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Science

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.

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  • 115 episodes
  • Updated Yesterday

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Episodes115

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  • May 9, 2022 · 34 min

    13 - Does Quantum Mechanics Imply a Multiverse? (Rebroadcast)

    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 Support the show

  • Apr 25, 2022 · 28 min

    47 - Boltzmann Brains: Could Reality Be An Illusion?

    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 Support the show

  • Apr 4, 2022 · 25 min

    46 - The Cosmic Rays Raining Down On Us

    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 Support the show

  • Mar 14, 2022 · 28 min

    25 - Do Extra Dimensions Exist? (Rebroadcast)

    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 Support the show

  • Feb 28, 2022 · 39 min

    45 - The Wide World of Exoplanets (ft. Diana Powell)

    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 Support the show

  • Feb 14, 2022 · 24 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Jan 31, 2022 · 28 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Jan 17, 2022 · 37 min

    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? Support the show

  • Dec 20, 2021 · 19 min

    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 15, 2021 · 27 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Nov 1, 2021 · 17 min

    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 · 34 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Oct 4, 2021 · 24 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Sep 20, 2021 · 21 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Aug 23, 2021 · 28 min

    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/whythisuniverse Support the show

  • Jul 26, 2021 · 24 min

    32 - The Mystery of the Higgs Boson's Mass

    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 Support the show