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 18, 2021 • 29min
21 - The Quantum Mechanics of Black Holes
Here's what happens when we introduce quantum mechanics to one of the weirdest objects in the universe. Hint - things get hairy.Support the show
Jan 4, 2021 • 30min
20 - Everything To Do About Black Holes
Today we talk about black holes - from their early history to their role in the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. Support the show
Dec 21, 2020 • 30min
19 - Why Does Science Work?
Does science get us closer to understanding what the universe is actually like, or is it just a useful tool to build technology with? Today we get philosophical and talk through this deep question!Support the show
Nov 30, 2020 • 37min
18 - Could a Hyper-Advanced Civilization Resist Dark Energy?
If life in the universe survives into the far future, it will eventually come face to face with the accelerating expansion of the universe caused by dark energy. Could a hyper-advanced civilization find a way to fight it?Support the show
Nov 23, 2020 • 1h 42min
The State of The Universe #81 - Dr. Daniel Whiteson - The Standard Model and Its Many Quirks!
Today our feed is getting taken over by Brendan Drachler to bring you an episode of his show, The State of the Universe!Science moves at an impossibly fast pace. It will leave you wondering, what is the state of the universe? Wonder no more! Learn from researchers working at the cutting edge of scientific advancement about everything from the robot takeover to the big bang only on The State of The Universe podcast.Listen to the State of the Universe everywhere where podcasts are available. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-state-of-the-universe/id1429808898Support the show
Nov 16, 2020 • 25min
17 - Why Haven't We Met Aliens?
Are there other intelligent civilizations out there, or are we alone here on Earth? And what have we done to try to find them?Support the show
Nov 2, 2020 • 26min
16 - Where Is Life in the Universe?
What does it takes for a planet to support life? How different could extraterrestrial life be from what we see on Earth?Support the show
Oct 19, 2020 • 25min
15 - What are Grand Unified Theories?
These theories aim to explain all of the fundamental forces (except gravity) in one neat package. How does it work?Support the show
Oct 12, 2020 • 26min
14 - Why Does Time Move in One Direction?
What in the laws of physics differentiates between past and future? Is there a physical reason that time always moves forward? Support the show
Oct 5, 2020 • 30min
13 - Does Quantum Mechanics Imply a Multiverse?
Today we explore different interpretations of quantum mechanics, from Copenhagen to the many-worlds hypothesis, in an attempt to uncover what quantum reality really is.Support the show
