News/Current Affairs★ New
Duration
60 minutes
Series Info
Season 1 Episode 2 of 18

Quick Summary

When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it can direct a blast of radiation capable of obliterating all life on Earth. The episode investigates the probability of this event occurring and how likely such a lethal outburst is.

About This Program

Death Ray is a television programme presented as a single episode. It is listed simply as a “programme” of the “episode” genre, with no further classification provided. The title itself suggests a focus on a catastrophic astronomical phenomenon, and the format is that of a self‑contained broadcast segment. The core premise of the episode centres on the final stages of a massive star. When such a star reaches the end of its life, it can unleash a powerful burst of radiation. According to the material, this radiation would be sufficient to wipe out all life on Earth, presenting an extreme existential threat. The broadcast then turns its attention to the likelihood of this scenario actually occurring. It asks viewers to consider how probable it is that a dying massive star could direct a lethal radiation blast toward our planet. The episode frames the question in terms of statistical chance, inviting speculation grounded in astrophysical understanding. Overall, the episode concentrates on a single, stark possibility: that a distant, massive star’s death could produce a radiation pulse capable of eradicating life on Earth, and it probes the odds of such an event happening. No additional narrative elements or characters are introduced beyond this central scientific inquiry.

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Killers of the Cosmos broadcasts on Discovery Science +1 at 11:00am, Monday, 9 February 2026.

Channel Numbers:
Sky HD685Sky267Virgin379

Production Details

Runtime60 mins