In 1977, Ray and Charles Eames, the famous LA designers, produced the short film Powers of Ten. The movie starts with a fixed point in Chicago, then zooms out into the universe by factors of ten. And, before too long, you find yourself 100 million light years away. Based on Kees Boeke’s 1957 book, Cosmic View, the 10-minute film offers what amounts to a breathtaking tour of the universe. This clip was sent our way by Helena, who will get a free copy of the new Rolling Stones documentary, Stones in Exile.
If you would like to sign up for Open Culture’s free email newsletter, please find it here. It’s a great way to see our new posts, all bundled in one email, each day.
If you would like to support the mission of Open Culture, consider making a donation to our site. It’s hard to rely 100% on ads, and your contributions will help us continue providing the best free cultural and educational materials to learners everywhere. You can contribute through PayPal, Patreon, and Venmo (@openculture). Thanks!
I am glad you selected this video and look forward to the Stones documentary. Thank you. Helena @helkalin
I saw this (or actually I think an older version of it) at a college orientation program years ago, and became obsessed with it. For years I tried to find it and buy it and couldn’t find it at all, then I could find it but only teachers could buy it, then finally it went on the market and I got a copy.
You’ve gotta love that soundtrack. It sounds just like the future sounded in 1968.
The video Sounds the idea that the protons and neutrons are present both outside of the world and inside of the body.….….…..by the powers of ten
May be you can watch in youtube more clearer..
Thanks for the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0
this is the 1977 version. the 1968 version is different than this.
Powers of Ten inspired many of us… including app developers: see Cozmic Zoom on Android. Now you can zoom the universe with a swipe of a finger.
I also remember the 1968 version, it showed the speed and time dilation. Any idea where to see that version?