Well-made simulations of cosmic creation processes and astronomical bodies are always a joy to behold, and this episode does not disappoint. The first half of it mainly focuses on the history of Solar System studies, including such highlights as sending a space probe to capture comet fragments for analysis, and gives an overview of star formation theory. The hypothesis that our solar system's birth was catalyzed by a nearby supernova is explained.
The second half of the episode features concise descriptions of the metal-rich Mercury, the violent Venus, Earth, the Moon, Mars, and the main asteroid belt. Then, we briefly look at the Outer planets, the Kuiper belt, and the Oort cloud.
Finally, the latest theories of the Late Heavy Bombardment are presented. At the center are Jupiter and Saturn, whose interplay caused a chain of events that led to the Earth and the Moon being shot to shreds with gargantuan rocks around 3.9 bya.
9/10; an excellent program.
The second half of the episode features concise descriptions of the metal-rich Mercury, the violent Venus, Earth, the Moon, Mars, and the main asteroid belt. Then, we briefly look at the Outer planets, the Kuiper belt, and the Oort cloud.
Finally, the latest theories of the Late Heavy Bombardment are presented. At the center are Jupiter and Saturn, whose interplay caused a chain of events that led to the Earth and the Moon being shot to shreds with gargantuan rocks around 3.9 bya.
9/10; an excellent program.
