gloom and doom as the episode highlights the potential for rebirth and the creation of new stars from the debris left over from the supernova. We delve into the mechanisms that allow a new generation of stars to be born from the remnants of their predecessors.
Taking a closer look at supernovae, the episode provides a detailed overview of the varied methods they form, including the two main types, white dwarf supernovae and core collapse supernovae, and how they differ in the spectacle of their demise. We delve into the complex science of how a star moves towards its inevitable end and the process of gaining enough energy to explode.
The episode features amazing visuals and illustrations that help to explain the complex science behind the formation of supernova and show what happens when these massive bodies die. From the resulting shock waves that travel through space to the creation of elements that form the building blocks of life, it is all explored in this episode.
As always, the presenters of PBS Space Time provide an engaging and accessible approach to this complex topic that will leave audiences in awe of the Universe around us. The in-depth explanations will help viewers grasp the awe and wonder of these massive cosmic events and the vital role they play in the cosmic balance.
In conclusion, in PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 40, "The Supernovas At The End of The Universe," viewers are taken on a captivating journey into the celestial realm and witness how one can find the essence of life and death in the dancing stars. It's a treat for anyone with even the slightest fascination with the cosmos.
