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
Feb 14, 2022 • 25min
44 - Our Deepest Theory: Quantum Field Theory
Today we attempt to break down the basics of quantum field theory - our deepest theory of physics yet.For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Jan 31, 2022 • 30min
43 - Is Physics the Most Fundamental Subject?
Some people like to claim that psychology is just applied biology, which is just applied chemistry, which is just applied physics, and so on. Is there any truth to this? Or is it just our egos getting the better of us?For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Jan 17, 2022 • 38min
42 - The Signal That Could Be the Dark Matter
Dan shares one of the biggest stories of his career - his discovery of an excess of gamma rays at the center of the Milky Way. Is this a sign of dark matter, or is it something less mysterious?Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Jan 3, 2022 • 25min
41 - The Hubble Tension: The Biggest Fight in Astronomy (ft. Wendy Freedman)
When different groups of astronomers measure the expansion rate of space, they get different answers. Who's right? Or are they both right, and new physics is afoot?Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Dec 20, 2021 • 20min
40 - How Will JWST Change Astronomy?
Today we dive into the world's shiny new space telescope - JWST. Learn why are physicists and astronomers are so excited about it, and what new secrets of the universe it might reveal. Keep your eye out for its launch later this week!Support the show
Nov 29, 2021 • 30min
23 - Does Physics Allow for Free Will? (Rebroadcast)
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Listen to this re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes.Crew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Nov 15, 2021 • 28min
39 - Why Do Science Communication? (ft. Daniel Whiteson and Jorge Cham)
Daniel Whiteson and Jorge Cham talk to us about what science communication means to them.Listen to their podcast, Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-daniel-and-jorge-explain-t-29862087/Support WTU on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Nov 1, 2021 • 17min
A Special Neutrino Update! (ft. Pedro Machado)
Today we unpack the latest neutrino results from Fermilab's MicroBoone experiment. Special guest Pedro Machado helps us understand what they mean for the future of neutrino research.Support the show
Oct 18, 2021 • 36min
38 - The Nobel Prize's Greatest Misses
In honor of Nobel prize season, we remember some people whose important work in the past has been overlooked by the Nobel committee.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
Oct 4, 2021 • 25min
37 - How Neutrinos Might Be Hinting at Dark Matter
The neutrino's non-zero mass is an anomaly, but one that leads to a promising new dark matter candidate - the sterile neutrino. Could this be it?Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseCrew CollectiveA podcast about the wild, weird, and deeply human side of cosmic storytelling.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show
