To The Best of Our Knowledge from Wisconsin Public Radio

In today's physics there's much ado about Nothing. Scientists are searching for the ultimate void. The problem is just when they think they've found nothingness, something turns up. Empty space is packed with neutrinos, dark matter, superstrings and multiple dimensions. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, a conversation about Nothing. Also, the six numbers that explain everything in the Universe - including you and me. And poems inspired by starry nights and blazing comets.

Chris Kraft was the first NASA flight director. His memoir is called "Flight: My Life in Mission Control." He tells Anne Strainchamps that competition with the Russians made the space program exciting in the 1960s, and explains why Americans have become jaded about launches that used to thrill them. Also, Cambridge University cosmologist Martin Rees is the author of "Just Six Numbers: The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe." He talks with Jim Fleming and says the six numbers describe the strength of fields, and the nature and texture of Space.

Amateur astronomer David Levy (of Shoemaker-Levy comet fame) is the science editor of Parade magazine and the author of "Starry Night: Astronomers and Poets Read the Sky." He talks with Jim Fleming and they read several examples of cosmic poetry.

Science writer K.C. Cole tells Steve Paulson why physicists are so exercised about Nothing. Every time they think they've found it, something turns up! Cole says a complete understanding of Nothing will reveal the structure of the Universe. Her latest book is "The Hole in the Universe." Also, Arthur Miller teaches history and philosophy at University College, London. His new book is "Einstein and Picasso: Space, Time and the Beauty That Causes Havoc." He tells Anne Strainhchamps that the physicist and the painter have a lot in common.

Books:

• David Levy, Starry Night: Astronomers and Poets Read the Sky (Prometheus)
• Arthur I. Miller, Einstein, Picasso: Space, Time, and the Beauty That Causes Havoc (Basic)
• K.C. Cole, The Hole in the Universe: How Scientists Peered over the Edge of Emptiness and Found Everything (Harcourt)

Music:

• They Might Be Giants, “Why Does the Sun Shine? Elektra
• Ray Charles, “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” Porgy and Bess
• Andras Schiff Mozart Variations on “Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman”
London
• Maria Kalaniemi and Aldargaz,“Huuma” Ahma Northside
• Louis Prima, “Beep! Beep!” Collectors Series Capital

Distribution dates:

• week of 05/13/2001 - hour 2