Ep 15. Which Universe Are We In?

Horizon is a long-running documentary series that has been on the air since 1964 and has covered a vast array of scientific topics. The show grew in prominence particularly in the 1970s due to its coverage of cutting-edge advancements in science and technology. The show covers a wide range of topics with the aim of bringing science to a broader audience. The series has covered topics such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, climate change, and the human body, among many others. In this episode, titled Which Universe Are We In?, the show investigates the increasingly complex theories of cosmology and attempts to make sense of the universe in which we live.

The episode begins by setting the context for the complexity and scale of the universe. The presenter, Dr. Brian Cox, explains that in the 20th century, our understanding of the universe expanded dramatically, thanks to the discovery of the Big Bang theory - the explosion of a singularity that began the universe as we know it. Cox explains that, since then, our understanding of the universe has become even more complex. We now have multiple theories and explanations for what the universe is, its age, and its structure. This episode explores these theories and tries to help viewers understand which one of these universes we might be living in.

One possibility posed is that there could be multiple parallel universes. Cox explains that most astronomers assume there could be at least 10^500 different universes. The show explores the concept of the multiverse. Cox explains how, if true, this idea could explain long-standing questions about the nature of our universe, such as why there appears to be finely tuned balance and symmetry in it.

The show then moves on to describe how scientists attempt to understand our universe by observing it. The episode explains that astronomers are utilizing some of the most advanced technologies ever created, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Large Hadron Collider - to unlock the secrets of our universe. Using these instruments, scientists are gathering more data every day and peeling back the layers of our universe.

After explaining the process of observation, the documentary delves deeper into the theories behind the universe. Cox describes how the universe could be in an endless cycle of expansion and contraction - meaning the universe would eventually collapse in on itself and explode into a new universe once again. Cox explains that the universe may have entered into an inflation phase, where it was expanding faster than the speed of light after the initial big bang, followed by a deceleration leading up to the present day. Cox then hypothesizes that we could be living in a period of hyper-accelerated expansion, where the universe is expanding even faster than during the initial inflation period. This would lead to our universe eventually becoming difficult, if not impossible, to observe, as galaxies would be moving away from each other at such a rate that they would be unable to communicate.

Throughout this episode, the show does an excellent job of making the scientific theories clear and accessible to the layperson. Cox's presentation style is engaging and enthusiastic without being condescending. The show does not rely on jargon or technical language to convey concepts, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in science.

To further break down these complex concepts, the show touches on topics such as entropy, string theory, dark energy, and the concept of Quantum Mechanics. It invites physicists and experts to explain these topics, which is refreshing since many shows of this type tend to feature only experts or specialists in a particular field.

In conclusion, Horizon's episode "Which Universe Are We In?" is an engaging and informative exploration of the nature of the universe in the best traditions of the series. It takes the challenges of cosmology and makes them accessible to the average viewer. The show presents ideas for the universe in a non-biased manner, allowing viewers to come to their conclusions about which universe we might be in. Overall, the episode is well worth watching for science enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn more about the universe and its mysteries.