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
Jan 3, 2022 • 24min
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?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 • 29min
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.Support the show
Nov 15, 2021 • 27min
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/whythisuniverseSupport 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 • 35min
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
Oct 4, 2021 • 24min
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
Sep 20, 2021 • 21min
36 - The Neutrino's Quantum Superpower
Today we discuss neutrino oscillations - their ability to transform between different types – and the quantum mechanics that makes it possible. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
Sep 6, 2021 • 32min
35 - The Chaos Underlying Everything (ft. David Grier)
Learn about the chaotic motion that underlies even the most ordered structures, including life.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
Aug 23, 2021 • 29min
34 - Should Beauty Guide Physicists?
Some physics theories are admired for being beautiful, but does that mean they are more likely to be true? Or could chasing beauty lead us astray?Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
