Ep 9. War On Asteroids

In season 6 episode 9 of How the Universe Works, titled "War On Asteroids", experts explore the potential threat of asteroids colliding with Earth and efforts to prevent catastrophic impact.

The episode begins with a recap of historical asteroid impacts, including the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Experts explain how these impacts are not rare occurrences and that the Earth is constantly bombarded by asteroids and other debris from space.

To combat this threat, NASA and other organizations are developing programs and technologies that could protect the planet from asteroid collisions. One such program is the asteroid redirect mission, which aims to redirect a potentially hazardous asteroid away from Earth's orbit.

The episode also covers the challenges of detecting asteroids and predicting their trajectories. Experts explain how this information is critical for determining the best course of action in preventing impact.

Furthermore, the episode delves into the potential consequences of an asteroid impact, including nuclear winter and mass extinctions. The experts also discuss hypothetical scenarios of preventing an impact, including detonating a nuclear bomb on the asteroid or using a gravity tractor to redirect its course.

Throughout the episode, stunning visual effects and animations illustrate the science behind asteroid impacts and the technologies being developed to prevent them. The episode also includes interviews with leading scientists and astronomers, who provide insights into the latest research and discoveries in this field.

Overall, "War On Asteroids" is a riveting exploration of one of the greatest threats to life on Earth and the groundbreaking efforts to protect the planet from untold devastation.