Ep 10. Pulsars & Quasars

Pulsars & Quasars is the 10th episode of the fourth season of the television show The Universe. This episode explores two of the most fascinating objects in the universe - pulsars and quasars.

Pulsars are incredibly dense and rapidly spinning stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation. They were first discovered in 1967 by Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish. The episode explores how pulsars are formed and the different types of pulsars that exist, including millisecond pulsars and double pulsars.

The episode also discusses the use of pulsars as tools for astronomy. Pulsars have incredibly stable and predictable rotation periods, making them useful for studying the properties of gravitational waves and testing theories of general relativity. The episode also looks at the possibilities of using pulsars for interstellar navigation.

Quasars, on the other hand, are some of the brightest and most energetic objects in the universe. They were first discovered in 1963 by Maarten Schmidt. The episode dives into the mystery of quasars, exploring what they are and how they form.

The episode discusses how quasars are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. These black holes consume large amounts of matter, causing the release of incredible amounts of energy in the form of light and other radiation. The episode also looks at the different types of quasars, including radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars.

Furthermore, the episode explores how quasars have helped us better understand the early universe. As quasars are some of the oldest known objects in the universe, studying them allows astronomers to look back in time to when the universe was much younger. The episode delves into the ways in which quasars have helped us unravel the mysteries of the early universe, including the formation of galaxies and the reionization of hydrogen.

The episode also highlights the challenges of studying both pulsars and quasars. As pulsars emit radiation in the form of radio waves, they can be difficult to detect and observe using telescopes. Similarly, quasars emit radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, making them difficult to study in detail.

Overall, Pulsars & Quasars provides a fascinating insight into two of the most intriguing objects in the universe. The episode explores the formation and properties of pulsars and quasars, as well as their potential uses in astronomy and navigation. The episode also delves into the challenges of studying these objects and highlights the ongoing efforts of astronomers around the world to unlock their secrets.