The Chemistry around Young Stars: Astronomer Nami Sakai
Most of space is a vacuum. But since 1940, radio telescopes have detected "interstellar molecular clouds" containing carbon monoxide, ammonia and water molecules. Over tens of millions of years, gravity causes these clouds to accumulate gas and dust, and then collapse, forming stars. In this episode, we'll meet RIKEN Institute astronomer Nami Sakai, who discovered unexpected carbon chain molecules near the hot and dense center of one of these clouds, a baby star known as "L1527," still forming in the Taurus constellation. Sakai's discovery showed the world that the molecules present in newly-forming stars vary from one to the next. And her ongoing research on "interstellar chemistry" raises questions about the origins of our own solar system.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Tyler Perry's The Oval
The Oval tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation's most iconic residence.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock and Number One in the decade before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy.
South Park
South Park is an adult comedy animation show centred around 4 children in the small town of south park. Its humour is often dark involving satirical elements and mocking current real-life events.