StarTalk Radio Cosmic Queries – Stoner Edition with Janna Levin
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Mar 8, 2022 
Janna Levin, a physics and astronomy professor at Barnard College, dives deep into the cosmic mysteries of black holes and the nature of time. She explores whether time is merely a human construct, unraveling concepts like time dilation and its effects on aging and technology. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they question the reality of existence while mixing humor with profound insights. Plus, hear about the emotional connections we have with black holes and the potential of time travel through wormholes—an engaging blend of science and imagination!
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Gravity's Repulsive Nature
- Gravity can act as a repulsive force, as seen with dark energy's accelerating expansion of the universe.
- A ping pong ball near orbiting black holes would experience spacetime shifts but likely not be carried away by gravitational waves like a surfer.
Universe's Expansion
- The universe is not expanding into another space, as it is the entirety of space itself.
- The expansion can be viewed relationally, like a map's legend changing without the map itself moving.
Reality as Energy and Illusion
- All matter is a form of energy interacting in specific ways.
- Our perception of reality might be an illusion to help us comprehend the world.
