StarTalk Radio Einstein’s Crumbs with Janna Levin
12 snips
Apr 29, 2025 
Janna Levin, a renowned theoretical cosmologist, and Director of Sciences at Pioneer Works, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Harrison Greenbaum to discuss the profound impact of Einstein's work. They explore how his theories laid the groundwork for our understanding of black holes, gravitational waves, and the expanding universe. The conversation highlights the creative intersections of science at Pioneer Works and delves into the mysteries of dark energy and the ongoing quest for a Grand Unified Theory, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
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Special Relativity's Radical Idea
- Einstein's 1905 paper on special relativity fixed the speed of light as a constant for all observers.
- This revolutionary idea changed how we understand space and time as relative, not absolute.
Brownian Motion Validates Atoms
- Einstein explained Brownian motion as particles moving due to collisions with molecules.
- This supported the quantum concept of matter being discrete, proving atoms' existence.
Mass and Energy Equivalence
- Einstein's famous equation E=mc² linked energy and mass as interchangeable.
- This concept profoundly impacted physics and technology.
