Absolute Zero Press Kit

 

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Absolute Zero - Fact Sheet

TITLE: Absolute Zero, two companion 60-minute, state-of-the-art documentaries.

PREMIERE: This NOVA special will be presented on PBS as two hour-long programs on January 8 and January 15, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. (check local listings).

DESCRIPTION: Based on the book, Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold by Tom Shachtman, Absolute Zero features the struggle of philosophers, scientists and engineers over four centuries as they attempt to understand the nature of cold, to explore its deepest reaches, to create the “cold technologies” that have transformed society and to seek a deeper insight into matter itself. The documentaries are a unique blend of science, cultural history and adventure story

In the hands of British Emmy-award winning producer David Dugan in collaboration with Meredith Burch of Meridian Productions, a complex topic has been made enjoyable and accessible. The documentaries are a combination of colorful historic recreations and insightful interviews with modern historians and Nobel Prize winners including Eric Cornell, Carl Weiman, and Wolfgang Ketterle.

The two programs take viewers on a journey through time from the first alchemists who manipulated temperature to the modern-era 28 Nobel Laureates who dedicated their lives to studying the mysteries of the cold. Absolute Zero explores key concepts, significant individuals and events in the field of low-temperature physics -- and the economic impact that the study of cold has had on society.

WEB SITES: For additional information, log on to www.absolutezerocampaign.org which provides a variety of resources and downloadable materials, including a Community Education Outreach Guide and a Science Educator’s Guide or log on to the upcoming Absolute Zero Web site (coming soon) which provide viewers with additional information about the programs as well as fascinating educational games related to this field of scientific endeavor.

CREDITS: Absolute Zero is based on the book Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold by Tom Shachtman. The documentaries were produced by Windfall Films in collaboration with Meredian Productions. David Dugan, producer/director; Tom Shachtman, writer; Justin Badger, editor; narrator (TBA); Russell J. Donnelly, professor of physics, University of Oregon, principal scientific consultant and Meredith Burch, executive producer and co-producer

FUNDING: Absolute Zero was made possible by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan foundation.

 

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