The Future of the Milky Way

The seeming tranquility of a glittering night sky belies the fact that the universe is a violent, ever-changing place where stars experience birth and death spasms, galaxies collide, and giant black holes hoover up anything within gravitational range. Thanks to ultra-powerful telescopes, scientists are able to chart the cataclysmic events reshaping the cosmos--from the universe's beginnings billions of years ago when the "big bang" set things in motion to an apocalyptic vision of a potential "cosmic train wreck" in our future. Focusing on our own galaxy (a middle-aged star system), The Future of the Milky Way employs impressive footage, astronomer interviews, and good descriptive narration (the Milky Way, for instance, is said to resemble a fried egg with a bulge in the center, with Earth occupying an outlying "suburb" position) to explore signs that suggest how the universe might ultimately end. Divided into sections, with questions and suggested activities, this solid program is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)