Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Does Time Really Exist and How Can We Measure It w/ Chad Orzel (#406)

Apr 14, 2024

52:10

Snipd AI

Join Chad Orzel, a physics professor, as he discusses the history and complexities of timekeeping. From Galileo's innovations to the relativity of simultaneity, explore the philosophical and scientific implications of measuring time accurately. Learn about attosecond clocks, the future of education post-COVID, and the intricacies of defining time in a universal sense.

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Quick takeaways

The evolution of timekeeping from Gregorian calendar reform to modern atomic clocks showcases a historical and futuristic intertwining of time measurement.

The intrinsic relationship between astronomy and time is highlighted, emphasizing the crucial role of celestial objects in natural timekeeping for navigation and agriculture.

Deep dives

Timekeeping Evolution and Diverse Tools

Exploring the evolution of timekeeping, the podcast delves into Chad Orzel's book detailing the Gregorian calendar's intricate reform negotiations, the Mayans' unique time system, and the shift away from time as an absolute concept. From sundials to mechanical clocks, the narrative weaves politics, philosophy, and space-time essence.

Exploring Gravity's Influence on Time and Einstein's Insights

02:18

Exploring the Evolution of Time Measurement with Chad Orzel

03:17

Exploring the Psychological and Philosophical Implications of Time

03:50

Introduction

3min

Exploring Timekeeping: From Galileo to Huygens

7min

Exploring the Intertwined History of Time and Astronomy

3min

Navigating Time and Space

17min

Exploring UCSD Alumni and Notable Authors in Space Science and Technology

1min

Exploring the Precision and Implications of Atomic Clocks

18min

Join my mailing list https://briankeating.com/list to win a real 4 billion year old meteorite! All .edu emails in the USA 🇺🇸 will WIN!

Today on Into the Impossible, we’re exploring the fascinating realm of time with none other than the timekeeper himself – Chad Orzel.

Chad is a professor of physics and science communicator renowned for his popular science books, How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog, Breakfast with Einstein, and How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com.

In his most recent book, A Brief History of Timekeeping, Chad revisits the delicate negotiations involved in Gregorian calendar reform, the intricate and entirely unique system employed by the Maya, and how the problem of synchronizing clocks at different locations ultimately required us to abandon the idea of time as an absolute and universal quantity.

From sundials to sandglasses and mechanical clocks, this sharp and engaging story isn't just about the science of timekeeping—it's a riveting tale encompassing politics, philosophy, and the very essence of space and time.

Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:07 Judging a book by its cover
00:05:07 Galileo’s telescope helmet
00:10:23 The connection between time and astronomy
00:13:11 Why is longitude so hard to measure?
00:15:32 The relativity of simultaneity
00:22:12 The future of education after COVID
00:25:55 The standard definition of time
00:31:19 Attosecond clocks
00:36:33 Why time is so much more perplexing than space
00:40:23 How to teach students new things
00:43:14 On education
00:49:05 Outro

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➡️ Learn more about Chad Orzel:

✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/orzelc/

📚 Website: https://chadorzel.com/

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✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating

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📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list

✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/

🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast

Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known.

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