Last time, we introduced the biggest open problem in theoretical physics - the problem of combining gravity with quantum mechanics. In this first part of a three-part series, we introduce the leading candidate for how to do that: String Theory.For ad-free episodes and other exclusives, join us for $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

54 - String Theory Part 1: What Is It?

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.

Science

Physics

Astronomy

The first episode in a new mini-series on philosophical problems in cosmology - Today we start with the origins of Western science and learn what the ancient Greeks thought about the cosmos.

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Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

81 - Ancient Greek Astronomy

Hear how a recent discovery of the motions of galaxies is changing how cosmologists are thinking about our universe.

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Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

80 - (April Fools 2024) A Surprising Discovery Shaking Up Modern Cosmology

Last year, an experiment called NanoGRAV made a surprising discovery of gravitational waves using pulsars around the universe. Special guest Chiara Mingarelli explains.

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Our merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe

79 - NanoGRAV's Big Gravitational Wave Discovery (Ft. Chiara Mingarelli)

What's it like bringing science to the most general public audiences? How do you distill complex results into short news-worthy articles without getting lost in clickbait? Today we hear the perspective of New York Times science journalist Katrina Miller.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseOur merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeSupport the show

78 - The Life of a Science Journalist (Ft. Katrina Miller)

Quantum computing makes big promises, but how does it work? What is the real state of quantum computing today? Special guest Henry Lamm answers our questions.Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universeFor ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseSupport the show

54 - String Theory Part 1: What Is It?

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