
Why This Universe?
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.
Latest episodes

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

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

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-universe

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-universe

Aug 5, 2024 • 24min
28 - How Noether's Theorem Changed Physics (Rerun)
Dive into the revolutionary Noether's theorem, where symmetries unveil the foundations of conservation laws like momentum and energy. Explore the legacy of Emmy Noether, a trailblazing mathematician who broke barriers in a male-dominated field. Discover how gauge symmetry underpins key principles in particle physics, including charge conservation. The interplay between symmetry and physical laws not only reshapes our understanding of the universe but also highlights the intricate dance of mathematics and physics.

Jul 2, 2024 • 41min
86 - The Life and Death of Stars
We explore the diverse world of stars in the universe, from those similar to our Sun to those totally unrecognizable.
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-universe

Jun 17, 2024 • 37min
85 - Our Sun: Present, Past and Future
Explore the evolution of human understanding of the Sun, its size, temperature, and fusion process. Learn about the Sun's future as a red giant star and the formation of white dwarfs, including the concept of 'black dwarfs' in the distant future.
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