Podcasts about cosmologists

Branch of astronomy

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Best podcasts about cosmologists

Latest podcast episodes about cosmologists

Is This Just Bad?
338: We Don't Know Ball

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 66:34 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss ball in the dumbest way possible. Happy World Cup. 

Is This Just Bad?
337: Oops All Recs

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 40:45 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
336: The Boys Series Finale

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 57:25 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
335: What Was the Worm?

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2026 61:44 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist contemplate the composition of a worm. 

Is This Just Bad?
334: Is This the Big Bad 2

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 107:41 Transcription Available


The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep872: Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo presents evidence from galaxy clusters proving that gravity follows Newton's inverse square law across vast distances, effectively debunking alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics over hundreds of mi

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 14:20


Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo presents evidence from galaxy clusters proving that gravity follows Newton's inverse square law across vast distances, effectively debunking alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics over hundreds of millions of light-years. (7/16)1920 CHARLESTON

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep871: PREVIEW for Later Today: Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo explains his research using specialized telescopes to observe cosmic microwave background radiation. He seeks to understand dark matter and dark energy, testing physical theories to explain

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 3:32


PREVIEW for Later Today: Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo explains his research using specialized telescopes to observe cosmic microwave background radiation. He seeks to understand dark matter and dark energy, testing physical theories to explain the history of the universe's expansion.FIFTH PLANET OF CANCRI 55

Is This Just Bad?
333: The Boys Season 5 (Mid-Season Reaction)

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 77:08 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
332: Built Different

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 79:08 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy dunk on Britain and describe how they're built different. 

Is This Just Bad?
331: Nothing Burger

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 84:50 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
330: Sick Wit It

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 66:26 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy talk sinuses, kimonos, and give some good ass recs. 

Saturday Magazine
Sat, 11th April, 2026: Dr Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist & Cosmologist, ANU, Artemis II-What it means for Space Exploration?

Saturday Magazine

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 14:40


Dr Brad Tucker is an internationally recognised astrophysicist and cosmologist at the Australian National University (ANU). Based at the Mt. Stromlo Observatory, he is a leading Australian authority on space, frequently providing expert commentary for major media outlets on topics ranging from supernova explosions to the Artemis Moon missions. Brad is leading programs using NASA's Kepler Space Telescope and TESS to understand why and how stars blow up. He's also building a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere, and is involved in a search to find Planet 9, as well as issues surrounding the mining of asteroids. Brad frequently gives talks to school groups and the public about astronomy and has regular segments on various radio and TV stations. He has also developed a series of Astronomy coins with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, and has been featured in TV specials. He is currently in the process of writing his first popular book and developing an online astronomy course. Brad's areas of interest include asteroids, comets, black holes, meteor, space junk, supernova, and big bangs. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Dr Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist & Cosmologist, ANU, Artemis II-What it means for Space Exploration? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

tv australian nasa planet mt astronomy artemis ii anu space exploration astrophysicists cosmologists australian national university anu brad tucker kepler space telescope saturday magazine
Is This Just Bad?
329: Going Back

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 65:30 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss revisiting media and drop some RECS.

Is This Just Bad?
328: Culture Blows

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 84:58 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss culture and how it's kinda bad and also good right now. 

Is This Just Bad?
327: Lanterns and Street Fighter

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 65:42


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist, the Internet's preeminent Internet reactors, take on Lanterns and Street Fighter. 

Is This Just Bad?
326: Spring Sickies

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 55:50 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
325: We're Reactors Now

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 77:54 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss eating ass and react to two trailers. 

Is This Just Bad?
324: Where are Pandas?

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 70:26 Transcription Available


Is This Just Bad?
323: Is This The Big Bad 1

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 84:41 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy embark on a new TTRPG adventure. This time, they tackle monsters. 

Is This Just Bad?
322: Katsucon, 2026

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 68:15 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss Katsucon and Dark Woke. 

Is This Just Bad?
321: Super Bowl 60

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 61:47 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss Friday the 13th and the Super Bowl (halftime show). 

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
Vitaly Vanchurin: This Cosmologist Discovered Something Strange...

