Space's Deepest Secrets Season 1 Episode 4 Alien Oceans
- May 17, 2016
-
6.6 (13)
In the fourth episode of Space's Deepest Secrets season 1, titled "Alien Oceans," the focus is on the possibility of life on other planets. Specifically, the episode delves into the question of whether or not there might be life in the oceans of other planets. Scientists have long been interested in this topic, as Earth's own oceans have been found to contain a vast array of life forms, from the tiniest microorganisms to the largest whales.
The episode begins by exploring some of the recent discoveries about other planets in our solar system that suggest there could be oceans beneath their surfaces. For example, Jupiter's moon Europa, Saturn's moon Enceladus, and Neptune's moon Triton are all thought to have subsurface oceans. The episode explains how scientists have been able to make these discoveries and what it means for the search for extraterrestrial life.
From there, the episode looks at some of the ways that scientists are trying to investigate these oceans. For example, NASA is planning a mission to Europa that will involve sending a spacecraft to orbit the moon and collect data to help scientists understand the composition of the ocean beneath its ice crust. The episode also looks at some of the challenges involved in exploring these oceans, such as the difficulty of drilling down through the ice to reach the water below.
The episode then goes on to explore some of the ways that life might be able to exist in these oceans. For example, scientists have found that the subsurface oceans of Europa and Enceladus are both salty, which is similar to Earth's own oceans. This suggests that the oceans could contain the necessary ingredients for life, such as nutrients and organic compounds.
The episode also explores some of the more exotic forms of life that might be able to exist in these oceans. For example, some scientists believe that life on other planets might be based on different chemical compounds than those that make up life on Earth. They have even speculated that there could be life forms that are based on methane or ammonia instead of water.
Throughout the episode, the scientists and experts interviewed emphasize the importance of exploring these oceans in our search for extraterrestrial life. They argue that the more we understand about the conditions necessary for life to exist, the better our chances of finding it somewhere else in the universe.
Finally, the episode ends with a look at some of the future missions that are planned to explore these oceans. For example, NASA is planning to send a spacecraft to Europa in the 2020s, and there are also missions in the works to explore the subsurface oceans of Enceladus and other icy moons. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of excitement and optimism about the future of space exploration and our chances of discovering life beyond Earth.
In conclusion, the fourth episode of Space's Deepest Secrets season 1, titled "Alien Oceans," is a fascinating exploration of the possibility of life on other planets. By focusing on the oceans that may exist beneath the surfaces of other planets and moons, the episode offers a fresh perspective on the search for extraterrestrial life and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For anyone who is interested in space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth, this episode is a must-watch.