In this engaging discussion, Dr. Anne Hofmeister, an applied physicist and theorist at Washington University, explores groundbreaking ideas in astrophysics and Earth science. She challenges traditional concepts surrounding dark matter and the behavior of galaxies and rethinks plate tectonics through a new lens. The conversation also dives into the structure of the sun, introducing intriguing theories about its liquid model. Hofmeister’s insights encourage listeners to reconsider complex scientific paradigms and the interconnectedness of celestial dynamics.
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insights INSIGHT
Lack of Mechanistic Understanding
We don't understand the mechanisms of light and gravity, only their interaction with matter.
Classical physics flaws, adopted by quantum mechanics around 1900, hinder our understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Flaws in Classical Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics, based on gases, neglects solids' rigidity, limiting its applicability to Earth science and astronomy.
Relating four variables, like in Maxwell's thermodynamic equations, requires additional factors, introducing errors.
insights INSIGHT
Rethinking Plate Tectonics
Current plate tectonics theory assumes mantle convection powered by retained accretion heat, but lacks a sufficient heat source.
Gravitational potential converts to spin energy, a massive source evident in young stars' rapid rotation, not retained heat.
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MAKE HISTORY WITH US THIS SUMMER:https://demystifysci.com/demysticon-2025PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showAnne Hofmeister is an applied physicist, mathematician, and theorist at Washington University, whose heterodox approach to physics has not made her a lot of friends, but has solved a lot of paradoxical problems. Hofmeister’s background in analytic materials science has given her a deeper than average understanding of how to deal with complex physical systems, which allows her to see what others miss. Often, she will investigate a system that’s thought to behave in strange ways - like galaxies whose rotation appears to violate Newton’s laws - and discover that a deep confusion about how to treat the system mathematically produces fantastical explanations like dark matter or modified gravity. In our conversation we talk about the surprising implications her work for things like plate tectonics, the structure of the sun & the liquid sun model championed by PM Robitaille, and how to see the pieces that everyone else misses. Dr. Hofmeister's Solar physics paper, discussed in the second half of today's pod:https://www.oldcitypublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HTHPv52n6p435-464Hofmeister.pdf(00:00) Go!(00:07:41) The Big Questions in Physics(00:14:08) Back to the Classics(00:25:03) Revisiting Plate Tectonics and Earth Dynamics(00:34:11) Venus and Spin Energy(00:39:22) Expanding Earth Hypothesis(00:47:22) Science and Theories’ Evolution(00:49:55) Forces & Dark Matter(00:50:37) Alternatives to Dark Matter(00:55:02) Galaxy Dynamics and Pattern Analysis(00:59:11) Mathematical Models vs. Reality(01:03:48) The Allure of Mystical Thought in Physics(01:07:41) More Alternatives to Dark Matter and Black Holes(01:13:57) Practical Considerations in Physics Research(01:14:34) Rethinking Stellar Thermodynamics(01:18:03) Convection and Solar Dynamics(01:24:18) Surface Phenomena and Solar Structure(01:30:13) Implications of Ideal Gas Assumptions: Liquid Sun(01:39:18) Cosmic Background Radiation and Black Body Radiation(01:42:01) Theoretical vs. Experimental Science(01:44:31) Scientific Revolutions and Misunderstandings(01:47:03) Advice for Aspiring Physicists#cosmology, #astrophysics, #darkmatter, #spacetheory, #physicscommunity, #scientificrevolution, #universeexplained, #openminds, #cosmicmysteries, #gravity, #PhilosophyOfScience, #philosophypodcast, #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcast ABOUS US: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities. PATREON: get episodes early + join our weekly Patron Chat https://bit.ly/3lcAasBMERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci.myspreadshop.com/allAMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysciBLOG: http://DemystifySci.com/blog RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671
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