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 118:32


What if physics is just the universe learning? Most Theories of Everything episodes are mind‑bending for their math, physics, philosophy, or consciousness implications. This one hits all four simultaneously. Professor Vitaly Vanchurin joins me to argue the cosmos isn't just modeled by neural networks—it literally is one. Learning dynamics aren't a metaphor for physics; they are the physics. Vanchurin shows why we need a three‑way unification: quantum mechanics, general relativity, and observers. As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe TIMESTAMPS: - 00:00:00 - The Neural Network Universe - 00:05:48 - Learning Dynamics as Physics - 00:11:52 - Optimization and Variational Principles - 00:21:17 - Deriving Fundamental Field Equations - 00:28:47 - Fermions and Particle Emergence - 00:37:17 - Geometry of Learning Algorithms - 00:44:53 - Emergent Quantum Mechanics - 00:50:01 - Renormalization and Interpretability - 00:57:00 - Second Law of Learning - 01:05:10 - Subatomic Natural Selection - 01:15:40 - Consciousness and Learning Efficiency - 01:24:09 - Unifying Physics and Observers - 01:31:01 - Qualia and Hidden Variables - 01:40:24 - Free Energy Principle Integration - 01:46:04 - Epistemological Doubt and Advice LINKS MENTIONED: - Vitaly's Papers: https://inspirebeta.net/literature?sort=mostrecent&size=25&page=1&q=find%20author%20vanchurin - Vitaly's Lecture: https://youtu.be/TagDLiLb2VQ - Vitaly's Website: https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/~vitaly/ - Towards A Theory Of Machine Learning [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2004.09280 - Autonomous Particles [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2301.10077 - Emergent Field Theories From Neural Networks [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.08138 - Covariant Gradient Descent [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.05279 - A Quantum-Classical Duality And Emergent Spacetime [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.06083 - Emergent Quantumness In Neural Networks [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.05082 - Predictability Crisis In Inflationary Cosmology And Its Resolution [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9905097 - Stationary Measure In The Multiverse [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/0812.0005 - The World As A Neural Network [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2008.01540 - Self-Organized Criticality In Neural Networks [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2107.03402v1 - One Hundred Authors Against Einstein [Book]: https://amazon.com/dp/B09PHH7KC8?tag=toe08-20 - Geocentric Cosmology: A New Look At The Measure Problem [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/abs/1006.4148 - Jacob Barandes [TOE]: https://youtu.be/gEK4-XtMwro - Yang-Hui He [TOE]: https://youtu.be/spIquD_mBFk - Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo - Felix Finster [TOE]: https://youtu.be/fXzO_KAqrh0 - Stephen Wolfram [TOE]: https://youtu.be/FkYer0xP37E - Stephen Wolfram 2 [TOE]: https://youtu.be/0YRlQQw0d-4 - Avshalom Elitzur [TOE]: https://youtu.be/pWRAaimQT1E - Ted Jacobson [TOE]: https://youtu.be/3mhctWlXyV8 - Geoffrey Hinton [TOE]: https://youtu.be/b_DUft-BdIE - Wayne Myrvold [TOE]: https://youtu.be/HIoviZe14pY - Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw - Claudia De Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Ve_Mpd6dGv8 - Lee Smolin [TOE]: https://youtu.be/uOKOodQXjhc - Consciousness Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/65yjqIDghEk - Matthew Segall [TOE]: https://youtu.be/DeTm4fSXpbM - Andres Emilsson [TOE]: https://youtu.be/BBP8WZpYp0Y - Will Hahn [TOE]: https://youtu.be/3fkg0uTA3qU - David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM - Karl Friston [TOE]: https://youtu.be/uk4NZorRjCo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is This Just Bad?
320: Snow

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 77:22 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss Sesame Street, snow (STILL), and the Odyssey. 

Sadhguru's Podcast
#1442 - Consciousness & the Nature of Reality

Sadhguru's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 86:03


On 11 October 2025, Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet hosted Cosmologist and Co-founder of WholeWorld-View, Dr. Jude Currivan, and Sadhguru, as they engaged in a captivating conversation, exploring consciousness and the deepest mysteries of creation. The event was part of the two-day "Consciousness: Science, Spirituality & Global Impact" conference featuring renowned scientists, business leaders, academics, and philanthropists in insightful discussions with Sadhguru, toward the common goal of enhancing human wellbeing and crafting a Conscious Planet. Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies.  Conscious Planet: ⁠https://www.consciousplanet.org⁠ Sadhguru App (Download): ⁠https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app⁠ Official Sadhguru Website: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org⁠ Sadhguru Exclusive: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive⁠ Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Enyart Live
Cosmology, Covenants & Cancer

