

Why This Universe?
Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman
The biggest ideas in physics, broken down. Join theoretical physicist Dan Hooper and co-host Shalma Wegsman as they answer your questions about dark matter, black holes, quantum mechanics, and more. Part of The University of Chicago Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 32min
94 - Inside the Hubble Tension With Adam Riess
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.

5 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 40min
93 - The Moment Dark Energy Appeared (Ft. Adam Riess)
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.

20 snips
May 2, 2025 • 55min
AUA: Changing Dark Energy, Twin Paradox, and What's Next for CERN
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.

6 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 29min
AUA: The Early Universe, Quantum Interpretations, and Asteroids
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.

11 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 46min
92 - What Cosmology Has in Store for 2025 (Ft. Dan Scolnic)
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.

Dec 23, 2024 • 31min
91 - What Neutrinos Reveal About the Milky Way
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

Nov 4, 2024 • 42min
90 - Quintessence: Is Dark Energy Changing? (Ft. Sean Carroll)
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

Oct 14, 2024 • 37min
89 - A Dark Matter Vibe Check
Dan and Shalma have a candid conversation about the state of dark matter research, and the ways the field has changed over the last few years.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-universeSupport the show

7 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 28min
88 - Why Does Our Universe Exist At All? (Ft. Sean Carroll)
Sean Carroll, a renowned physicist and philosopher, dives deep into the enigmatic question of why our universe exists at all. He explores the intricate relationship between physics and philosophy, revealing how both fields challenge and inspire one another. The conversation touches on the concept of 'brute facts' versus necessary truths and delves into Kurt Gödel's theorems, questioning the very nature of mathematical realism. Ultimately, they ponder whether our universe could simply be a brute fact, defying complete explanation.

Sep 2, 2024 • 40min
87 - The Good and the Bad of Peer Review
There has been some criticism of the process scientists use to check each other's work. Today we take a deep dive into peer review to determine how broken it really is.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse.Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeSupport the show