Ep 3. It Fell From Space

It Fell From Space is an episode from Season 4 of the popular show The Universe. The episode explores the fascinating world of meteorites, comets, and asteroids. These alien objects have been falling from the sky since the dawn of human history, and they continue to fascinate us with their deadly impact and mysterious origins.

The episode begins by looking at the science of meteorites. These are small rocky or metallic objects that originate from space and enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, creating a bright streak of light known as a meteor. While most meteors burn up in the atmosphere, some survive to reach the ground, where they are called meteorites. The episode explains how scientists study these cosmic objects to learn about the early history of the solar system and the composition of its planets and moons.

The episode also discusses the phenomenon of comets. Comets are small icy bodies that orbit the Sun, and they are known for their spectacular tails that appear when they approach the Sun. The episode explains how these tails are created by the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that flows out from the Sun and interacts with the comet’s atmosphere. Comets are also important objects for scientists to study, as they are thought to contain clues about the early stages of the solar system’s formation.

The episode then turns to the topic of asteroids, small rocky or metallic bodies that orbit the Sun. The episode explains how asteroids are classified into different types based on their composition, shape, and orbit. Some asteroids are thought to be remnants of the early solar system, while others are thought to be the shattered remains of larger bodies that collided in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The episode also explores the potential dangers of asteroids, particularly those that cross Earth’s orbit. These objects are known as near-Earth asteroids, and they pose a real threat to our planet if they were to collide with us. The episode looks at the efforts that scientists and space agencies are making to detect and track these objects, as well as the plans for how to deflect an asteroid that is on a collision course with Earth.

Overall, It Fell From Space is a fascinating episode that explores the incredible world of meteorites, comets, and asteroids. The episode is full of stunning visuals and informative explanations that will leave viewers with a new appreciation for these enigmatic cosmic objects. Whether you are a space enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of the universe, this episode is a must-watch.