Bob Enyart Live

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026


* Daniel's Diet: This week Fred Williams and Doug McBurney start with an examination of Daniel's dietary test in Babylon, eating "pulse" ( see Webster's last entry here)  and whether or not it points to a vegetarian diet being superior, or a miracle that informs us about God's Mosaic covenant with Israel.   * Dark Cosmology: Otherwise known as "evolutionary cosmology", (no matter how the evolutionists deny it) gets some scrutiny: first from Sabine Hossenfelder on YouTube, then from us! Right here! asking if everything modern cosmology asserts about "Dark Matter" is highly implausible!     * Definitions Matter: Cosmologists study the universe as a whole, and astronomists study objects in space, (and astrologists are often as accurate as either). And all are inherently "low confidence" science based on our application of the "Rob Stadler Scientific Confidence Scale."   * Cosmology Statement: Check out all the real scientists who publicly object to the modern, secular cosmological "Big Bang" model, especially for its reliance on numerous hypothetical, unobserved entities like inflation, dark matter & dark energy.   * Immunologic Evasion: Check out a recent discovery by researchers that retinoic acid, (a byproduct of vitamin A), can inhibit certain immune responses, the discovery of which is helping mankind better understand immune response in cancer treatment!   * Sponsor a Show! Go to our store, buy some biblically oriented science material and sponsor a show!

Real Science Radio
Cosmology, Covenants & Cancer

Real Science Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026


* Daniel's Diet: This week Fred Williams and Doug McBurney start with an examination of Daniel's dietary test in Babylon, eating "pulse" ( see Webster's last entry here)  and whether or not it points to a vegetarian diet being superior, or a miracle that informs us about God's Mosaic covenant with Israel.   * Dark Cosmology: Otherwise known as "evolutionary cosmology", (no matter how the evolutionists deny it) gets some scrutiny: first from Sabine Hossenfelder on YouTube, then from us! Right here! asking if everything modern cosmology asserts about "Dark Matter" is highly implausible!     * Definitions Matter: Cosmologists study the universe as a whole, and astronomists study objects in space, (and astrologists are often as accurate as either). And all are inherently "low confidence" science based on our application of the "Rob Stadler Scientific Confidence Scale."   * Cosmology Statement: Check out all the real scientists who publicly object to the modern, secular cosmological "Big Bang" model, especially for its reliance on numerous hypothetical, unobserved entities like inflation, dark matter & dark energy.   * Immunologic Evasion: Check out a recent discovery by researchers that retinoic acid, (a byproduct of vitamin A), can inhibit certain immune responses, the discovery of which is helping mankind better understand immune response in cancer treatment!   * Sponsor a Show! Go to our store, buy some biblically oriented science material and sponsor a show!

The Sadhguru Podcast - Of Mystics and Mistakes
#1442 - Consciousness & the Nature of Reality

The Sadhguru Podcast - Of Mystics and Mistakes

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 86:03


On 11 October 2025, Sadhguru Center for a Conscious Planet hosted Cosmologist and Co-founder of WholeWorld-View, Dr. Jude Currivan, and Sadhguru, as they engaged in a captivating conversation, exploring consciousness and the deepest mysteries of creation. The event was part of the two-day "Consciousness: Science, Spirituality & Global Impact" conference featuring renowned scientists, business leaders, academics, and philanthropists in insightful discussions with Sadhguru, toward the common goal of enhancing human wellbeing and crafting a Conscious Planet. Set the context for a joyful, exuberant day with a short, powerful message from Sadhguru. Explore a range of subjects with Sadhguru, discover how every aspect of life can be a stepping stone, and learn to make the most of the potential that a human being embodies.  Conscious Planet: ⁠https://www.consciousplanet.org⁠ Sadhguru App (Download): ⁠https://onelink.to/sadhguru__app⁠ Official Sadhguru Website: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org⁠ Sadhguru Exclusive: ⁠https://isha.sadhguru.org/in/en/sadhguru-exclusive⁠ Inner Engineering Link: isha.co/ieo-podcast Yogi, mystic and visionary, Sadhguru is a spiritual master with a difference. An arresting blend of profundity and pragmatism, his life and work serves as a reminder that yoga is a contemporary science, vitally relevant to our times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is This Just Bad?
318: Leather

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 69:40 Transcription Available


The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep321: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: GUEST DINESH NANDAL. The James Webb Telescope and the Mystery of "Little Red Dots". Cosmologist Dinesh Nandal explains the James Webb telescope's discovery of "little red dots" dating back over 13 bi

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 2:33


PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: GUEST DINESH NANDAL. The James Webb Telescope and the Mystery of "Little Red Dots". Cosmologist Dinesh Nandal explains the James Webb telescope's discovery of "little red dots" dating back over 13 billion years. These dots represent the first stars and galaxies of the early universe, which are far larger than previously imagined, offering new insights into the origins of the cosmos.

Is This Just Bad?
317: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 87:57 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, TTRPGs, and leather. 

Is This Just Bad?
316: Harbs Out, Gnards Out

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 95:09 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist do a Ravens post-mortem and talk Heated Rivalry.  

Is This Just Bad?
315: You Go Out On Your Back

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 65:01 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss the New Year and John Cena's final match. 

