Atoms (part 2): The Key to the Cosmos

In part 1 of this documentary series, narrated by nuclear physics professor Jim Al-Khalili, we saw the scientific revolution that gave birth to the science of quantum mechanics. Today's truly fascinating episode deals with the history of the understanding of the structure, constituents, origins and birth of atoms, and some of the big players involved: Marie Curie, Ernest Rutherford, Otto Hahn, Lise Meitner, Fred Hoyle and George Gamow.

The documentary beautifully traces the scientific developments spearheaded by some of the greatest minds of the 20th century, and shows two of the central beauties of the scientific enterprise: discoveries create the possibility of asking fundamental questions and conducting new research that could not have been thought of prior to such discoveries, and good scientific theories are often confirmed by the most unlikely and independent branches of science.

Now you know what to say to those blithe optimists who tell you you're made of star dust... :)

And don't go away before you listen to the chemistry song!
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