Ep 9. Wrath of the Sun

In episode 9 of season 6 of Space's Deepest Secrets titled "Wrath of the Sun," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the fascinating world of our very own star, the Sun. The episode delves into the mysterious and powerful forces that drive the Sun's behavior and the effects it has on our planet.

The show begins by introducing viewers to the notion of sunspots, dark patches that are seen on the Sun's surface. These sunspots are caused by the underlying magnetic fields, which produce intense bursts of energy that can cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). When these CMEs hit Earth, they disrupt power grids and wreak havoc on satellites and other forms of technology.

Next, the episode explores the history of our understanding of the Sun, from the ancient Greeks and their observations of solar eclipses to the modern-day space probes that have gathered invaluable data about our star. The show highlights the groundbreaking work of astronomers like Galileo and Richard Carrington, who first observed and documented the phenomenon that came to be known as the Carrington Event, a massive solar storm that hit Earth in 1859 with devastating consequences.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about the science behind the Sun's behavior and how it affects our planet. The show explains the concept of the solar cycle, which is the roughly 11-year period during which the number of sunspots on the Sun's surface increases and decreases. The cycle is correlated with changes in Earth's climate and weather, as well as with increased solar activity that can cause geomagnetic storms.

The episode also explores the potential dangers posed by the Sun. The show dives into the science of coronal holes, regions on the Sun's surface where the magnetic field is weaker and particles can escape more easily. When these particles hit Earth, they can cause additional damage to technology and even pose a risk to astronauts in orbit.

Finally, the episode examines the ongoing efforts to study the Sun and better understand its behavior. Viewers are introduced to scientists and researchers who are using cutting-edge technology and innovative methods to gather data about the Sun, including the Parker Solar Probe, a NASA spacecraft that is currently flying through the Sun's atmosphere. The show also highlights the work being done to develop new technologies to protect our planet from the dangers of solar storms.

Overall, the "Wrath of the Sun" episode of Space's Deepest Secrets is a fascinating exploration of one of the most powerful and mysterious forces in our solar system. Through a combination of history, science, and stunning visuals, the show provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the Sun's behavior and its impact on our planet. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or just curious about the natural world around us, this episode is a must-watch.