Ep 2. When Meteors Attack

When Meteors Attack: Space's Deepest Secrets Season 3 Episode 2

In this episode of Space's Deepest Secrets, the focus is on the biggest potential threat to Earth from space: meteors. Colloquially known as shooting stars, these celestial bodies might look harmless, but any meteor big enough to reach Earth can cause catastrophic damage. The episode delves deep into the science behind meteor impacts and analyzes the strategies scientists and governments have devised to protect our planet.

The episode begins with an overview of how meteors form and enter Earth's atmosphere in the first place. This involves a detailed look at the asteroid belt, the Kuiper Belt, and the Oort Cloud, which are the three main regions in our solar system from where meteors originate. Experts explain how the force of gravity can sometimes dislodge large rocks out of their orbit and send them hurtling towards Earth at speeds of up to 160,000 kilometers per hour.

Once a meteor enters Earth's atmosphere, it begins to experience tremendous atmospheric drag, which can cause it to heat up and ignite in a phenomenon known as a meteor shower. While meteor showers might appear pretty and harmless, these are actually not the kind of meteors that are dangerous to Earth. The episode notes that meteor impacts that can cause significant harm are much rarer, happening only once in a few hundred years.

Space's Deepest Secrets Season 3 Episode 2 then transitions to discussing the various ways scientists are trying to protect Earth from future meteor impact events. There is an array of techniques that are used or being developed, ranging from deflecting or destroying meteors before they collide with Earth to bolstering Earth's defenses against their impact.

For example, the show explores how scientists plan to use lasers to deflect and destroy incoming meteors. The process involves aiming high-powered lasers at the meteor's surface, causing it to heat up rapidly and vaporize into a gas cloud. This vapor cloud would then exert a pressure on the meteor, essentially pushing it off course and away from Earth. While the technology to use lasers in a coordinated and effective manner to deflect meteors is still in the development stage, the episode argues it could be an important tool in the future.

Another approach discussed in the episode involves developing new defense systems to protect Earth's atmosphere and rotation dynamics. This could involve creating an artificial atmosphere to deflect a meteor, or installing satellites around earth that would act as large safety nets to catch and deflect any incoming meteors.

Space's Deepest Secrets Season 3 Episode 2 also takes a look at the possibility of catastrophic asteroid impacts that would dwarf even the biggest meteor events. The episode notes that one such asteroid, known as Apophis, will come close to Earth in 2029. While Apophis will not hit Earth then, astronomers and scientists have been paying close attention to its trajectory and are still worried about a potential impact in the future.

The show also highlights the importance of public awareness and communication about the risks of meteor impacts, noting how communities might have to be evacuated or sheltered in the event of an impact. This could also include directing air traffic or shutting down satellite systems, which could be affected by the impact.

Overall, When Meteors Attack is a gripping and informative episode that delves deep into the science behind meteor impacts, the risk they pose to Earth, and what steps scientists and governments are taking to protect our planet. Despite the potentially grim subject matter, the episode is presented in an engaging and accessible manner, aided by expert interviews, cutting-edge animations, and stunning visuals of the cosmos.