
Marcus Chown
Science writer and broadcaster, known for his work on cosmology and quantum physics. Author of 'A Crack in Everything', exploring the science and history of black holes.
Top 5 podcasts with Marcus Chown
Ranked by the Snipd community

30 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
How Black Holes Break Reality | Marcus Chown [Ep. 493]
In this enlightening discussion, Marcus Chown, a renowned science writer and broadcaster, delves into the bewildering nature of black holes and their paradoxical ability to erase information. He shares stunning insights on the historical journey of black hole research, spotlighting key scientists who unraveled their mysteries. Chown provocatively poses whether black holes are cosmic destroyers or creators, suggesting they might even foster life. With humor and depth, he explores the profound implications these enigmatic entities hold for our understanding of reality.

8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 20min
Extra: The one thing you need to know about electricity
Science writer Marcus Chown, known for his accessible explanations of complex topics, dives into the core concept behind his latest book. He highlights the power of a single idea to unlock understanding in science. Discussing gravity's universal yet weak nature, he contrasts it with the mysteries of dark matter. Chown also reveals the strength of the electric force, illustrating its effects with thought experiments and real-world examples. He explains why matter feels solid despite atomic emptiness and addresses greenhouse gases' roles in climate change.

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Marcus Chown, "A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage" (Apollo, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer and science writer, delves into the mysterious world of black holes. He explores their historical significance, tracing how they evolved from being dismissed by Einstein to central players in cosmic understanding. Chown shares insights from interviews with key researchers and explains concepts like gravitational waves and Hawking radiation. He also touches on the intriguing relationship between supermassive black holes and galaxy formation, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder about the universe's mysteries.

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Marcus Chown, "A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage" (Apollo, 2025)
In this enlightening discussion, Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer and acclaimed science writer, delves into the mysteries of black holes. He explores their fascinating history, from Einstein's initial skepticism to their critical role in our understanding of the cosmos. Chown shares anecdotes from interviews with key scientists and discusses groundbreaking discoveries like Cygnus X-1. He also unpacks the enigmatic concepts of Hawking radiation and gravitational waves, shedding light on how these cosmic phenomena shape our universe.

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Marcus Chown, "A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage" (Apollo, 2025)
In this discussion, Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer and science writer, delves into black holes, their evolution from fringe theories to cosmic rulers. He recounts the historical journey of black hole discovery, including the pivotal moment when the first black hole was identified. Chown makes complex concepts accessible, explaining the significance of gravitational waves and supermassive black holes in galaxies. He also explores fundamental mysteries, such as Hawking radiation and the links between black holes and quantum gravity, building an exciting narrative around these cosmic enigmas.


