In today's different type of episode, we talk about the risks of a subtle kind of scientific misinformation.
More description
In today's different type of episode, we talk about the risks of a subtle kind of scientific misinformation.
Why This Universe?
en
us
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.
More details
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
Page 2 · 50 per pageThis episode will hurt your brain, or your money back.
To support our show and get ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
This episode will hurt your brain, or your money back.
To support our show and get ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
We interrupt our regular episodes to cover the exciting new discovery that the IceCube Neutrino Observatory announced on November 3rd, 2022.
To support our show and get ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
We interrupt our regular episodes to cover the exciting new discovery that the IceCube Neutrino Observatory announced on November 3rd, 2022.
To support our show and get ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
We pick up the story of string theory and explore the explosion of interest it experienced in the mid 1980s.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
We pick up the story of string theory and explore the explosion of interest it experienced in the mid 1980s.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Last time, we introduced the biggest open problem in theoretical physics - the problem of combining gravity with quantum mechanics. In this first part of a three-part series, we introduce the leading candidate for how to do that: String Theory.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Last time, we introduced the biggest open problem in theoretical physics - the problem of combining gravity with quantum mechanics. In this first part of a three-part series, we introduce the leading candidate for how to do that: String Theory.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Quantum mechanics and general relativity are two of the most successful theories of science ever, but they don't necessarily fit together. Learn why physicists are trying so hard to discover a quantum theory of gravity, and why it's been such a challenge.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Quantum mechanics and general relativity are two of the most successful theories of science ever, but they don't necessarily fit together. Learn why physicists are trying so hard to discover a quantum theory of gravity, and why it's been such a challenge.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
We pick up last episode's theme of particle colliders and dive into the most exciting one running today - the LHC. What is it, how does it work, and what new physics can it still reveal?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
We pick up last episode's theme of particle colliders and dive into the most exciting one running today - the LHC. What is it, how does it work, and what new physics can it still reveal?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
For the past century, physicists have been building particle colliders as a way to learn about the fundamental laws of physics. Today we talk about why smashing particles together has proven to be such a powerful tool.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
For the past century, physicists have been building particle colliders as a way to learn about the fundamental laws of physics. Today we talk about why smashing particles together has proven to be such a powerful tool.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
On May 12, 2022 astronomers revealed an image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Today we tell the story of what made this image possible.
Today's episode is sponsored by Wren. Sign up through https://www.wren.co/universe to make a difference in the climate crisis, and Wren will plant 10 extra trees in your name!
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
On May 12, 2022 astronomers revealed an image of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Today we tell the story of what made this image possible.
Today's episode is sponsored by Wren. Sign up through https://www.wren.co/universe to make a difference in the climate crisis, and Wren will plant 10 extra trees in your name!
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Just like water changing to ice when it freezes, there were times in the universe's early history when reality changed in almost an instant. Today we dive into these cosmological phase transitions, and speculate about the strange objects these types of instant changes can create.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Just like water changing to ice when it freezes, there were times in the universe's early history when reality changed in almost an instant. Today we dive into these cosmological phase transitions, and speculate about the strange objects these types of instant changes can create.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
When cosmology was still an infant science, a daring physicist wrote a theory of the beginning of time. We revisit this theory and see what value we can still glean from it today.
More description
When cosmology was still an infant science, a daring physicist wrote a theory of the beginning of time. We revisit this theory and see what value we can still glean from it today.
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. This episode is a rebroadcast of one of our early favorites.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
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. This episode is a rebroadcast of one of our early favorites.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
A whirlwind of questions brings us to an odd conclusion: could reality be an illusion created by a quantum fluctuation of a brain?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
A whirlwind of questions brings us to an odd conclusion: could reality be an illusion created by a quantum fluctuation of a brain?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Here on Earth, we are constantly being showered by particles from outer space called cosmic rays. What do we know about where these particles really come from?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Here on Earth, we are constantly being showered by particles from outer space called cosmic rays. What do we know about where these particles really come from?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Today we are rebroadcasting an earlier episode all about extra dimensions - How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Today we are rebroadcasting an earlier episode all about extra dimensions - How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view?
