Monster of the Milky Way

The “monster” in the title of this excellent NOVA episode, narrated by Liev Schreiber, refers to the massive black hole many astronomers expect to find at the center of our galaxy. In fact, scientists believe that black holes exist at the center of most (if not all) galaxies, capable of devouring or destroying everything in their vicinity (yes, this is another one of those fascinating programs ensuring us that Earth is doomed…but since we're talking about billions of years in the future, there's no need for immediate panic). Brimming with astronomical data, stunning long-distance photographs, and computer animation depicting probable behaviors of these massive black holes, Monster of the Milky Way illustrates how new technologies such as "adaptive optics" enable astronomers to view the center of the Milky Way (26,000 light years away); how measuring the velocity of stars' motion and orbits allows scientists to determine the location and mass of black holes; and how galaxies grow and merge in a violent process of "galactic cannibalism" caused by the gravitational influence of centralized black holes. Several experts are interviewed, including astronomer/author Neil deGrasse Tyson, whose newest book Death by Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries covers much of the same territory. DVD extras include printable materials for educators. A thought-provoking program sure to appeal to anyone who has marveled at the insights of Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Kip Thorne, Brian Greene, and other popular explorers of astrophysical theories and discoveries, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)