The Infinite Monkey Cage The Infinite Monkey’s Guide To... The Apocalypse
Sep 13, 2023
Astrophysicists Brian Cox and Katie Mack explore the various ways the universe could end, from the sun exploding to galaxies tearing each other apart. Comedian Steve Martin contemplates the meaning of life and the guests discuss the irrationality behind apocalyptic myths. The podcast also touches on advancements in technology and communication, as well as hypothetical solutions for survival and the limitations of time travel.
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Steve Martin's Darkly Comic Take
- Steve Martin jokes he expects humans will be gone long before the universe ends and prefers knowing how it happens.
- He quips that burning to a crisp would be a favorite apocalyptic way to go.
Different Kinds Of Endings
- The universe's end can mean the death of structures inside it while space-time may persist indefinitely.
- Katie Mack explains scenarios like the Big Crunch and Big Rip that destroy matter but not necessarily space itself.
The Big Rip Scenario
- The Big Rip occurs if dark energy strengthens and tears galaxies, stars, planets and eventually space itself apart.
- Brian Green and guests describe the Big Rip as a sudden, visible disintegration of the cosmos.