Ep 3. Life & Death on the Red Planet

Life & Death on the Red Planet is the third episode of the fifth season of How the Universe Works. In this episode, the focus is on the possibility of life on Mars. The episode starts with an exploration of how Mars, which was once believed to be a warm and wet planet, is now a harsh and desolate wasteland. Scientists have been studying Mars for many years and have sent several missions to the planet in search of signs of past or present life.

The episode explores the history of Mars and discusses what makes it a difficult place to find life. Mars has a thin atmosphere and no magnetic field, which means that it is exposed to dangerous solar radiation and has lost much of its water over time. It is a cold, dry, and dusty planet, with extreme weather conditions, such as massive dust storms that can last for months.

Despite these challenges, scientists believe that Mars could have the potential to support life in the past or even today. The episode explains how the discovery of water on Mars has been a game changer in the search for life on the planet. In recent years, numerous studies have revealed that there are signs of liquid water on Mars, which is a crucial component for life as we know it. Scientists have also discovered underground aquifers that could hold valuable clues to the past and present of Mars.

The episode discusses the various missions that have explored Mars in recent years, including the Mars rover missions launched by NASA. The rover missions have provided valuable insights into the geology and environment on Mars. The episode showcases the Curiosity rover, which has been exploring a region called Gale Crater, and providing high-resolution images and data on the area's geological makeup. The rover has also discovered organic molecules, which have helped deepen the discussion about life on Mars.

The episode also delves into the dangers that astronauts could face on a future mission to Mars. Despite the potential for life on Mars, the planet still poses significant dangers for human exploration. The thin atmosphere and lack of a magnetic field make it difficult to protect humans from solar radiation. The extreme weather conditions, such as massive dust storms, could also pose significant risks to astronauts.

In conclusion, Life & Death on the Red Planet is an informative and exciting episode that explores the potential of Mars to support life in the past or even today. The episode provides valuable insights into the history of Mars, its environment, and the various missions that have been sent to explore it. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in space exploration, the search for life beyond Earth, and the potential for human missions to Mars in the future.