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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

Newest first
  • Oct 12, 2020 · 26 min

    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 · 30 min

    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

  • Sep 28, 2020 · 30 min

    12 - Please Stop Emailing Dan About MOND

    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 the show

  • Sep 14, 2020 · 28 min

    10 - What is Dark Energy?

    Get introduced to one of the most mysterious characters in physics. Support the show

  • Sep 7, 2020 · 22 min

    9 - Is Space Expanding?

    Here's how a heated debate about whether our Milky Way galaxy is the entire universe led to the discovery of expanding space. Support the show

  • Aug 31, 2020 · 23 min

    8 - Is Space Flat or Curved?

    Learn how the geometry of space defies our intuition, and why it gave Einstein so much anxiety. Support the show

  • Aug 24, 2020 · 23 min

    7 - Could Black Holes Be the Dark Matter?

    Dark matter has eluded physicists for years - all we know is that it's some kind of matter that doesn't interact with light. Does that sound like a black hole to you? Support the show

  • Aug 17, 2020 · 29 min

    6 - Your Tour Through Quantum Weirdness

    Entanglement, wave-particle duality, and uncertainty - here's a breakdown of the weirdest and wildest things about quantum mechanics. Support the show

  • Aug 10, 2020 · 27 min

    5 - How Dan Lost a Bet With Dark Matter

    We revisit some of Dan's early predictions about dark matter, and talk about the biggest dark matter ideas and experiments of the last decade. Support the show

  • Aug 3, 2020 · 26 min

    4 - Where Did the Antimatter Go?

    Every time a particle of matter is made, a particle of antimatter is also made. So it seems like all matter ever created should have annihilated with antimatter, leaving behind an empty universe. But then... why is our universe filled with matter? Support the show

  • Jul 26, 2020 · 15 min

    3 - What in the World Is Antimatter?

    Learn how special relativity and quantum mechanics come together to make an odd prediction about matter. Support the show

  • Jul 20, 2020 · 32 min

    2 - What's It Like to Discover Quantum Mechanics?

    Quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the universe. But have you ever wondered how it was first discovered? What's it like to live through such a dramatic scientific moment? Support the show

  • Jul 13, 2020 · 20 min

    1 - Why Are We So Sure About Dark Matter?

    Dark matter sounds as mysterious as it is - an invisible form of matter that permeates our universe that physicists have not yet been able to detect! And yet, most physicists are extremely confident that it exists. Learn why! Support the show