One Hour Of Mind-Blowing Space Mysteries | Full Series | BBC Earth Science

BBC Earth Science・2 minutes read

The universe is primarily composed of dark energy, which causes its expansion to accelerate, challenging existing physics models. Scientists are studying chameleon particles, using instruments like DESI and the Euclid Space Telescope to understand dark energy better.

Insights

Dark energy, comprising 70% of the universe, is causing the universe to accelerate in its expansion, challenging existing physics models and remaining a puzzling mystery to scientists.
Parallel universes, supported by quantum physics, suggest that every decision creates a new universe, with evidence pointing towards their existence and scientists getting closer to proving their reality, expanding our understanding of the cosmos.

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Recent questions

What is dark energy?
Dark energy is a mysterious force comprising 70% of the universe that causes its expansion to accelerate, defying current physics models.
How are neutron stars formed?
Neutron stars are formed from massive star deaths, resulting in incredibly dense and magnetically powerful remnants.
What is the concept of parallel universes?
Parallel universes, supported by quantum physics, suggest that every decision creates a new version of oneself and a new universe.
What is dark matter?
Dark Matter, making up 25% of the unknown universe, is matter that doesn't interact with light and could be ordinary matter or a new fundamental particle.
How do fast radio bursts originate?
Fast radio bursts likely originate from highly energetic neutron stars, particularly from binary neutron star systems merging to form black holes.

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Summary

00:00

Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Energy

Dark energy, comprising 70% of the universe, remains a baffling mystery to scientists.
Physicists initially believed the universe's expansion would slow down as energy from the Big Bang depleted.
A Nobel Prize-winning discovery revealed the universe was actually accelerating in its expansion.
Dark energy, causing this acceleration, defies current physics models and remains unexplained.
Scientists at Berkeley are searching for chameleon particles to understand dark energy better.
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and the Euclid Space Telescope aim to provide more data for understanding dark energy.
Groj 1008-57, a neutron star, possesses a magnetic field over a trillion times stronger than Earth's.
Neutron stars, formed from massive star deaths, are incredibly dense and magnetically powerful.
Neutron stars merging can create black holes or magnetars, like the x-ray pulsar Groj 1008-57.
The concept of parallel universes, once deemed outlandish, is now supported by quantum physics and mathematical theories.

18:54

"Parallel Universes, Dark Matter, and Earth's Spin"

According to Quantum Theory, every decision creates a new version of oneself and a new universe.
Flipping a coin results in the universe splitting into two worlds, with each outcome existing simultaneously.
There are countless universes, with variations where things are similar but different.
Evidence suggests the existence of parallel universes, with scientists getting closer to proving their existence.
Dark Matter, which makes up 25% of the unknown universe, is matter that doesn't interact with light.
Dark Matter could be ordinary matter that is invisible or a new fundamental particle called wimps.
Scientists are conducting experiments underground to search for Dark Matter due to interference from cosmic rays.
The search for Dark Matter continues at CERN, where particles are smashed together to potentially create Dark Matter.
The Earth is spinning faster, causing days to be shorter, which could lead to technological issues like GPS malfunctions.
Melting glaciers causing the Earth to spin faster due to the redistribution of mass, potentially leading to more severe storms and natural disasters.

36:44

Jupiter's Spectacular Auroras and Space Junk

The Northern Lights on Jupiter are the most spectacular in our solar system, larger than Earth, and produce powerful flares reaching terawatts of power.
Juno, a spacecraft sent to Jupiter in 2016, revealed dramatic auroras as it approached, likened to a fireworks display.
Jupiter's magnetic field, 20,000 times stronger than Earth's, extends to Saturn, capturing particles and creating massive auroras.
Juno discovered Jupiter's core is an ocean of liquid metallic hydrogen, leading to experiments simulating Jupiter's core conditions.
Jupiter's metallic hydrogen core, comprising up to 50% of its mass, generates its massive magnetic field and contributes to its auroras.
Jupiter's moons, particularly Io, with its volcanic activity, add to the spectacle of Jupiter's auroras.
The auroras on Jupiter pulse every 27 minutes due to periodic vibrations across the magnetosphere, sending heavy ion particles towards Jupiter.
Space junk, including satellites and debris, poses a significant threat in Earth's orbit, with over 130 million pieces currently orbiting.
Collisions with space junk can be catastrophic, with even small fragments causing immense damage, highlighting the urgent need for solutions.
Efforts to track and remove space junk are ongoing, with methods like harpoons, nets, and magnetic thrusters being considered to mitigate the threat.

55:09

"Fast Radio Bursts: Neutron Stars and Tardigrades"

Scientist Duncan Lorimer and team discovered fast radio bursts, extremely bright signals from outer space.
Initial speculation considered the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for the signals.
Other scientists worldwide confirmed similar signals, indicating their authenticity.
Fast radio bursts likely originate from binary neutron star systems merging to form black holes.
Neutron stars, highly energetic objects, are the likely source of fast radio bursts.
A recent discovery of a fast radio burst from a magnetar in the Milky Way galaxy supports this theory.
The likelihood of fast radio bursts being alien signals diminishes with these findings.
Tardigrades, resilient microscopic creatures, are ideal for space exploration due to their ability to survive extreme conditions.
Tardigrades were tested in space and Antarctica, showcasing their survival capabilities.
Tardigrades could potentially have traveled between Earth and space, sparking life on our planet.

01:13:11

Deflecting asteroids with white reflective paint

White reflective paint can deflect an asteroid by utilizing the force of the sun's photons.
To effectively push the asteroid off course, a 20-year notice is required.
Potential methods to divert asteroids include paintballs, tractors, and nuclear weapons.
Current focus is on the Dark mission aimed at protecting the world.

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