NOVA - The Elegant Universe

Though I've always been interested in our solar system and universe, I don't have a background in astronomy, physics, or higher mathematics. In fact, I barely passed math when in college. That, however, hasn't curbed my curiosity about the mysteries of our known universe. I just have to stick with books and documentaries that I can comprehend. The Elegant Universe with host Brian Greene is the perfect documentary for a lay person like me. Dr. Greene has a way of explaining the most complicated theories and making them simple to the average person. After watching this very entertaining and knowledgable series, I now have a better grasp of Newton's Theory of Gravity, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, quantum mechanics, and the String Theory. Don't ask me to write out a mathematical formula. It won't happen, but at least I now have a limited understanding of the different theories that have made such an enormous impact on our study of the stars. The one surprising thing that The Elegant Universe showed me is that the majority of scientists appear to be too self-immersed within their own theories and beliefs. They often refuse to even take a look at a new theory by someone else, until it can actually be proven by experimentation and observation. My opinion is that what we know about the universe is just the tip of the iceberg. In the next hundred years all of todays theories may end of being irrelevant and obsolete. I think that all scientists should be open to new thoughts and opinions about outer space even when they can't be proven at this point in time. The goal should be to work together in discovering new answers to age-old questions, rather than worrying about who's going to win the next Nobel Prize, or who will be the next Einstein. We need to get ego out of this and to concentrate more on working with each other to solve the great mysteries. I have to say that though there's no obvious evident to support the String Theory, it does seem logical to my mind. I mean everything in the universe is made up of energy. Why can't there be more than four dimensions, or multiple universes? Just because we can't see or feel them doesn't mean that they don't exist. We have to be open to all possibilities. Though mankind has come a tremendously long ways in the last hundred years, we're still in the infant stage as far as scientific knowledge is concerned. Think about how vast the universe is. There has to be a way of travelling to other solar systems and galaxies that far exceeds the speed of light. The speed of light is simply too slow for space travel. In my mind, I can't see a universe this large and not being able to travel it. We just haven't found the solution, yet. From the tiniest quark and string of energy to the farest galaxy billions of light years away, the old Zen saying still rings true--"As above, so below." The Elegant Universe is a must for viewers like me who look at the stars in total awe, knowing that the mind of God is still out of our reach. Take a fun journey into the cosmos with Brian Greene that's filled with food-for-thought and will have you questioning the theories of today's leading scientists and maybe about life itself. Highly recommended to anyone who's interested in the stars.

“If string theory is not, and can never be, testable - it is philosophy - not science.’’This presentation is really about the unification of physics, quest of finding “The theory of Everything.’’Explains that Newton first found a theory that unified all movement - in heaven and earth - under the name of gravity.(Newton overturned Aristotle’s doctrine of two forces, earthly and heavenly. Newton convinced Genesis correct - “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’’ One creator - one force.)The next ‘unification’ was Maxwell’s work. He connected electricity and magnetism. We now think of electro-magnetism.(Interestingly, Maxwell also devout Bible reader. Said his goal was to “Glorify God and enjoy him forever”.)Einstein used Maxwell’s mathematics with Newton’s gravity and produced ‘General Relativity’. However, he was never able to combine electro-magnetism with gravity. Worked, suffered and fought the rest of his life to do this. Failed.Worse, the development of quantum mechanics added an even more frustrating science to Einstein’s effort. He just never . . . never . . . believed it!Greene explains quantum mechanics as successfully as any. Who can really grasp the weird . . . weird . . . universe of quantums?Greene’s real theme is that now physicists now can (maybe) do what Einstein failed to do, unite gravity and the other forces. How? String theory!Only one minor (giant) roadblock. String theory has no evidence, no facts, no . . . no . . . nothing.Well is this science? No. What is it?“If no testable evidence ever is found for string theory - it just philosophy”.This video is well done. Easy to follow, dramatic visual illustrations, with excellent use of humor. Greene excellent teacher.In fact, the verbal explanations are almost superfluous due to the marvelous graphics.Great!Watched with my wife and twelve year old grandson. Both caught the message.In fact, friend told me that he watched with his three year old daughter. She learned about atoms, electricity. Repeated these ideas to her dad for confirmation. Next day demanded to watch again!

The whole concept of the string theory is fascinating. If this theory holds true, and is ever provable, it will be like the DNA of all life.'The Elegant Universe' offers an interesting collection of perspectives. All in all it's quite credible, even though they're talking on a subject where many assumptions have to be made. But the fact that our species can even talk about it is something to think about. We're kind of like the mirrors and instruments revealing the inner hidden side that cannot be revealed except through the human experience of mind and senses. That alone is fascinating to me.I agree that this dvd is sometimes on a grade school level in its delivery. One perspective could be that it loses some credibility because of this approach. But then again, the complexity and technical aspect could easily overwhelm the viewer, so some comic relief might help us keep our attention peeked. I highly recommend this dvd along with 'Stephen Hawking's Universe." I very much look forward to future dvd's on this subject.

I debated whether to buy the book or DVD. I selected the DVD and it was excellent. NOVA did a great job with pictures illustrating complicated Physics concepts. It made it so easy to understand. This is all new material from the Physics I studied in college. Very fascinating. I bought it for my grandson (high school) but watched it first.

This PBS series is well worth the viewing with all the basics of Quantum physics and string theory without needing a university degree in mathematics.

Lovely new DVDs interesting

Depuis que j'ai obtenu ce DVD, mon mari et moi n'avons cessé de la regarder. C'est un documentaire qui nous explique d'une manière vive comment le monde de la science et de la physique sont toujours présent autour de nous et comment notre futur risque de changer très très vite. Je conseillerait à tout ce qui sont intéressés par la science de voir ce film.

If you love physics you will enjoy it. I am not a physicist, but love when complex ideas are presented in lay man terms. I imagine i understood everything without being to University :) haha just kidding, its interesting and amazing stuff.

当然のことながら画質が高く、computergraphicが印象的になった。