Aired
April 25, 2012
NOVA
NOVA
Secrets of the Sun #S39E19
It contains 99.9 percent of all the matter in our solar system and sheds hot plasma at nearly a million miles an hour. The temperature at its core is a staggering 27 million degrees Fahrenheit. It convulses, it blazes, it sings. You know it as the sun. Scientists know it as one of the most amazing physics laboratories in the universe. Now, with the help of new spacecraft and Earth-based telescopes, scientists are seeing the sun as they never have before and even recreating what happens at its very center in labs here on Earth. Their work will help us understand aspects of the sun that have puzzled scientists for decades. But more critically, it may help us predict and track solar storms that have the power to zap our power grid, shut down telecommunications, and ground global air travel for days, weeks, or even longer. Such storms have happened before—but never in the modern era of satellite communication. "Secrets of the Sun" reveals a bright new dawn in our understanding of our nearest star—one that might help keep our planet from going dark.
Episode 19 of Season 39 from NOVA — available to stream in HD on any device.
Comments & Discussions
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Recommended
Because you liked NOVA
Harlan Coben's Final Twist
Harlan Coben's Final Twist
Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death
Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death
Fabrizio Corona: Io sono notizia
Paparazzi King
My Strange Addiction
My Strange Addiction
Couples Therapy
Couples Therapy
Gold Wars Downunder
Gold Wars Downunder
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel
Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel
Britain's Favourite Railway Stations with Si King
Britain's Favourite Railway Stations with Si King
Killer Confessions: Case Files of a Texas Ranger
Killer Confessions: Case Files of a Texas Ranger
Just a Dash
Just a Dash
Search for movies, TV shows, collections, manga, or people
Trending Now