Catherine Heymans

Catherine Heymans, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland and a professor of astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh, explores the perplexing Hubble tension—conflicting measurements impacting the universe's expansion rate. She discusses dark matter and energy's roles in this cosmological crisis and reflects on insights from the James Webb Space Telescope. The conversation also touches on the importance of observational accuracy and intriguing concepts like primordial magnetic fields and early dark energy that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.

Join Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Mark Maslin, climate expert, and Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, as they tackle burning science questions. Discover why planets are round and how geese communicate in flight. They also delve into climate change tipping points, emphasizing the urgency of international action to prevent catastrophic shifts, and unravel the mystery of why garden snails ascend buildings. Plus, find out why your laundry gets trapped in duvet covers, blending humor with science!

Catherine Heymans, Scotland's Astronomer Royal and a leading astrophysics professor, discusses groundbreaking revelations about dark energy and its impact on the universe. She explores the recent findings from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, challenging long-held assumptions and raising profound questions about existence. The conversation also touches on the intriguing analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite and its significance for understanding water's origins on Earth, blending cosmic mysteries with ancient discoveries.

Join Mark Maslin, a climate change expert, Catherine Heymans, Scotland's Astronomer Royal, and Penny Sarchet, managing editor of New Scientist, as they tackle fascinating questions from listeners. Discover why the Moon is barren while Earth thrives with life. Delve into the mysteries of Tesla's free electricity theories. Learn about the potential for new organisms to evolve to consume microplastics, and the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries. This lively discussion unearths scientific curiosities with humor and insight.

Catherine Heymans, a Professor at the University of Edinburgh and Scotland's Astronomer Royal, dives into the universe's mysteries with a comedic twist. She passionately discusses the complexities of dark matter and dark energy while sharing personal stories that shaped her journey in astrophysics. Catherine also reflects on how she navigated long COVID and its influence on her career ambitions. With a focus on accessibility in science, she highlights initiatives to inspire the next generation, particularly young women, to explore the wonders of physics.