Next on NOVA: "The Elegant Universe"

http://www.pbs.org/nova/elegant/

Broadcast: December 21, 2004, 8:00-10:00 pm ET on PBS (check local
listings as local broadcast schedules may vary)

String theory is the Holy Grail of modern physics. Using complex
mathematics, string theorists seek to unify the forces of nature,
enabling physicists to understand the universe at its most basic
level. To the uninitiated, string theory is totally mind-boggling.
But physicist Brian Greene has a rare gift for conveying physics in
vivid everyday images, a gift that has turned his recent book, The
Elegant Universe, into a mighty bestseller. Now Greene brings his
talent, youth, and vitality to television for the first time. A
highly innovative, Matrix-like production style makes the surreal
world of string theory spring to life on the screen. On the
companion Web site, hear the opinions and insights of Greene and
other leading physicists about the current state of string theory,
look behind the scenes at how the film's special effects were
achieved, and delve into a series of mind-expanding interactives,
among other features.

Here's what you'll find on the companion Web site:

Articles and Interviews

A Theory of Everything?
In this excerpt from his book The Elegant Universe, Brian Greene
explains why string theory might hold the key to unifying the
four forces of nature.

A Conversation with Brian Greene
The series host says we may not be smart enough to ever fully
understand the universe, he'd like to know now if string theory
is wrong, and more.

Viewpoints on String Theory
Leading physicists offer insights -- and sometimes conflicting
opinions -- on the nature and meaning of string theory.

Imagining Other Dimensions
Our brains may not be equipped to picture ten spatial
dimensions, but see if you can get to at least four here.

Interactives and Slide Shows

The Making Of
From the initial concept to the finished product, take a
detailed look at the making of one scene from
"The Elegant Universe."

A Sense of Scale
Archimedes used a fairly simple geometrical approach to estimate
pi. See how he did it here.

Resonance in Strings
An everyday string and the tiny strings of string theory have a
lot in common. It's all in the vibration.

Multidimensional Math
See for yourself why it's a walk in the park to dream up extra
dimensions, at least for mathematicians.

Elementary Particles
How do you tell a muon from a gluon? A strange quark from a
charm quark? Find out here.

Smashing Pictures
Explore images from atom smashers that have captured particles
in the act of being created or destroyed.

Resources

Watch the Program
View the entire three-part program online.

NOVA News Minute
Watch news clips related to the program.

Plus, a list of links and books, a teacher's guide, and the
program transcript

http://www.pbs.org/nova/elegant/