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Witness the Thin Blue Line

In Witness the Thin Blue Line, Professor Brian Cox experiences a vertical take-off on the English Electric Lightning, which travels 11 miles into the upper edge of Earth’s atmosphere, where the atmosphere appears as a delicate "thin blue line" separating Earth from space. As the aircraft soars to the edge of space, gain a new perspective on the vital role of Earth’s atmosphere in sustaining life and protecting against the harshness of space. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wonders of the Solar System, a spellbinding documentary series that explores the most extreme locations on Earth to explain how the laws of physics carved natural wonders across the Solar System.
Video Details
Grades:
6-89-12
Program:
Wonders of the Solar System
Time:
5:57
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Earth and Space Science

Lesson Express

Q: What does the "thin blue line" refer to, and why is it important?
A: The "thin blue line" refers to the part of the Earth’s atmosphere where it appears as a fragile barrier separating Earth from the vacuum of space. It is essential because it traps heat, protects against radiation, and provides oxygen and water, which are necessary for life.

Q: Why is the troposphere the thickest layer of Earth's atmosphere?
A: The troposphere is the thickest layer because it contains the air we breathe, supports weather patterns, and holds most of the water vapor.

Q: What would it feel like to fly in the Electric Lightning at the edge of the atmosphere?
A: Flying at such high altitudes would likely be a surreal experience, with a sense of awe and isolation as the atmosphere becomes thinner and the boundary between Earth and space becomes clearer.

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