On Being

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About the Image

Located in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. The irregular, hexagonal cells are naturally occurring phenomena called Bénard cells. Scientists are trying to understand why these convective cells adhere to deterministic laws at the microscopic level but result in a non-deterministic arrangement, as you see here.
(photo: Cristian V/Flickr)

Unheard Cuts

We knew as soon as the interview with Janna Levin was finished that it was definitely a show. The issue was "Where do we cut it?" After a series of expansions and contractions, we produced a finely honed hour of audio. Download the entire, unedited conversation and let us know what you think.

SoundSeen

"Dust and Stars"

Janna Levin discusses cosmology as a source of wonder and inspiriation. In this slideshow, astrophysicist Howard Smith reflects on discovering unknown aspects of the universe, paired paired with images of the cosmos.

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Our relationship with numbers doesn't necessarily develop mathematically. A reflection on how we relate to numbers in childhood and in nature.

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A classic educational film spawns reflection on the childhood "seasickness" caused by pondering big ideas.

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On Being First Person

» Reflections ¦ tell us and other audience members what this program meant to you.

Voice on the Radio

Levin is an assistant professor of Astrophysics at Columbia University's Barnard College. She's also the author of two books, including A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines.