The Cosmic Classroom

The Cosmic Classroom

By Sarah TykScience
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The Cosmic Classroom episodes

  • Episode 5: Scalar Energy Part 1

    In this week's episode we'll talk about some basics of mathematical notation and get an introduction to vectors and scalars. Then we'll take a closer look at scalar fields and the wild world of scalar energy.

    In this first of a two-part series, our discussion about scalar energy will be about gaining a working knowledge of definitions and vocabulary. We'll gain an understanding of what is meant by "scalar energy" and "quantum entanglement."

    This is one of my favorite topics and I can't wait to take a quantum leap with you into a world of "spooky action at a distance."

    Check out these websites that I reference in this episode:

    Good layman’s discussion of quantum entanglement and references at end:  https://www.space.com/31933-quantum-entanglement-action-at-a-distance.html

     A little more technical description of quantum entanglement: https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/entanglement

     CIA paper “Summary Statement On Scalar Waves” https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00792R000500240001-6.pdf


    51 min
  • Episode 4: Music of the Spheres Part 2

    In this episode, we continue our sound journey through the universe as we learn about the modern technique of sonification. We'll explore several examples, including what the center of the Milky Way sounds like. We'll also hear two of my favorite celestial bodies: Supernova 1987a and the Sombrero Galaxy.

    Come and join me as we take an audio tour of the universe.

    Join the discussion in the Facebook group!


    Visit the following websites to explore more examples of sonification:

    Chandra X-Ray Center

    NASA Hubble Image Sonification

    System Sounds



    25 min
  • Episode 3: The Music of the Spheres

    Ancient philosophers believed that the celestial bodies make music and move in perfect harmony. Astronomer Johannes Kepler coined the phrase musica universalis, also known as the music of the spheres.

    Both Pythagoras and Kepler believed that music could heal the soul and that the harmonies of the cosmos could only be heard by the soul.

    Do the planets and stars make sounds? What would they sound like if we could hear them? Join me as we begin to discover what Pythagoras meant when he said, "There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres."

    Visit Dr. Matt Russo's website to listen to modern-day interpretations of the music of the spheres: https://www.system-sounds.com/


    33 min
  • Episode 2: Limits

    In this episode, we'll take a brief look at mathematical limits and then take a walk down personal lane as I recount a couple of examples where I went beyond my own limits and took risks that led to great personal growth and development.

    To quote Ronald Reagan, "There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits to human intelligence, imagination, and wonder."

    Join me, as I ponder the question, "What's the worst that could happen?"


    21 min
  • Episode 1: What Time Is It?

    This episode's mini-lesson is about units--why they're important and how to use unit analysis as a quick check to see if your equation is correct.

    Next, we'll talk about time. Who first recorded time? Why are there 24 hours in a day? Does time even exist?

    Join me, Sarah Tyk, for a random walk through the fourth dimension.

    16 min
  • The Interested Reader Podcast Trailer

    Hi! This is The Interested Reader podcast and I’m your host, Sarah

    Tyk. I’m a mom to a 1-year-old, a wife of 17 years, and a lifelong lover of science, nature, and learning. In graduate school I was a teaching assistant for physics, astronomy and environmental science courses. This is when I discovered my love for teaching. But following a curriculum and strictly adhering to a textbook wasn’t my thing. I wanted to learn about (and teach) topics that weren’t mainstream; that weren’t taught in the classroom; that were maybe a little strange and unusual.

    That’s what this podcast is about – exploring beyond the textbook. In several textbooks throughout my tenure as a physics and astronomy student, it was mentioned that the details of a topic were beyond the scope of the current lesson and would be left “for the interested reader.” On this podcast we’ll talk about those details and delve into the mysteries of the universe.

    You can expect to hear from me each week. I’ll give mini lessons in math, physics and astronomy and we’ll investigate the

    world beyond the classroom.

    I started this podcast because I absolutely love teaching, and specifically teaching physics and astronomy. I found the academic world to be very limiting and, frankly, closed-minded. No one wants to discuss alternative theories in science,

    even there’s good evidence that they work. Well, I do. I want to have those discussions. I want people to be curious and ask questions. And I want to answer those questions in way that’s easy to understand. I want to make physics fun and exciting. It already IS, people just don’t know it, and I want to change that.

    I hope your curiosity is sparked and you discover a love for exploring and questioning. So come with me and let’s take a random walk into the world reserved for the interested reader.

    2 min

About The Cosmic Classroom

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Cosmic Classroom, where space science meets simplicity. Each episode breaks down big cosmic ideas into small, meaningful lessons you can share at home — no telescope required. You’ll learn fun, easy-to-understand ways to explore space together while building your child’s curiosity and your own confidence along the way.