Ep 4. Death of the Milky Way

In season 6, episode 4 of How the Universe Works, titled "Death of the Milky Way," viewers are taken on a journey through the incredible forces that could one day bring about the end of our home galaxy.

The episode begins by exploring the current state of the Milky Way, including the vast array of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies that make up its structure. This serves as an introduction to the idea that everything in the universe is constantly in motion, with forces both great and small acting upon these objects at all times.

From there, the episode delves into the potential threats that could one day bring about the "death" of our galaxy. These threats are presented in a visually stunning manner, using a mix of computer-generated graphics, real-life footage, and expert interviews to provide a comprehensive look at what we know (and don't know) about the forces that drive the universe.

One of the primary threats presented in the episode is the possibility of a "galactic collision," or the merging of two or more galaxies. Viewers are shown what might happen if our Milky Way were to collide with a neighboring galaxy, with potential outcomes including the destruction of stars, planets, and other celestial objects as they are crushed or flung out into space.

Another potential threat is the eventual death of our own sun, which is expected to occur billions of years from now. As the sun enters the final stages of its life, it will expand to become a red giant, consuming anything in its path, including the planets that make up our solar system. This could have devastating consequences for life on Earth and could also disrupt the Milky Way's overall structure.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the various scientific theories and research studies that have been conducted to better understand these potential threats and the forces that might bring about the end of the Milky Way. The show also takes time to explore the incredible advances we have made in recent decades in terms of observing and studying the galaxy, providing a fascinating glimpse into the current state of modern astronomy.

Overall, "Death of the Milky Way" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning episode of How the Universe Works that presents a compelling look at the potential threats that could one day bring about the end of our home galaxy. With expert interviews, cutting-edge graphics, and a wealth of scientific information, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in astronomy, space exploration, or the nature of the universe itself.