The Nature of Things

Central Power (9x7)

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One test of civilization is the ability to organize sources of energy. Central power was something new in 1876, when Paris became the "City of Light". By 1879, Edison had developed the incandescent bulb. The program looks at more modern developments, including use of natural steam, ocean tides, and nuclear power. Also looks at attempts to tame fusions and harness the sun itself. The film also reviews what happened when the lights went out all over eastern North America in November 1965, illustrating our dependence on central power.