Ep 4. Heaven and Hell

In the fourth episode of the first season of Cosmos titled "Heaven and Hell," viewers are taken on an exploration of the history and science behind comets and how they have been viewed by various cultures throughout history. Series host, famed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, delves into the myths and facts surrounding these beautiful celestial objects.

Dr. Tyson begins by describing comets as "the fiery harbingers of change," objects that fly through space leaving beautiful (and sometimes terrifying) trails of light in their wake. They have been observed by humans for millennia, and their appearances have been interpreted in many different ways. Some ancient civilizations viewed comets as omens of doom, while others saw them as celestial messengers or as gods themselves.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Tyson takes viewers on a journey to explore the science behind comets, from their origins in the earliest days of the solar system to their unpredictable paths through space. He discusses the work of scientists like Edmond Halley, who first hypothesized that some comets follow regular orbits and predicted the return of the comet now known as Halley's Comet.

The episode also touches on the role of comets in the history of science, including the discovery of the chemical element cyanogen in the tail of a comet by French astronomer Jean-Baptiste Biot. Dr. Tyson explains how this discovery helped to establish the idea that comets were made up of the same substances as Earth and could provide clues about the origins of our solar system.

As always, the episode blends history, mythology, and science to offer a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. Dr. Tyson discusses how comets have been featured in everything from artwork to literature to religious texts, including the Bible's Book of Revelation. He also introduces viewers to the Rosetta spacecraft and the Philae lander, which in 2014 landed on the surface of a comet to collect data about its composition and structure.

One of the standout moments in the episode is when Dr. Tyson explores the Tunguska Event, a mysterious explosion that occurred in Russia in 1908 and was thought to have been caused by a comet or asteroid. Dr. Tyson travels to the site of the explosion to investigate the aftermath and explain the scientific theories behind what happened.

In typical Cosmos fashion, the episode is visually stunning, with breathtaking animations and graphics that help to explain the complex science behind comets. Viewers are taken on a journey through space, exploring the formation of the universe and the incredible forces that govern its workings.

Ultimately, "Heaven and Hell" is a fascinating exploration of a topic that has captured the human imagination for centuries. Dr. Tyson's passion for the subject is infectious, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for these beautiful and enigmatic objects that fly through our skies.