Creation Of The Universe

Noted science writer and professor Timothy Ferris is the author and host of this fascinating look at the world of cosmology. Beginning with a clever overview of chronological time, the program goes on to query leading physicists on the nature of the universe and outlines the history of the search for a grand unified theory (Einstein's grandest hope and bitterest disappointment.) In order to explain, even at a surface level, the intricate workings of quantum mechanics, the filmmakers have constructed elaborate animated sequences to show how subatomic particles act and react with one another. In addition, Ferris discusses particle accelerators--gigantic circular arenas where particles are collided; often leading to shocking challenges to fundamental physics. There is also a substantial amount of footage with the brilliant theoretical physicist Ste­phen W. Hawking, who expounds several key ideas that would later form the basis for his bestselling (surprisingly!) book A Brief History of Time. Ferris concludes with a snappy bit of special effects, as he climbs the steps of a lighthouse, looking out various windows at simulated versions of what scientists believe was happening at the creation of the universe...down to segmented parts of the first second. Highly recommended. (Available from: PBS Video, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314-1698.)