GRAVITY
A simulation of the orbital motion of solar systems and the spiral dance of galaxies.
Series: PHENOMENA, Episode 7: GRAVITY, Runtime: 04:29
Synopsis:
Gravity and matter are inseparable. This connection is visualized through a practical simulation of solar system and galaxy formations. In this experiment, a piece of fabric representing spacetime is stretched over a large ring. A heavy ball is dropped into the fabric, distorting it like a star distorts the space around it. Smaller ball bearings are then propelled into the fabric. They spiral around the centre mass, replicating the orbital motions of solar systems and spiral dance of galaxies.
This experiment was filmed under ultraviolet light to enhance the orbital motions of the ball bearings. The high resolution camera was operated with a BOLT motion control robot, matching the rotating motions created by the galaxy simulation.
Stills:
Credits:
A FILM BY JOSEF GATTI
PRODUCED BY ROB INNES
MUSIC BY KIM MOYES
NARRATED BY FREYA STAFFORD
CINEMATOGRAPHY (SETUP SCENES) ALICE STEPHENS
MOTION CONTROL OPERATOR TOM DAVID
ART COORDINATOR LOREN BELL
CO-PRODUCER JOSEPH NIZETI
SCIENCE CONSULTANT DR. NIRAJ LAL, AIP, IEEE, ASC
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER INES GUARDA
SOUND POST-PRODUCTION PAUL BAXTER AT BAXTER SOUND
ABC EXECUTIVE PRODUCER LEO FABER
Archival Images:
GALAXY M106 NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA), and R. Gendler (for the Hubble Heritage Team); Acknowledgment: J. GaBany
IRIDESCENT GLORY OF NEARBY HELIX NEBULA NASA, NOAO, ESA, the Hubble Helix Nebula Team, M. Meixner (STScI), and T.A. Rector (NRAO).
ENCELADUS – A TECTONIC FEAST NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
A FAREWELL TO SATURN NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSI
SDO – Solar Dynamics Observatory NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
FIRST IMAGE OF A BLACK HOLE EHT Collaboration
THE MAJESTIC SOMBRERO GALAXY (M104) NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
OUT OF THIS WHIRL: THE WHIRLPOOL GALAXY (M51) AND COMPANION GALAXY NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI), and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Time-lapse of Milky Way Galaxy appearing between two cliffs supplied by Chris Beavon via Getty Images
“Phenomena Original Score”
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