Quantum Mechanics and Gravitational Systems in Black Holes

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A black hole is a very intense gravitational system that creates a deep dent in space-time. At the event horizon, particles can evaporate, leading to a quantum mechanical phenomenon. This sets a scale for the black hole and leads to chaos when combining gravity and particle physics. From a gravitational view, there is nothing interesting when falling into a black hole, but from a particle physics view, there may be intense radiation like a firewall. In astrophysics, this is a complex but fascinating story.

Stars. Black holes. THE GAWDANG UNIVERSE. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Dr. Katie Mack (@astrokatie) re-introduces us to this 2017 episode along with some bonus updates on astrophysics, her career, and the book she’s published since we last heard from her. Katie also tells us her most embarrassing moments as a cosmologist, debunks some physicist myths and gives us the nuts + bolts of everything form particle physics to gravitational waves and existential mysteries. Walk away with cocktail party comprehension of everything from the itty-bitty quarks that make you to the neutron stars banging together across the cosmos. More than anything, get perspective about your life on this, our little pale blue dot.

Visit Dr. Mack’s website and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok

Buy Dr. Mack's new book: The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)

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Editing by Steven Ray Morris and Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions

Transcripts by Emily White of The Wordary