The Astronomers— Where is the rest of the universe?

Overview

This series explores the lives and work of noted modern-day astronomers, taking the viewer into the farthest reaches of outer space in search of black holes, quasars, dark matter, gravity waves, stars and evidence of planets outside our solar system. Intriguing celestial phenomena are examined from the perspectives of the experts: the men and women that are uncovering the secrets of the cosmos. Further, the series focuses not only on professional achievements, but on the scientists' personal lives as well.

Documentary

Current EpisodeSeason 1 • Episode 1Aired: 1991-04-1254 min

1. Where is the rest of the universe?

Astronomers believe the universe contains at least ten times as much mass as can be seen and accounted for. How are they able to detect this missing mass and to discover more about it are the subjects of this episode. Astronomers Vera Rubin and Tony Tyson describe their search for dark matter, material invisible to us but whose gravity affects the motion of the stars and can alter the light reaching us from distant galaxies. In addition, John Dobson, a self-proclaimed "sidewalk astronomer," shares his knowledge with people he encounters.