Available online
Description
This programme deals with the question of the origin of the universe. Recent radio astronomy observations and the results of laboratory experiments indicate that the universe had a hot explosive be...ginning and that galaxies formed in the period which followed. They continue to fly apart as a result of this initial explosion.
This programme deals with the question of the origin of the universe. Recent radio astronomy observations and the results of laboratory experiments indicate that the universe had a hot explosive be...ginning and that galaxies formed in the period which followed. They continue to fly apart as a result of this initial explosion.
| Module code and title: | S354, Understanding space and time |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S354; 15 |
| First transmission date: | 26-09-1979 |
| Published: | 1979 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Andrew Crilly |
| Contributors: | George Abell; Alan Cooper |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Aircraft; Holmdel; Hot explosive beginning; LeMaitre; Mechelin; Penzias Arno; Radiation; Radio telescopes; Robert Wilson; Universe origin |
| Footage description: | Photo of George Le Maitre as a young priest. Shots of Leuven University where he became Professor of Physics. George Abell introduces the programme. Abell discusses Le Maitre's speculations of an explosive beginning to the universe from a huge primeval atom. Alan Cooper, at the Kellogg -Radiation Laboratory Pasadena, discusses the work of Gamow in determining the conditions of the early universe. Cooper goes on to examine a Van der Graff generator which can be used to recreate the conditions of the early moments of the universe, reaction by reaction. Animated diagrams help to illustrate the processes involved. With the aid of further animations, Alan Cooper goes on to explain how the heavier elements were formed later in the life of the universe. Alan Cooper discusses the nature of the radiation which should be present as a result of the 'big bang' origin of the universe. He explains how that radiation can be recognised. George Abell, at Princeton University; explains how the physicists there devised methods of detecting the 'big bang' radiation. Shots of some of the equipment used there to detect the radiation. Abell examines the large horn antenna at the Bell Telephone Laboratories where the residue 'big bang' radiation was first detected by accident. Abell explains how this came about. Shots of a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft taking off and of one parked at an airfield. George Abell, standing next to a U-2 explains the use made of the aircraft to monitor microwave length radiation. He then briefly sums up the programme. |
| Master spool number: | DOU3299 |
| Production number: | FOUS076D |
| Videofinder number: | 2047 |
| Available to public: | no |
