Ep 2. Inside the Sun

In episode 2 of Strip The Cosmos season 1, titled "Inside the Sun," viewers are taken on a deep dive into our nearest star. As humans, we are only able to study the Sun from a distance, so understanding what's inside presents a great challenge. However, with cutting-edge technology like CGI and 3D imaging, the experts in this episode are able to simulate the inner workings of the Sun with incredible accuracy.

The first part of the episode delves into the quest to understand the Sun's energy production. As the dominant source of energy in our solar system, it's of immense importance to understand how the Sun generates its power. We are taken back in time to the 19th century, where early researchers hypothesized that the Sun might be powered by a chemical reaction, rather than simply burning hydrogen. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that scientists discovered the nuclear reactions that power the Sun.

Viewers are then given an inside look at the Sun's core - the area where nuclear fusion reactions take place. The core is a chaotic place, with immense temperatures and pressures causing particles to collide and fuse together, producing energy in the process. The show's experts take us on a virtual tour of the Sun's core, highlighting the different subatomic particles and reactions taking place. We are also shown how particles can "jump" fusion reactions, allowing for the creation of heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.

Moving outward from the core, the episode then explores the Sun's radiative zone. This is the area in which energy produced in the core travels outward as photons. Due to the high temperatures and pressures, it can take thousands of years for a photon to travel from the core to the outer layer of the Sun. The next stop on the tour is the convective zone - a region of the Sun where hot plasma rises to the surface and cooler plasma sinks back down towards the core. This zone is responsible for the creation of sunspots and solar flares, which can have significant impacts on Earth's weather and technology.

The final part of the episode examines the Sun's corona - the outermost layer that can be seen during total solar eclipses. The corona is incredibly hot, with temperatures reaching up to two million degrees Celsius. Scientists have long been puzzled as to why the corona is so hot, given that it's not where nuclear fusion reactions take place. However, recent research has suggested that the corona's extreme heat may be due to the transfer of energy from the Sun's magnetic field to the plasma. The episode explores this idea in depth, utilizing stunning 3D graphics to show how the magnetic fields of the Sun give rise to coronal loops and other features.

Overall, "Inside the Sun" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important objects in our solar system. By utilizing groundbreaking technology and cutting-edge scientific research, the experts in this episode are able to shine a light on the complex and awe-inspiring inner workings of the Sun. Viewers are sure to come away from this episode with a newfound appreciation for the massive star that keeps our planet running.