From the smallest bits of the atom comes the understanding of the furthest reaches of the universe. Fasten your seat belts as we head into deep space! UW Astronomy and Physics Professor Ellen Zweibel joins Perpetual Notion Machine host Patrick Sajbel to delve into intergalactic astrophysics, dark matter and detection of cosmic rays at the South Pole IceCube research station and in the palm of your hand with a citizen-science  phone app.

Zweibel was honored this year with membership in the National Academy of Sciences for studies of the way magnetic fields shape the universe, including the physics of cosmic rays hurled into the universe from stars and galaxies. She is one of 59 women (the largest group ever) elected to the academy, one of the highest honors that can be conferred on an American scientist.

Photo courtesy of IceCube/NSF