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Special guest Dr. Diana Powell gives us the lay down on the field of exoplanet research, and on how these recent discoveries may shed light on the question of extraterrestrial life.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Special guest Dr. Diana Powell gives us the lay down on the field of exoplanet research, and on how these recent discoveries may shed light on the question of extraterrestrial life.
For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
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?
More description
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?
Published 2022-01-03
41 - The Hubble Tension: The Biggest Fight in Astronomy (ft. Wendy Freedman)
23 min
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?
More description
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?
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!
More description
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!
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Listen to this re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes.
More description
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Listen to this re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes.
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
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.
More description
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.
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
Learn about the chaotic motion that underlies even the most ordered structures, including life.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Learn about the chaotic motion that underlies even the most ordered structures, including life.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
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/whythisuniverse
More description
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/whythisuniverse
Hear why supersymmetry was special enough to win over physicists hearts, and why faith in it might be dying out.
More description
Hear why supersymmetry was special enough to win over physicists hearts, and why faith in it might be dying out.
Today we explore one of the biggest and most frustrating open problems of particle physics - the hierarchy problem.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Today we explore one of the biggest and most frustrating open problems of particle physics - the hierarchy problem.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Learn how astronomers are using invisible particles to see what we've never seen before!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Learn how astronomers are using invisible particles to see what we've never seen before!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Learn about the oldest light in the universe - the cosmic microwave background - and how it became a treasure trove of cosmological insight.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Learn about the oldest light in the universe - the cosmic microwave background - and how it became a treasure trove of cosmological insight.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Hear what proved to physicists that the universe started with the Big Bang - and the one person who was never convinced.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Hear what proved to physicists that the universe started with the Big Bang - and the one person who was never convinced.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Learn how a profound mathematical theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws is deeply woven into the physics of the universe.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Learn how a profound mathematical theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws is deeply woven into the physics of the universe.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
A rerun of one of our favorite episodes ever. Some physicists have considered the possibility that dark matter might not exist - and that instead, it's our theories of gravity which are wrong. Today we take a deep dive into these theories of modified gravity.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
A rerun of one of our favorite episodes ever. Some physicists have considered the possibility that dark matter might not exist - and that instead, it's our theories of gravity which are wrong. Today we take a deep dive into these theories of modified gravity.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
A re-post of one of our favorite early episodes. Learn how special relativity and quantum mechanics come together to make an odd prediction about matter.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
A re-post of one of our favorite early episodes. Learn how special relativity and quantum mechanics come together to make an odd prediction about matter.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
Get our introduction to the measurement that might prove the Standard Model wrong!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
Get our introduction to the measurement that might prove the Standard Model wrong!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
The Big Bang theory leaves us with some open questions, and the theory of inflation might have the answers.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
More description
The Big Bang theory leaves us with some open questions, and the theory of inflation might have the answers.
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse
How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view?
More description
How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view?
Take a deep dive into (a contender) for the most successful theory of physics ever!
More description
Take a deep dive into (a contender) for the most successful theory of physics ever!
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics?
More description
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics?
Today we talk about the theoretical particle at the forefront of current research. Learn how axions might explain not one but *two* open problems in physics!
More description
Today we talk about the theoretical particle at the forefront of current research. Learn how axions might explain not one but *two* open problems in physics!
Here's what happens when we introduce quantum mechanics to one of the weirdest objects in the universe. Hint - things get hairy.
More description
Here's what happens when we introduce quantum mechanics to one of the weirdest objects in the universe. Hint - things get hairy.
Today we talk about black holes - from their early history to their role in the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics.
More description
Today we talk about black holes - from their early history to their role in the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics.
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!
More description
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!
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?
More description
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?
Published 2020-11-23
The State of The Universe #81 - Dr. Daniel Whiteson - The Standard Model and Its Many Quirks!
102 min
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/id1429808898
More description
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/id1429808898
Are there other intelligent civilizations out there, or are we alone here on Earth? And what have we done to try to find them?
More description
Are there other intelligent civilizations out there, or are we alone here on Earth? And what have we done to try to find them?
What does it takes for a planet to support life? How different could extraterrestrial life be from what we see on Earth?
More description
What does it takes for a planet to support life? How different could extraterrestrial life be from what we see on Earth?
Show details
Episodes
116
Transcripts
0
0% coverage
Missing transcripts
116
With chapters
0