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.
Special Announcement + ChatGPT On Unifying Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
Why This Universe is going live on October 3rd in Chicago, IL!RSVP for *free* here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ucpn-podcast-festival-tickets-717455076447?aff=ebdsoporgprofileJoin us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
9/28/2023 • 9 minutes, 56 seconds
6 - Your Tour Through Quantum Weirdness (Rebroadcast)
We are celebrating our 3 year anniversary with a throwback to one of our earliest episodes! Entanglement, wave-particle duality, and uncertainty - here's a breakdown of the weirdest and wildest things about quantum mechanics.To support our show and access exclusive ask-us-anything segments and more, join us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse.Support the show
7/31/2023 • 30 minutes, 14 seconds
47 - Boltzmann Brains: Could Reality Be An Illusion? (Rebroadcast)
A whirlwind of questions brings us to an odd conclusion: could reality be an illusion created by a quantum fluctuation of a brain? This is a rebroadcast of a past favorite.For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
3/27/2023 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
62 - JWST and the Earliest Galaxies in the Universe (ft. Mike Boylan-Kolchin)
Astronomers' newest telescope, JWST, just discovered galaxies that formed earlier than previously thought possible. What does this discovery mean for our understanding of the early universe?To support our show and get ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show
3/13/2023 • 24 minutes, 1 second
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
5/9/2022 • 34 minutes, 25 seconds
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
3/14/2022 • 28 minutes, 33 seconds
23 - Does Physics Allow for Free Will? (Rebroadcast)
Can free will exist in a universe described by the laws of physics? Listen to this re-broadcast of one of our favorite episodes.Support the show
11/29/2021 • 28 minutes, 45 seconds
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
5/31/2021 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds
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/whythisuniverseSupport the show
5/10/2021 • 31 minutes, 29 seconds
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/id1429808898Support the show
11/23/2020 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 17 seconds
0 - Welcome to Why This Universe!
Learn more about the co-hosts, what this podcast is all about, and why we are making it!Support the show
