Ep 7. Life Beyond the Sun

The Planets season 1 episode 7 titled "Life Beyond the Sun" is a riveting investigation into the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond our solar system. Armed with cutting-edge research and the latest technological advancements, this episode explores the fascinating avenues that lead to the discovery of life beyond Earth.

The episode kicks off with a historical account of how humans have been intrigued by the potential for life beyond our planet. From ancient Greek philosophers to modern-day scientists, the possibility of life existing beyond the Sun has captivated man's imagination for centuries. Fast forward to the present day, and the episode explores how current research into the existence of exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, is redefining our understanding of the universe.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through the various methods scientists are using to hunt for signs of life on distant planets. Cutting-edge telescopes such as the Kepler telescope, which has discovered thousands of exoplanets since its launch in 2009, and the James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in 2021, are set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond our planet.

The episode also delves into the concept of the "Goldilocks Zone", the area around a star where conditions are neither too hot nor too cold and where the potential for life to exist is highest. Scientists are using this concept as a guide to search for exoplanets that could contain liquid water, a crucial ingredient for life as we know it.

The episode also explores the fascinating concept of biosignatures, or signs of life that can be detected from a distance. These could include gases such as oxygen and methane that could indicate the presence of life on a distant planet. The episode examines how scientists are using cutting-edge technology to scan the atmospheres of exoplanets to search for these elusive biosignatures.

The episode also takes a deep dive into the provocative possibility of intelligent life beyond our planet. The show interviews scientists and researchers who are searching for signals from other civilizations, or SETI, through the use of radio telescopes and other advanced technologies. Could there be a message from an alien civilization hidden in the vast expanse of space? The episode takes a closer look at the research being done to try and answer this question.

This episode of The Planets is a fascinating exploration of the current research being done to uncover the mysteries of the universe and the potential for life beyond our planet. From exoplanets to biosignatures and the search for intelligent life, this episode is sure to captivate viewers with its fascinating insights and cutting-edge research.