Ep 15. What If The Sun Disappeared For One Month?

AsapSCIENCE season 1 episode 15 explores the hypothetical scenario of what would happen if the sun were to suddenly disappear for one month. Hosts Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown break down the science behind what keeps the sun burning and provide insight into the potential consequences of its disappearance.

The episode begins by introducing the crucial role the sun plays in sustaining life on Earth, from providing the energy that drives photosynthesis in plants to regulating our planet's temperature and climate. Moffit and Brown then delve into the specifics of how the sun produces energy through nuclear fusion, explaining the process of converting hydrogen into helium and the immense heat and pressure required to sustain such a reaction.

With this background in mind, the hosts pose the question: what would happen if the sun were suddenly to stop burning? They discuss the likely timeline of events, from the initial shock of the sun's disappearance to the eventual impact on everything from the Earth's atmosphere to the food chain.

One of the first consequences of the sun's disappearance would be the immediate loss of sunlight, plunging the Earth into darkness and causing temperatures to plummet. The episode explores the possible effects of such a rapid cooling, including the potential for snow to cover much of the planet within a matter of weeks.

As time passes, the episode examines how the Earth's atmosphere would respond to the sudden absence of the sun's heat. Without the sun's energy, the thermosphere and ionosphere would begin to cool and contract, potentially disrupting the Earth's magnetic field and leaving us vulnerable to harmful radiation from space. Meanwhile, the mesosphere and stratosphere would begin to heat up due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation, potentially causing destruction to the ozone layer and resulting in widespread damage to our planet's ecosystems.

The episode also considers the potential impact on the food chain and the world's water supply. Without the sun's energy to drive photosynthesis, plants and other organisms that form the base of the food chain would quickly die out, leading to a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem. In addition, the water cycle would be interrupted, potentially leading to severe droughts and widespread famine.

As the episode draws to a close, Moffit and Brown reflect on the overall scenario and the important takeaway that it provides: that the sun is a vital and precious resource that we must safeguard for the sake of the entire planet's survival. While the disappearance of the sun for one month is a hypothetical scenario, the episode reminds us of the need to take action to address issues such as climate change and global warming that threaten the health and well-being of our planet.

In all, AsapSCIENCE season 1 episode 15 offers a thought-provoking exploration of a potential doomsday scenario, providing insight into the complex interplay between the science of the sun and the delicate balance of life on Earth.