We tell the story of how the Universe developed large scale structure, starting from the Big Bang to today. It could have all turned out very differently, if not for some key players. For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Support the show
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
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
Jun 2025
Jorge Cham Teaches Us The Universe: Big Bangs and Quantum Hangs
What is the universe? Where did it come from, and what happens to it in the future? Humanity has wrestled with these questions since the dawn of civilization -- and though we've made a lot of progress, there's still much more to learn. In today's episode, the guys join special gu ... Show More
53m 1s
Sep 2022
Things You Thought You Knew - Big Bang Dilemma
<p>Are we rethinking the Big Bang? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore features of the James Webb Space Telescope, magnetism and how the aurora borealis works, and if the Big Bang is being debunked. </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or ... Show More
37m 31s