Hubble Space Telescope, Planet 9, Curiosity Mars Rover, Cosmic Roulette | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

60 Minutes39 minutes read

The Hubble Space Telescope has brought forth stunning images of galaxies and asteroids, revealing secrets of the universe. From Pluto's demotion to the search for Planet Nine and efforts to prevent asteroid impacts, space exploration remains crucial for understanding our cosmic surroundings and protecting Earth.

Insights

  • Hubble Space Telescope, operational for 27 years, has provided invaluable insights into the universe, revealing over 2 trillion galaxies and expanding our understanding of celestial bodies and their interconnectedness.
  • Pluto's planetary status was debated in 2006, leading to its demotion to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union, while the ongoing search for Planet Nine continues, supported by mathematical evidence from astronomers Mike Brown and Constantine Batygin.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Hubble Space Telescope?

    A powerful telescope in space capturing stunning images.

  • Why was Pluto demoted as a planet?

    International Astronomical Union decision based on new criteria.

  • What significant discoveries has NASA's Curiosity rover made on Mars?

    Uncovered evidence of Mars' past habitability and environmental changes.

  • Why are near-Earth objects a cause for concern?

    Potential scientific significance and collision threat.

  • What is the significance of the B612 foundation?

    Aiming to raise funds for space-based telescopes to detect asteroids.

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Summary

00:00

"27 Years of Hubble: Universe's Vast Discoveries"

  • The Hubble Space Telescope has been in space for 27 years, sending stunning images of galaxies beyond what the naked eye can see.
  • Astronauts have continuously upgraded Hubble, leading to recent dramatic discoveries.
  • NASA marks Hubble's birthday with breathtaking views of the universe, showcasing galaxies and stellar gases.
  • Hubble has revealed radiant galaxies, towering gas clouds, and the birth of stars across deep space.
  • Hubble's data analysis suggests there could be over 2 trillion galaxies, each with billions of stars.
  • Hubble's deep field observations have unveiled thousands of galaxies, expanding our understanding of the universe's vastness.
  • Hubble's upgraded equipment allows for detailed images of individual galaxies, showcasing the universe's immense scale.
  • Hubble's discoveries include the formation of stars, planets, and the interconnectedness of celestial bodies.
  • Hubble's infrared camera captures the birth and death of stars, illustrating the universe's constant regeneration.
  • Hubble's longevity has surpassed expectations, with plans for it to continue operating alongside the James Webb Telescope, set to launch in 2019.

17:38

Pluto's Demotion and the Search for Planet Nine

  • Neptune controls Pluto's orbit, acting as the bully of the planetary system.
  • Astronomers gathered in Prague in 2006 to decide on Pluto's planetary status.
  • The International Astronomical Union voted to demote Pluto to eight planets.
  • NASA launched a mission to Pluto just seven months before its demotion.
  • NASA's flyby mission to Pluto revealed its icy surface and craters.
  • Despite being demoted, Pluto remains a subject of interest and study.
  • Astronomers Mike Brown and Constantine Batygin discovered evidence of a ninth planet.
  • Brown and Batygin's mathematical proof supports the existence of Planet Nine.
  • The search for Planet Nine is ongoing, with Scott Shepard among the astronomers involved.
  • Curiosity, NASA's rover on Mars, has made significant discoveries about the planet's past habitability.

35:37

Mars to Earth: Asteroids Threaten Future Generations

  • Mars transitioned from a habitable planet to an almost dead one due to cooling, loss of its magnetic field, and the solar wind blowing away its atmosphere.
  • Earth's delicate environmental balance is highlighted by Mars' history, emphasizing the importance of appreciating Earth's warm, wet environment.
  • Asteroids and comets near Earth are now seen as scientifically significant and potentially dangerous if they collide with our planet.
  • Concern over detecting near-Earth objects grew after a Russian incident where an asteroid exploded with significant energy, injuring over a thousand people.
  • Detection of near-Earth objects is challenging due to their dark nature and daytime sky visibility issues.
  • Ground-based telescopes track asteroids by observing changes in their positions, with professionals and amateurs collaborating globally.
  • The potential danger of asteroids is underscored by past impacts, including the Tunguska event in 1908 and the extinction of dinosaurs.
  • Efforts are being made to detect and potentially deflect asteroids, with projects like the B612 foundation aiming to raise funds for space-based telescopes.
  • The importance of preventing asteroid impacts is emphasized, despite the low probability of occurrence, as they pose high-consequence events that could impact future generations.
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