Ep 7. The Next Supernova

The Next Supernova episode of How the Universe Works season 9 explores the possibility of a nearby star exploding in a supernova and the potential effects it could have on Earth. Scientists believe that the Betelgeuse star, one of the brightest stars in the sky, could be on the verge of going supernova, which would result in an extremely bright explosion visible from Earth.

The first part of the episode delves into the physics and chemistry behind a supernova, explaining that it occurs when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses in on itself, triggering a massive explosion. The explosion releases a tremendous amount of energy, creating shockwaves that can potentially cause damage to nearby planets, including Earth.

The episode then examines Betelgeuse, which is located roughly 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Orion. Betelgeuse is a massive star, approximately 10 times the mass of our sun, and is in the final stages of its life. According to scientists, Betelgeuse has already started to dim significantly, which could be a sign that it's approaching the end of its life cycle.

If Betelgeuse does go supernova, it would be an incredibly rare event that hasn't been witnessed by humans since Kepler's Supernova in 1604. The episode explores the potential effects that a Betelgeuse supernova could have on Earth, including the possibility of a gamma-ray burst that could potentially cause mass extinctions.

The episode also explores the possibility of studying supernovas in more detail, using telescopes and other instruments to observe the events from a safe distance. Scientists have been able to gather a significant amount of data about supernovas over the years, but many questions remain about the physics behind the explosions and their potential effects on the universe.

Overall, The Next Supernova episode of How the Universe Works season 9 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most dramatic events in the universe. It provides an in-depth look at the science behind supernovas and their potential effects on nearby planets like Earth, as well as the opportunities for scientific study that come with observing these massive explosions.