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 Support the show
Oct 12
101 — How Will AI Change Physics? (Ft. Yoni Kahn)
In 2023, Dan made a bet with physicist Yoni Kahn about whether AI would be able to pass a graduate-level quantum field theory course by 2026. Today on the show, they revisit their bet and discuss what AI is capable of in physics today, and how it might change the field moving for ... Show More
56 m
Aug 24
100 - What is Light? A Journey from Ancient Philosophy to Quantum Physics
Modern physics tells us a lot about light; that it's both a wave and a particle, and that it sets the speed limit of the universe, for example. But how did we come to understand light in this way?In Dan's first solo episode, he takes us through theories of light through the ages, ... Show More
36m 41s
Aug 3
99 - The 7 Most Exciting Developments in Physics Today + a WTU Update
It's been a while! To make up for lost time, today's episode is a rundown of all the physics news you should know. Hear what is keeping physicists at the edge of their seat, and what physics news you should keep your eyes out for in the coming years.Also, this episode comes with ... Show More
36m 7s
Dec 2017
Cosmic Queries: Mysterious Cosmology, with Sean Carroll
<p>String theory, the fabric of spacetime, the multiverse, quantum mechanics, and much more – explore the cosmological mysteries of the universe with Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and theoretical physicist Sean Carroll.<br />NOTE: StarTalk All-Access subscribers ... Show More
48m 36s
Mar 2020
Interview Interlude Playlist, Part 2: Brian Greene, Max Tegmark and Barbara J. King
Let's talk about string theory, super AI and animal emotions. Here are our 2018 World Science Festival interviews with physicist Brian Greene, physicist Max Tegmark and anthropologist Barbara J. King. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omn ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 2022
Things You Thought You Knew - Timeline of the Universe
<p>How far back in the universe’s timeline can the JWST see? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore the Coriolis Effect, hurricanes, the gridiron timeline of the universe, the physics of spinning objects, and much more!</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons ... Show More
46m 32s
Mar 2024
Cosmic Queries – Infinite Quarks
<p>What happens to quarks during spaghettification? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice answer fan questions about positrons, how we got the speed of light, where the Big Bang took place, and more!</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial ... Show More
48m 38s
Oct 2024
Cosmic Queries – The Big Stretch
<p>What is fire? How do gravitational waves ripple through space-time? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Harrison Greenbaum answer grab bag questions about why supernovae form black holes, photons, the singularity, and more!</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire ... Show More
51m 25s