Ep 2. Dark Origins of the Moon
- October 15, 2018
Space's Deepest Secrets season 5 episode 2, titled "Dark Origins of the Moon," takes viewers on a journey to understand how the moon came to be and its mysterious and dark past. The episode explores the most recent scientific discoveries made by experts and scientists as they try to uncover the secrets lurking on the moon's surface.
The episode opens with a brief history of the moon and how it has fascinated humans for centuries. It then delves into some of the recent discoveries about the moon's formation. Scientists believe that the moon was formed from debris that was left over after a Mars-sized object crashed into the young Earth over four billion years ago. This catastrophic event led to the formation of the moon, but it left many questions unanswered about its origins.
The episode then shifts into exploring the moon's dark side, which is shrouded in mystery and has not been explored as extensively as the visible side. Experts and scientists have been using advanced imaging techniques to study the composition of the moon's surface, and they have discovered some intriguing findings. Some of the discoveries have challenged previously held beliefs about the moon's history.
One of the most astonishing discoveries is that the moon's interior is far more complex than previously thought. The interior contains pockets of magma that have been erupting for millions of years. These eruptions are responsible for some of the dark patches visible on the moon's surface. The documentary showcases how scientists used a combination of ground-based telescopes and satellites to map these lava tubes, which provide a unique glimpse into the moon's volcanic past.
The episode also explores some of the unique features found on the moon's surface, such as the Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is the largest and deepest crater in the Solar System. This massive crater is over 2,000 kilometers wide and over 13 kilometers deep. The documentary explores the implications of this massive impact on the moon's history and how it may have shaped the moon's evolution.
In addition to exploring the moon's history, the episode also focuses on some of the recent missions to the moon. For example, the recent Chang'e missions by China to explore the far side of the moon resulted in some groundbreaking discoveries. The documentary showcases footage of the Chang'e 4 lander and the Yutu-2 rover exploring a region of the moon known as the Von Karman Crater. This region is of particular interest to scientists because of the unique geology and potential resource deposits.
Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with a glimpse into the lives of the scientists and researchers who have dedicated their careers to studying the moon. They share the challenges they face and the excitement they experience when making new discoveries. This provides a unique perspective on the scientific process and the dedication required to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Overall, Space's Deepest Secrets season 5 episode 2 provides an in-depth exploration of the moon's dark and mysterious origins. It showcases the latest scientific discoveries and provides a fascinating look at the moon's volcanic and impact history. The documentary offers a unique blend of science and storytelling that will appeal to anyone with an interest in space and the mysteries of the universe.
