Ep 3. How to Build a Time Machine

In the season 2018 episode 3 of Horizon, titled "How to Build a Time Machine," the quest for time travel is explored. As a topic that has fascinated scientists and laypeople alike for centuries, the show tackles the question of whether time travel is possible, and if so, what we would need to do to make it a reality.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through the history of time travel in literature and popular culture, before diving into current scientific research on the topic. The show covers the basics of time as a dimension and explains why time travel is not as simple as hopping into a DeLorean and hitting 88 miles per hour.

One scientist featured on the show, Dr. Mallett, describes his personal motivation for researching time travel, which stems from a desire to go back in time and speak with his father before he passed away. He explains how his research is based on Einstein's theories of relativity, which suggest that the fabric of spacetime itself could be manipulated to allow time travel.

The episode also features interviews with other physicists and experts in the field, who explain their own theories and experiments on time travel. Some of the concepts discussed include wormholes, black holes, and the Grandfather paradox - a phenomenon that arises when considering the potential implications of going back in time and altering past events.

Throughout the episode, the show explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of time travel. Some suggest that it could be used for historical research or to solve unsolved crimes, while others fear that altering the past could have disastrous consequences for the future.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the show explores some of the current challenges facing time travel researchers. Funding, technology, and ethics are all major issues that must be considered when attempting to build a time machine. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still much more to be done before time travel becomes a reality.

Overall, "How to Build a Time Machine" is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of one of the most fascinating scientific concepts of all time. By combining scientific theory with real-world applications and personal stories, the show offers a compelling look at what may be possible in the future of time travel.