16:13
The Road to LIGO
Janna Levin’s book Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space reveals what it took to pull off one of “big science’s” biggest experiments: the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
Catching Sonic Wisps of Cataclysmic Mayhem
Author Janna Levin on gravitational waves and how the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories help us detect them.
16:44
‘A Space Program’ Documents a DIY Journey to Mars
Sculptor Tom Sachs has built his own space program—and it’s 100 percent DIY.
17:26
Inside NASA’s Planetary Defense Office
How does NASA plan to protect the planet against an asteroid or comet strike?
What Are the Basic Foundations of Modern Physics?
A preview of what to expect from “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.”
17:20
Century-Long Search Leads to Landmark Gravitational Wave Discovery
For the first time, scientists have directly detected gravitational waves—the last unproven part of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
17:22
For Planet-Seekers, a Cautionary Tale
The tale of the planet Vulcan’s “discovery”—and destruction at the hands of Einstein—may hold lessons for today’s planet-hunters.
Discovering Planet Vulcan
The story of how a country doctor thought he found a new planet in the solar system.
16:49
Confessions of a Meteorite Hunter
Meteorite hunter Nina Lanza reports back from six weeks scouring the Antarctic ice for space rocks.
17:13
Somewhere Out There, Planet Nine
Researchers calculate that there may be a large undiscovered ninth planet lurking in the distant reaches of our solar system.