Andrew Pontzen

Toby Wiseman, a Professor of Theoretical Physics, Katy Clough, a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, and Andrew Pontzen, a Professor of Cosmology, dive into the intriguing concept of wormholes as potential shortcuts in the universe. They discuss how these hypothetical structures challenge our understanding of space-time and the fundamental laws of physics. The trio explores the historical context from Einstein to modern theories, considers the exotic matter required for wormhole stability, and even links these ideas to time travel, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.

In this intriguing discussion, Matthew Bothwell, a Public Astronomer at the University of Cambridge and author of The Invisible Universe, teams up with Andrew Pontzen, a Professor of Physics at Durham University. They explore the fascinating question of invisibility, revealing how even our own faces emit infrared light! The conversation takes a cosmic turn as they uncover stunning invisible structures in our galaxy and the dazzling nature of black holes. They also tackle the challenges behind creating invisibility cloaks with metamaterials and dive into the mysteries of dark matter and energy.

Andrew Pontzen, a leading cosmologist and author of 'The Universe in a Box,' dives into the intriguing idea of whether our reality could be a mere simulation. He discusses the complexities and limitations of recreating the universe through advanced computational models. Topics include the challenges of simulating galaxy formation, the interplay of theoretical physics with practical applications, and the ethical implications of high-performance computing. Pontzen's insights bridge the gap between cosmic phenomena and our understanding of reality.