Stephen Hawking's Universe Season 1 Episode 1 Seeing Is Believing

Stephen Hawking's Universe is a documentary television series that explores the mysteries of the universe through the eyes of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. In season 1 episode 1 titled "Seeing Is Believing," Hawking delves into the topic of light and how it has shaped our understanding of the universe.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the history of light. Hawking explains that for thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by light, its properties and its effects. From the Greek philosopher Euclid to the 17th century scientist Isaac Newton and beyond, individuals have sought to understand the nature of light.

Moving forward, Hawking introduces the concept of light as a wave. He demonstrates how light can be deflected and reflected, and how its nature can be observed through the use of instruments such as telescopes and microscopes. He describes how these instruments have allowed humans to observe and understand the universe in new and profound ways.

The episode then delves into the topic of the speed of light. Hawking explains that light travels at an extremely fast speed, at 186,000 miles per second. He compares the speed of light to the speed of objects on Earth, such as cars and planes, and emphasizes the incredible nature of the speed of light.

Next, Hawking turns his attention to the mysteries of the universe that have been unveiled through the study of light. He discusses how light has allowed humans to peer back in time, observing the earliest moments of the universe. He explains how the cosmic microwave background radiation was discovered, and how it provides evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Moving forward, Hawking explores the topic of dark matter. He explains that dark matter is a mysterious substance that makes up over 90% of the matter in the universe. He describes how dark matter can be observed through its gravitational effects, and explains the significance of this phenomenon.

The episode concludes with Hawking reflecting on the incredible power of light, and the way it has allowed humans to explore and understand the universe on a profound level. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to study and learn about the cosmos, and encourages viewers to pursue their curiosity and fascination with the universe.

Overall, Stephen Hawking's Universe season 1 episode 1 titled "Seeing Is Believing" is a fascinating introduction to the topic of light and its importance in our understanding of the universe. With its clear explanations, detailed illustrations, and insights from the brilliant mind of Stephen Hawking, this episode is sure to inspire and captivate viewers of all ages.