Ep 7. The Universe's Deadliest

The Universe's Deadliest is an episode of How the Universe Works season 5 that takes a look at some of the most dangerous and deadly phenomena in the universe. From stars that can destroy entire solar systems, to black holes that can swallow up everything in their path, this episode explores the destructive power of the universe.

The episode starts off with a look at supernovas, which are the explosive deaths of stars that can release more energy than the sun will ever produce in its entire lifetime. These explosions can create shockwaves that can travel through space for millions of years, which could be dangerous for any nearby planets or stars. The show also looks at how supernovas can create some of the heaviest elements in the universe, such as gold and platinum.

Next, the show takes a closer look at black holes, which are areas of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing can escape, not even light. The episode explains how black holes are formed from the collapse of massive stars, and how they can grow to be billions of times more massive than the sun. While black holes may seem scary, they are actually essential to the universe's existence, as they help to shape galaxies and regulate the flow of matter.

The show then moves on to explore gamma-ray bursts, which are some of the brightest and most energetic events in the universe. These bursts are caused by the merging of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole, and can release more energy in a few seconds than the sun will produce in its entire lifetime. The episode looks at the potential danger that these bursts could pose to life on Earth, and how scientists are working to better understand them.

The episode also takes a look at cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that can travel through space and pose a risk to astronauts and satellites. These particles are believed to be created by supernovas and other high-energy events in the universe, and can cause radiation sickness or damage to electronics. The show explains how scientists are studying these particles to better understand their origins and potential risks.

The Universe's Deadliest also explores the topic of dark matter, which is an invisible substance that makes up most of the matter in the universe. The episode explains how dark matter was first discovered, and how scientists are working to better understand its properties and role in the universe. While dark matter is not dangerous in and of itself, understanding it could help scientists to better understand the universe as a whole.

Overall, How the Universe Works season 5 episode 7 The Universe's Deadliest is a fascinating look at some of the most dangerous phenomena in the universe. From supernovas to black holes to cosmic rays, this episode explores how these events could pose a danger to life on Earth, and what scientists are doing to better understand them. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about the universe, this episode is sure to captivate and inform you.