Why This Universe?

David E. Kaplan, a theoretical particle physicist and filmmaker from Johns Hopkins University, shares insights from his documentary, Particle Fever. He discusses the electrifying atmosphere leading to the LHC's launch and the debates over supersymmetry versus no new physics. Kaplan dives into the Higgs mass problem and why predicting it was so challenging. He also reveals the chaos of filming at CERN, including a dramatic helium leak, and the nuances of capturing scientists' stories amid groundbreaking discoveries.

Daniel Whiteson, a particle physicist and science communicator at UC Irvine, dives deep into whether aliens would understand our physics. He discusses the challenges of decoding symbols across cultures, illustrated by testing the interpretation of the Pioneer plaque. The conversation explores if math is discovered or invented and how alien biology might influence their concepts of mathematics. They ponder if advanced technology necessarily implies a scientific method and whether alien art could reveal shared emotional frameworks among different species.

Dive into the fascinating world of overlooked scientific achievements as the hosts explore the reasons why some brilliant minds have been snubbed by the Nobel committee. Discover Jocelyn Bell's pivotal discovery of pulsars and the convoluted credit system that left her out. The discussion also highlights the groundbreaking work of early cosmologists and Vera Rubin's critical contributions to dark matter research. Unpack the biases and historical context that shaped these omissions, and learn how nominations work behind the scenes.

Nobel Prize-winning cosmologist Adam Riess dives into the fascinating world of cosmic expansion and the notorious Hubble Tension. He explains how two measurements of the universe's expansion rate yield wildly different results, exploring the intricacies of measuring the Hubble constant using Type Ia supernovae and Cepheid variables. Riess discusses statistical significance and the implications of potential new physics to resolve these discrepancies. With a mix of precision science and engaging insights, he sheds light on the challenges facing modern cosmology.

Adam Riess, a Nobel Prize-winning astronomer and professor at Johns Hopkins University, shares the thrilling moments of his pivotal discovery about dark energy. He delves into how dark energy fuels the rapid expansion of our universe, revealing the intense competition between research teams in the 90s to measure cosmic expansion. Riess discusses the challenges of reconciling observational data with theoretical physics and reflects on the initial skepticism that surrounded the announcement of dark energy, reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.

Dive into the intricacies of the twin paradox and how time dilation shapes our understanding of reality. Explore the fascinating implications of dark energy and the evolving landscape of cosmology. The discussion also touches on supermassive black holes and cosmic expansion, revealing the mysteries of the universe. Delve into the future of particle physics at CERN, alongside meaningful debates on the S8 tension in cosmology. Finally, challenge your perceptions of time, energy, and the philosophical implications of free will.

The hosts dive into the mysteries of cosmic particles and the early universe, unraveling the complexities of quantum mechanics and its interpretations. They discuss the formation of the cosmic microwave background and the tumultuous particle interactions following the Big Bang. Asteroid impact scenarios catch attention, particularly the potential effects of asteroid 2024 YR4 on the Moon. Risk assessments reveal that a seemingly menacing 50-meter asteroid poses minimal threat, while hypothetical explosive scenarios ignite engaging conversations about cosmic safety.

Dan Scolnic, a Professor at Duke University and an expert in near-field cosmology, discusses exhilarating advancements expected in cosmology by 2025. He tackles the Hubble tension and its implications for our understanding of the universe’s expansion. Upcoming projects, including the James Webb Space Telescope's findings, promise to shed light on dark energy and the cosmic microwave background. Anticipation builds around new astronomical data and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that could redefine cosmological models.

A discovery last year reveals our galaxy in a whole new light - except it's not light, it's neutrinos! Learn what this discovery can teach us about the Milky Way and beyond.For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Support the show

Is it possible that dark energy is not a constant, but rather is changing over time? Sean Carroll talks to us about how our understanding of dark energy evolved in recent history, and what is still left unknown.For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe Support the show