The Astronomers
Monday, April 15, at 8 p. m. and Monday. April 29, at 7 p. m. on 13
Not since the days of Galileo and Copernicus have there been such extraordinary discoveries in the field of astronomy as there have been in recent years. Actor Richard Chamberlain narrates this major new six-part series that explores the lives and work of scientists who are revolutionizing our knowledge of the universe. The ambitious series goes to the far reaches of the universe in search of black holes, quasars, dark matter, gravity waves and evidence of planets outside our solar system.
The series premieres with Where is the Rest of the Universe? The question is critical to astronomers because they cannot account for almost 90 percent of the universe’s mass. Among those seeking an explanation for this dilemma is the distinguished astronomer Vera Rubin of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D. C., who has been a pioneer in the search for the mysterious missing mass that astronomers have labeled “dark matter. “
Two weeks later, on April 29 at 7 p. m., The Search for Black Holes looks at the oldest and most powerful objects in the universe – quasars. This second episode follows young astronomer John Conway as he conducts an experiment to search for a massive black hole, which is capable of swallowing millions of stars, that may be lurking at the center of galaxy NGC 1275.
A Window to Creation, airing at 8 p. m. April 29, explores questions about the very earliest moments of the universe in what astronomers call the “Big Bang. ” Featured are two Berkeley professors, Paul Richards and Andrew Lange, who travel to Japan for a joint rocket experiment examining the radiation afterglow of the Big Bang.
America’s Schools: Who Gives a Damn?
Monday-Tuesday, April 1-2, at 9 p. m. on 2
Join Fred Friendly and his colleagues at Media and Society Seminars as they explore the current educational crisis. Looking at the sobering statistics and the latest proposed solutions, they walk through real-life scenarios that dramatically highlight the difficult decisions that lie ahead. Texas state legislator Wilhelmina Delco is among the community leaders, government leaders and educators featured.
The Infinite Voyage: Nutrition
Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p. m. on 13
Can willpower overcome the desire for a banana split? Should it? Are you sure?? This new special explores how the efficiency of the human body is related to nutrient intake and how, despite our best intentions, cravings often rule our diets.
Moyers/The Arab World
Monday-Friday, April 1-5. at 10 p. m. on 13
Are the Arabs one culture? Who are they – as nations, clans, religions, cultures and languages? Are there cultural reasons why Americans and Arabs seem to talk at cross-purposes? What are the historic events, myths, legends and beliefs that compel the political decisions of Arabs today? Join Moyers as he interviews leading writers, thinkers and experts on Arab culture and history for the answers to these and other timely questions.
Travels:
Barging Through Europe
Friday, April 5 and 12, at 8 p. m. on 13
Join Richard Goodwin as he continues his journey along the waterways of Germany and Austria. On the Leontyne, he makes his way from the mouth of the Rhine to the Rhine Sauvage, then into the calmer waters of the Main and finally the Danube, and ends up in the romantic city of Vienna.
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