All rights reserved. © 2026
NPR & PBS for South Texas (361) 855-2213
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Elegant Universe: Part 1

Season 30 Episode 12 | 52m 55s

"Einstein's Dream," introduces string theory and shows how modern physics—composed of two theories that are ferociously incompatible—reached its schizophrenic impasse: One theory, general relativity, successfully describes big things like stars and galaxies, while another, quantum mechanics, is equally successful at explaining small things like atoms and subatomic particles.

Aired: 10/26/03
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust and PBS viewers.
Extras
As U.S.-Israeli strikes intensify, Iran says it's no longer looking to negotiate
John Kirby on concerns about Iran's future after the war
Israelis take shelter as Iran and Hezbollah launch attacks: 'Here, the wars don't end'
Iranian Americans express hope and fear about what comes next
Iranian drone, missile attacks on Gulf nations risk pulling more countries into war
Trump fires Noem amid controversies over her leadership at DHS
Lloyd Blankfein on his memoir 'Streetwise' and broader economic concerns
News Wrap: More than 20 states sue Trump over planned 15% global tariff
March 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Parenthood is the ultimate journey, full of danger.
Latest Episodes
All
  • All
  • NOVA Season 53
  • NOVA Season 52
  • NOVA Season 51
  • NOVA Season 50
  • NOVA Season 49
  • NOVA Season 48
  • NOVA Season 47
  • NOVA Season 46
  • NOVA Season 45
  • NOVA Season 44
  • NOVA Season 43
  • NOVA Season 42
  • NOVA Season 41
  • NOVA Season 40
  • NOVA Season 39
  • NOVA Season 38
  • NOVA Season 37
  • NOVA Season 36
  • NOVA Season 35
  • NOVA Season 34
  • NOVA Season 33
  • NOVA Season 32
  • NOVA Season 31
  • NOVA Season 30
  • NOVA Season 28
  • NOVA Season 27
  • NOVA Season 23
Surprising evidence at the world’s oldest temple overturns our understanding of human history.
A deadly—and growing—global weather phenomenon mystifies scientists.
Explore mammals’ surprising origins, long before the age of dinosaurs.
Do speech buttons really allow dogs to talk to us? Scientists investigate.
New evidence sheds light on the remarkable life—and mysterious collapse—of the ancient jungle city.
What if violent asteroid impacts actually jump-started life on Earth? Explore a dramatic theory.
See how ingenuity and teamwork keep the crew alive and doing science 250 miles above Earth.
Astronauts and Mission Control relive terrifying moments during construction of the ISS.
Find out why deadly flash floods are on the rise and how we can protect ourselves from them.
Explore mysterious 9,000-year-old Stone Age megastructures found in the Arabian Desert.