Available online
Description
For many years scientists have speculated that gravity might be a variable force, actually weakening very slowly with time. Fred Hoyle believes that this idea might be connected with the origin of... the universe, but in this programme he explores the implications of variable gravity for the Earth. For example, it means that the lunar orbit would follow a spiral, with the Moon gently drifting away from the Earth. And the planetary orbits would also be spirals the Sun itself would have been brighter in the past, and the effect of this on the Earth's history is explored. There are also some fundamental implications for Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics, ideas which are at the forefront of geophysics research. The programme ends with Professor Hoyle discussing an observational test of the basic idea of variable gravity.
For many years scientists have speculated that gravity might be a variable force, actually weakening very slowly with time. Fred Hoyle believes that this idea might be connected with the origin of... the universe, but in this programme he explores the implications of variable gravity for the Earth. For example, it means that the lunar orbit would follow a spiral, with the Moon gently drifting away from the Earth. And the planetary orbits would also be spirals the Sun itself would have been brighter in the past, and the effect of this on the Earth's history is explored. There are also some fundamental implications for Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics, ideas which are at the forefront of geophysics research. The programme ends with Professor Hoyle discussing an observational test of the basic idea of variable gravity.
| Item code: | S2-4; 01 |
|---|---|
| First transmission date: | 15-07-1973 |
| Published: | 1973 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:22 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Andrew Crilly |
| Contributor: | Fred Hoyle |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brightness of the sun; Continental drift; Lunar orbit; Plate tectonics; Universe origins; Variable gravity |
| Footage description: | The programme is a discussion by Fred Hoyle on the possibility of a weakening of gravitational forces and the effects of this phenomenon. Hoyle begins by discussing the origins of the idea among physicists that gravity may be changing. He examines some of the problems which have arisen in developing valid theories to support this idea. Hoyle next discusses the changing orbit of the moon and how this lends support to the theory of gravity change. Hoyle then discusses the effect of gravity change on the brightness of the sun and the effect this would have on earth. He explains that the temperature of the earth's surface was much higher in the past as a result and that this would have a profound effect of the development of life. Hoyle discusses the effect of a weakening of gravity on the structure of the earth. As gravity weakens the earth's interior expands and the surface cracks on a planet wide scale. Ocean floor faults are evidence that this may be happening. Hoyle discusses the possibilities for geophysics of the idea of gravity change. He looks at various theories which would explain tectonic movement and how the idea of gravity change would fit in. Hoyle discusses the difficulties of proving experimentally that gravity is changing and of finding the extent of the change. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71155 |
| Production number: | 00525_1013 |
| Videofinder number: | 668 |
| Available to public: | no |
