Black Sun

Intro

3rd episode of the first season. Written by David Weir (his only episode). Directed by Lee H. Katzin, who also directed "Breakaway" (his only two episodes).

Summary

After finding an erratic asteroid, the Moon changes course, drawn towards an unusual astronomical phenomenon. An Eagle is sent, but it and its pilot are sucked in. They realize they are dealing with a black sun, and have little time. A modified Bergman Shield is set up and demonstrated; but among the officers, there is little hope it will really help. A lifeboat Eagle is launched in the opposite direction. Alphans share what they think may be final moments, then inside, find themselves undergoing a strange and wonderful experience, inc. talking with something they find difficult to classify. They survive, do not recall what happened inside, and discovered the survival ship has appeared above them too.

Details

Eagle 1, with Mike Ryan as pilot (apparently the sole occupant) are sucked into the Black Sun, and are lost. He does not reappear later (like the lifeboat Eagle did), so he perhaps died.
The influence of the Black Sun is drawing Alpha power, and the base becomes cooler. At one point, Victor clears frost off a window.
Victor gets receives an electrical jolt; Helena feels his mechanical heart saves his life.
Computer put on Essential Services Program (minimum capacity).
Paul Morrow is on watch at least once. Also, he puts David Kano on watch at one point.
Alpha News Service is broadcasting some updates, but eventually shuts down.

Quotes

Mike Ryan (regarding the title object): "It's round... it's huge... it's black. Boy, is it black."
Helena Russell (regarding new Bergman Shield): "It's ingenious."
Victor Bergman (in response): "It's insane."
David Kano: "Alpha cannot survive without Computer."
John Koenig (in response): "Is that a fact?"
Victor to John, regarding their "extraordinary" survival: "Oh, I don't know exactly.... I, I, I, I'm a scientist, I don't know anything about God; but, no, ah... a sort of... 'cosmic intelligence' is what I've got in mind."
Victor to John: "Sixty year old brandy. I've been saving it for ten years. Just waiting for a proper occasion to celebrate. Well, not everybody might think this was a celebration; but it is to me."
John to Victor, starting a toast: "To everything that might have been."
Victor to John, finishing the toast: "To everything that was."
Tanya: "Paul. Mind if I share the music with you?"