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
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Episodes115

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Jul 12, 2021 · 27 min
31 - If You Give an Astronomer a Neutrino
Learn how astronomers are using invisible particles to see what we've never seen before! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse Support the show
Jun 28, 2021 · 32 min
30 - The Oldest Picture of the Universe
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 Support the show
Jun 14, 2021 · 33 min
29 - How the Big Bang Won the Debate About the Beginning of Time
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 Support the show
May 31, 2021 · 23 min
28 - How Emmy Noether Changed Physics Forever
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 Support the show
May 10, 2021 · 31 min
12 - The Fight Between Modified Gravity and Dark Matter
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 Support the show
Apr 26, 2021 · 16 min
3 - What in the World is Anti-Matter?
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 Support the show
Apr 12, 2021 · 34 min
27 - What Does the Muon g-2 Result Mean for Physics?
Get our introduction to the measurement that might prove the Standard Model wrong! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse Support the show
Mar 29, 2021 · 27 min
26 - Did Inflation Rip Apart the Early Universe?
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 Support the show
Mar 15, 2021 · 27 min
25 - Could Extra Dimensions Exist?
How many dimensions of space are there? Could there be extra dimensions that are hidden from view? Support the show
Mar 1, 2021 · 28 min
24 - Breaking Down the Standard Model
Take a deep dive into (a contender) for the most successful theory of physics ever! Support the show
Feb 15, 2021 · 28 min
23 - Does Physics Allow for Free Will?
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Support the show
Feb 1, 2021 · 19 min
22 - The Particle That Might Do It All (Axions!)
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! Support the show
Jan 18, 2021 · 29 min
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 · 29 min
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 · 29 min
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 · 37 min
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 · 1 hr 42 min
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/id1429808898 Support the show
Nov 16, 2020 · 25 min
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 · 26 min
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 · 24 min
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