Why This Universe?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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/whythisuniverseOur merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeSupport the show

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.

Josh Winn, an expert in the search for exoplanets, discusses the evolution of exoplanet discovery methods, the surprises found with hot Jupiter planets, the impact of the transit method, and the comparison of different telescopes for sky monitoring. The conversation delves into the search for habitable planets, the potential discovery of Earth-like planets with signs of life, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, ultimately exploring the potential of life across stars in the Milky Way.

Chris Quigg, witness to the 'November Revolution' of particle physics in 1974, discusses the evolution of particle physics theories, the standard model, strong nuclear force, and particle colliders. Topics include the history of particle physics, skepticism and excitement around the quark model, differing perspectives on proton structure, the elegance and simplicity of particle physics principles, and the difficulty of identifying revolutionary instances in physics.

Exploring the demarcation problem in science vs. pseudoscience, defining science through hypothesizing and experimenting. Blurred lines between science and humanities, importance of peer review. Contrasting philosophies on falsifiability and paradigm shifts. Validating Darwin's theory through DNA testing. Examining the scientific validity of fields like Freudian psychology and astrology.