Einstein's Universe: Understand Theory of General Relativity

A documentary produced in 1979 by WGBH and the BBC to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Albert Einstein. Narrated and hosted by Peter Ustinov and written by Nigel Calder, the author of the accompanying book of the same title, the film takes place at the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory where a staff of renowned scientists and physicists take both Ustinov and the viewer through a hands-on experience of the various facets of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

[Awesomes]

Wow, it’s really saddening to see all the angry, hateful and ignorant comments on this video. The scientific method of questioning authority and testing and observing and validating the truth has brought humanity so far. I really hope that many people can see the beauty of modern science and physics, without giving into their own trauma and fears.

[calvinjackson]

There is something so incredibly GRAND about Peter Ustinov's voice. He narrated WINDS OF CHANGE so incredibly well.

[GreatMindsLearnOffical]

This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the theory of general relativity.

[rickey]

Saw this in '79. I watch it again, every two years or so. It helps me wrap my brain around his concepts when trying to explain his theories.

[owen]

I love this documentary, the best physicists are interviewed and Peter Ustinov the perfect host

[artdonovandesign]

Although this was produced a while back, it richly informs the viewer into each wondrous aspect of G.R. Easy to underdstand and without any over complicated descriptions. Famed British actor, Petet Ustinov reads from Einsteins notebook in a perfect "Hoch Deutch" accent- lending both credibility and genteel entertainment to the segments.😅

Also, a wonderful appearance by science legend, Prof. John Wheeler- makes this a top notch production and a "Must See" for anyone interested in the subject

[geralddavison]

I am SO pleased to find this again after over 40 years!
I watched this as a BBC Horizon programme in 1979 when I was 14/15 years old.
It just fascinated me and gave me an interest for the rest of my life.

[jaycordova]

Best older documentary on Einstein and theories I've ever seen! How did I miss this as a young kid? I would have been utterly fascinated. And to think we've recently measured the gravity waves talked about here, wow! No science here needs revision; all still stands.

[samirsaha]

One of THE best if not the absolute best YouTube video on gravity I have ever enjoyed. My humble and very earthly thanks you to all the scientists and artists who labored enormously to create this masterpiece of cosmology. I will now take a toast to show my deepest respect to Einstein and to the heroes of this beautiful production.

[PurnamadaPurnamidam]

Sir.Roger Penrose was so young back then. Nice to see him.

[ritemolawbks]

Anyone seriously learning General Relativity from a textbook or a YouTube science channel has this line memorized @ 19:13.

[Molekuelorbital]

It is fascinating to see such greats of physics and mathematics in this wonderful documentary, such as John Wheeler. Until today I only knew him from pictures (and of course from his work). To see him (and all the others) in motion for once and to hear their voices, I consider an extraordinary stroke of luck for me personally.
And all this presented by the great Peter Ustinov. ❤❤❤🌞🌞🌞🍀🍀🍀🍀🌞🌞🌞🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[seesaw]

Einstein's first job out of college was that of a patent clerk at the Swiss Federal Office for Intellectual Property in Bern. Einstein later fondly remembered the patent office as the place where he "hatched his most beautiful ideas."

[drfahedqureshi]

This documentary is about Albert Einstein and his theory of relativity. The video starts with Nigel Calder, the writer, arriving at the McDonald Observatory to learn about Einstein's theory of relativity from a group of experts.

John Wheeler, a physicist, introduces the concept of gravity. He demonstrates the concept by dropping a feather and a hammer on the moon, which fall at the same rate according to Einstein's theory.

The video then explores the concept of curved spacetime. Einstein believed that gravity is not a force, but a curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects.

The documentary talks about how Einstein's theory of relativity has been confirmed by astronomical observations, such as the deflection of light by gravity.The video also explores the cosmological implications of Einstein's theory, including the Big Bang and the possibility of a closed universe. Finally, the documentary discusses Einstein's legacy as a scientist and a humanitarian.

[AMITKUMAR-nfin]

It is so fascinating to watch this masterpiece. amazed to witness the hard work went behind to create it.

[whirledpeas]

Awesome, this is when you could understand Rodger Penrose's explanations

[vazap]

Fantastic documentary! So good to see the perspective they had those days, pre ligo and eht and all the confirmations we've since had.
I'm also pretty sure I saw this as a kid with my parents 🥰 The motorbikes, Ustinov, definitely rings a bell!

[ITisandiamIT]

I remember this from when I was a kid, and I still love it. This is one of the videos that launched my earlier yearning to learn more about Space, and the Quantum World. Kip Thorne finally proved gravity waves, and I enjoyed reading his earlier book: Black Holes and Time Warps. I really believe our Universe is much older then what many think. It is at least 36 billion light years old. We can determine that from the black holes, quasars and pulsars that formed during the early stages of our universe. I'll leave it at that, so I don't bore anyone. It could be much older. But, it is at least 36 bil. light years. When we finally grasp a real understanding of existence, we will laugh, at how simple the answer, truly is.

[aliservan]

Peter Ustinov!!! What a glorious documentary. Thank you so much for the upload

[michaelccopelandsr]

Time is fascinating. I worked the subway stations for nearly 10 years. From one end of the city to the other. Every so often I would notice the city would be saying that, "Today just flew by" or "The day was just dragging along."  How can an entire city, with no interaction with each other until they used the subway, complain about the same time paradox unless it was effected by it? Maybe a time distorted bubble the earth passes through in its revolution around the sun. Maybe random waves of time distortion hitting the earth? Maybe they're given off by the sun. Maybe they're from outside our Terran system and reach us in intervals. ???? Ti-i-i-ime, is on my side. Yes, it is