Ep 4. Jupiter: The Giant Planet

Jupiter: The Giant Planet is the fourth episode of the first season of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through space to explore the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter.

The episode begins by providing viewers with a brief overview of Jupiter's history, including the belief by the ancient Greeks that Jupiter was the King of the Gods. The episode then delves into Jupiter's composition, which is primarily made up of gas and has no solid surface. Scientists believe that the planet is made up of mainly hydrogen and helium, similar to the composition of the sun.

Viewers are then shown some of the fascinating features of Jupiter, such as its Great Red Spot - a massive storm that has been raging on the planet for centuries and is so large that it could swallow the entire Earth. Scientists have been studying the Great Red Spot for over 400 years, but they still do not fully understand what causes the storm to continue to rage on.

The episode also discusses Jupiter's numerous moons, which number in the dozens. Some of Jupiter's most famous moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Each moon has its own unique characteristics and features, which scientists have been studying for decades.

Jupiter's magnetic field is also explored in the episode, which is the most powerful magnetic field in our solar system. Scientists are still trying to understand the complexities of Jupiter's magnetic field and how it impacts the planet and its surroundings.

The episode also touches on the history of spacecraft that have been sent to explore Jupiter, such as NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 and the Galileo mission. These missions provided scientists with invaluable data about Jupiter and its moons, including detailed images of its atmosphere and magnetic field.

Lastly, the episode explores the current research being conducted on Jupiter, such as NASA's upcoming mission, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), which is set to launch in 2022. JUICE will be the first mission to explore Jupiter's icy moons, such as Europa, in detail and provide scientists with a better understanding of the potential for life on these distant moons.

Overall, Jupiter: The Giant Planet is a fascinating exploration of one of the most mysterious and intriguing planets in our solar system. From its massive storms to its numerous moons, viewers will gain a greater understanding of the complexities and mysteries of this giant planet.