| |
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
 |
Mastering Physics through Television
[09-12-2011] |
 |
|
|
Untitled Document
 Brian
Greene is a top-flight theoretical physicist at Columbia University.
He specializes in string theory - an advanced and difficult type
of math that even some physicists do not comprehend. Greene also hosts Fabric of the Cosmos,
a television series on PBS. Although his occupation seems to be a
highly respectable and elite one, Greene says that
he is not a special person.
“If I just look at mathematical equations, I
don’t feel I truly understand what’s going
on,” he said. “I have to create a running visual in my mind.”
 Just
like many other people around the world, Greene is a visual learner.
Through visual art, he explains how some mathematic
problems are solved. Greene has published three bestselling
books, The Elegant Universe, The Fabric of the Cosmos, and The Hidden
Reality. The Fabric of the Cosmos has been adapted into a television
show. The program aired through November and
can be watched on NOVA’s website.
With computer graphics combined
with Greene’s skill, the show explains concepts that contradict common sense. One episode
focused on the concept of empty space. The installment explained how
empty space is not really empty, and it is not just a container where galaxies,
planets, and light beams move around.
Empty spaces warp, wave, stretch and squeeze.
They crackle with their own invisible energy and affect everything within.
Another episode talked about the concept of time. Time does not necessarily flow from the past to the present to the future. The
three elements of time can all
be happening at the same time. It is how
people perceive it that makes them
see time this way.
The Fabric of the Cosmos was influenced by the Cosmos series from
the 1980’s. NOVA produced that program as
well. “He was a trailblazer, and he’s been
a model for me,” acknowledged Greene, referring
to Carl Sagan, the creator of Cosmos. “Lots
of us who are interested in explaining science to the public view
Carl as an iconic hero.”
 However,
Sagan was criticized for his unconventional methods. Although he popularized science in late-night
television, his colleagues resented it. He was famous and respected for
his work but was never accepted into the Nation
Academy of Sciences. However, times have changed and Greene seems
to be one of the most pioneering and respected
scientists of our time. Greene’s goal is to entertain the audience, but his main mission is to help his watchers
get a full picture of reality. The Fabric of the Cosmos helps even
laymen understand complicated modern physics. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
