
Chris Lintott
Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford and Gresham Professor of Astronomy. His research focuses on galaxy formation and the use of citizen science in astronomy.
Top 10 podcasts with Chris Lintott
Ranked by the Snipd community

49 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
The History of Bad Ideas: Steady State Theory
In this discussion, astrophysicist Chris Lintott unpacks the fascinating Steady State Theory, a rival to the Big Bang model that gained traction in the mid-20th century. He examines why famed advocate Fred Hoyle was so devoted to it and how it challenged the limitations of the Big Bang theory. Lintott also delves into the philosophical implications and the human tendency to cling to ideas despite contradicting evidence. Listeners are treated to a thought-provoking look at scientific hubris and the ever-evolving nature of cosmological understanding.

13 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 46min
Black Holes and Bangs - Chris Lintott
In this engaging discussion, Chris Lintott, a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, dives into the fascinating world of black holes and gravitational waves. He explains how black holes, once considered mythical, impact our universe and even produce elements like gold. The conversation highlights the journey of gravitational waves from Einstein's theories to their detection by LIGO, and explores the mysteries surrounding supermassive black holes and pulsars acting as cosmic clocks. Prepare to rethink our cosmic landscape!

10 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 45min
The Biggest Cosmic Map - Chris Lintott
Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford and Gresham Professor of Astronomy, dives into the incredible achievements of the Gaia mission. He shares insights into how the spacecraft is meticulously mapping two billion stars, revealing dynamic changes in our Milky Way. The podcast also highlights the evolution of cosmic mapping from ancient techniques to this modern marvel, emphasizing how citizen science plays a vital role in advancing astronomical research and understanding the universe.

4 snips
May 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
Is it Aliens? The Most Unusual Star In The Galaxy - Chris Lintott
Astronomer Chris Lintott discusses Boyajian's star and the hunt for unusual objects in the Universe. Topics include disintegrating comets, alien megastructures, citizen scientists on Zooniverse, direct planet detection, the 'WTF star' theory, Betelgeuse dimming, James Webb telescope prospects, planetary dynamics, alien technology, space-based telescopes, and debunking black hole theories.

Feb 5, 2024 • 59min
'Oumuamua: Our first interstellar visitor - Chris Lintott
'Oumuamua: Our first interstellar visitor - Chris Lintott. Chris Lintott, Astrophysicist and presenter, discusses the unusual properties of 'Oumuamua, our first interstellar visitor, and how it is teaching us lessons about solar system formation. The lecture also explores the prospects of finding more unusual objects in the Solar System and the threat of asteroids to Earth.

Apr 18, 2024 • 36min
Our Accidental Universe
Chris Lintott, a Professor and presenter, discusses his book on serendipitous discoveries in astronomy. Topics include mining Helium-3 on the moon, mysteries of Saturn's moon Titan, and the potential of twin stars. The podcast also covers lunar mining prospects, radio signals, and stargazing adventures with a canine companion.

Jan 24, 2025 • 53min
Touching the Sun - Chris Lintott
Chris Lintott, a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, invites listeners to explore the sun's intriguing nature as a swirling mass of plasma and magnetic activity. He discusses groundbreaking insights from NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter, shedding light on the sun's dynamic surface and the prolonged journey of sunlight. Lintott also delves into the historical significance of sunspots and the complexities of the sun's magnetic field, emphasizing its profound effects on Earth and humanity.

Sep 17, 2024 • 44min
A Mirror in the Sky - Chris Lintott
In this enlightening discussion, astronomer Chris Lintott, a professor at the University of Oxford, shares insights on the Hubble Space Telescope's transformative journey. He explores the cosmic relationships of supernovae and their role in star formation, emphasizing the significance of stellar life cycles, particularly focusing on the impending supernova of Betelgeuse. Lintott also unravels the intricate beauty of planetary nebulae and reflects on Hubble's evolution from flawed beginnings to its revolutionary cosmic imagery, shaping our understanding of the universe.

Jul 28, 2024 • 1h 19min
Accidental Discoveries That Shaped Astronomy | Chris Lintott
Chris Lintott, an astrophysicist and professor known for his work on citizen science and as the host of BBC's 'The Sky at Night,' dives into the fascinating realm of serendipitous discoveries in astronomy. He highlights how many pivotal cosmic discoveries, like the cosmic microwave background, were made by accident. The conversation spans from the allure of interstellar objects like Oumuamua to innovative projects like Galaxy Zoo. Lintott emphasizes the critical balance between scientific rigor and public engagement in unraveling the universe's mysteries.

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Pulsars, Microwave Ovens and the Radio Sky - Chris Lintott
The podcast explores the fascinating world of radio astronomy, discussing breakthroughs in detecting planets and the role of the Murayang Parks Telescope. It covers topics like signals from Proxima Centauri, mysteries of radio astronomy, black holes at the galaxy center, and the discovery of LGM1. The discussion also delves into pulsars, fast radio bursts, computing advancements in radio astronomy, and the Square Kilometre Array project.