False Vacuum Decay!

This term describes when a meta-stable quantum field (=False Vacuum) becomes a stable quantum field (=True Vacuum). This might happen at some time to the (maybe) meta-stable Higgs Field, and the consequences would be quite drastic: the annihilation of the entire universe ☠️😱 

Kurzgesagt explained this concept already a couple of years ago, and recently, we turned their YouTube video into a 60s short video! (links are in the comments). Back then, I thought, no way, people would actually understand what we want to tell. But I it worked out great, and the final video highlights how powerful the combination of clear language and intuitive visuals can be. 

And still, False Vacuum Decay is such an exciting and dreadful topic, it's easy to get lost in the rabbit hole. Luckily, we don't have to explore this rabbit hole on our own: Dr. Alessandro Zenesini, scientist at the INO-CNR National Institute of Optics in Italy, took the time to guide us. 

Together we discuss the general concept of False Vacuum Decay, the consequences for us and the universe, why it might not necessarily be the end of the universe but also the start of a new one, how likely this scenario might happen, and why he is a big fan of kurzgesagt!

Thank you, Alessandro for being an excellent guide and a great podcast guest!