Celebrate “The Powers of Ten” on 10/10/10

And away we go! (Image courtesy the Eames Foundation)

The 1977 short “Powers of Ten” continues to stand out as just one of the coolest educational films of all time. While our understanding of the micro and macro worlds has improved a little since it was made, the overall message about size and scope of our universe continues to stand the test of time.

The film by Charles and Ray Eames takes the viewer from a picnic in Chicago, up into the atmosphere — at a rate of one power of ten every 10 seconds — until we reach the far-flung outskirts of the universe. Then everything collapses back down to microscopic scale.

But don’t take my word for it. You’ll find the full video below. If this is your first time viewing “Powers of Ten,” then you’re in for a real mind-blowing treat. Hold onto your cerebral cortex, kids:

You can still order a DVD copy of the film for your own educational or AV DJing purposes, but now the Eames Office has been good enough to release the above high-quality YouTube copy of it (trumping all the previous bootlegs). The gesture coincides with the relaunch of the Powers of Ten website.

So this Sunday, take a moment to stare up into the sky or at the complex patterns on your palm. Grab a telescope or a microscope! Bust out some maps or pop in your favorite film that wows you with a sense of nature’s enormity.

Party like it’s 10/10/10.

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