Why This Universe?

Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman
  • 4.6 (325)
  • PHYSICS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Why This Universe?

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.

  1. NOV 4

    90 - Quintessence: Is Dark Energy Changing? (Ft. Sean Carroll)

    Is it possible that dark energy is not a constant, but rather is changing over time? Sean Carroll talks to us about how our understanding of dark energy evolved in recent history, and what is still left unknown. For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    42 min

  2. OCT 14

    89 - A Dark Matter Vibe Check

    Dan and Shalma have a candid conversation about the state of dark matter research, and the ways the field has changed over the last few years. For exclusive ask-us-anything episodes, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    37 min

  3. SEP 23

    88 - Why Does Our Universe Exist At All? (Ft. Sean Carroll)

    Why does something exist, rather than nothing? Special guest Sean Carroll helps us explore this deep philosophical question. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    28 min

  4. SEP 2

    87 - The Good and the Bad of Peer Review

    There has been some criticism of the process scientists use to check each other's work. Today we take a deep dive into peer review to determine how broken it really is. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse. Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    40 min

  5. AUG 5

    28 - How Noether's Theorem Changed Physics (Rerun)

    Learn how Noether's profound mathematical theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws is deeply woven into the physics of the universe. Enjoy this rerun of an earlier episode as we take our summer break. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    24 min

  6. JUL 2

    86 - The Life and Death of Stars

    We explore the diverse world of stars in the universe, from those similar to our Sun to those totally unrecognizable. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    41 min

  7. JUN 17

    85 - Our Sun: Present, Past and Future

    Today's episode is all about the star in our front yard - the sun. Learn how it came to be, how it has changed, and how will it change in the future. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    37 min

  8. JUN 3

    84 - The Search For New Worlds (ft. Josh Winn)

    Hear how the search for exoplanets has developed, and what surprises it has brought so far. For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

    45 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
325 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Why This Universe?
  • Show Website
    Why This Universe?

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