Is This Just Bad?
314: Wake Up Dead Man

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 70:54 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss Rian Johnson's "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." 

Is This Just Bad?
313: Do You Eat the Big Chocolate Snowman?

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 52:16 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss Christmas candy and food. 

Is This Just Bad?
312: The Xenomorph Queen is a Disney Princess

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 49:24 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss the Netflix-WB merger and the BOYS. 

Is This Just Bad?
311: The Organizational Dropbox

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 76:12 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss hyper-local politics and being volunteer board members. 

Is This Just Bad?
310: AI Chatbot Chat

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 59:19 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy talk about AI essays, infrastructure, and art (?). 

Is This Just Bad?
309: Frankenstein Redux

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 91:14 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss the reactions to Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein since its release on Netflix. They also discuss Peacemaker, Gen V, and the new slate of television that seems like the beginning of a second wave of prestige TV. 

Is This Just Bad?
308: Zohran

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 95:35 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy have a wide-ranging discussion on Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory. 

Is This Just Bad?
307: Sesame Street

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 84:05 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse and the Cosmologist discuss Sesame Street and consuming children's media as an adult. Munchie references galore. 

FQXi Podcast
Poltergeist and Primordial Black Holes: Cosmologist Bernard Carr on Physics and the Paranormal

FQXi Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 69:00


Is This Just Bad?
306: Monsterfest, FrankenDIE - Frankenstein (2025)

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 95:05 Transcription Available


In this terrifying episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy cap off Monstoberfest with a discussion of Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein. 

Is This Just Bad?
305: Monsterfest, FrankenDIE - Thus, It Is Just Mad, Pt. 2 (of 2)

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 98:08 Transcription Available


In this terrifying episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, Teddy, and Prince B resolve their adventure in Victor Frankenstein's manor. 

Is This Just Bad?
304: Monsterfest, FrankenDIE - Thus, It Is Just Mad, Pt. 1 (of 2)

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 68:59 Transcription Available


In this terrifying episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, Teddy, and Prince B enter the world of Call of Cthullu to answer a mysterious invitation to a spooky manor. 

Is This Just Bad?
303: Monstoberfest, FrankenDIE - Lisa Frankenstein

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 74:17 Transcription Available


In this horrific episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as well as Lisa Frankenstein, a movie that has very little to do with that book. 

Is This Just Bad?
302: Monstoberfest, FrankenDIE - Monster Cereal Lore (w/ Id Lee)

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 68:53 Transcription Available


In this spooky episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy are joined by cereal mascot expert Id Lee to dive into the lore of the monster cereal universe. 

Is This Just Bad?
301: Monster Cereals

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 47:10 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy discuss the theme for Monstoberfest and talk about monster cereals. 

Is This Just Bad?
300: The 300th Episode

Is This Just Bad?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 62:00 Transcription Available


In this episode, Professor Mouse, the Cosmologist, and Teddy celebrate their 300th episode and play some games to test how well they know their own show. 

Into the Impossible
Are We Wrong About the Big Bang? Niayesh Afshordi

Into the Impossible

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 79:35


Get Dr. Brian Keating's NEW Book for Only 0.99! This week only: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN8DH6SX?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100 For over a century, cosmologists have believed that the universe began a single fiery moment. The Big Bang. But what if that story is incomplete? Or what if it's even wrong? My guest today, Professor Niayesh Afshordi, is a professor of astrophysics at the Perimeter Institute and the University of Waterloo. He and his colleague Bill Halpern argue that the real battle in science is over the mysteries of singularities, those points where our equations collapse and space, time and physics itself seem to break down. In a new book, Battle of the Big Bang, they take us inside the fight to understand whether the Big Bang was truly the beginning of it all, or whether it was just one chapter in a far stranger cosmic saga. KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00:00 – Cosmologists no longer see the Big Bang as the beginning of time 00:11:01 – Singularity vs the later hot Big Bang phases like nucleosynthesis 00:12:13 – Survey of physicists shows “Big Bang” is understood differently 00:15:37 – Hawking and singularities 00:23:12 – Black hole information paradox remains unresolved after 50 years 00:30:26 – Religion remains a social tool 00:35:56 – The Simons Observatory was created to probe primordial gravitational waves in the CMB 00:39:50 – Scientific careers are constrained by funding and “hot topics” in research 00:41:17 – Science advances by tying ideas to observation, not just social structures 00:42:07 – Disagreement with Carlo Rovelli 00:44:54 – Competing quantum gravity models are ideas, not fully testable theories yet 00:46:14 – String theory, loop quantum gravity, and holography lack experimental evidence 00:47:55 – Cancellation of CMB Stage-4 highlights limits of experimental cosmology 00:49:14 – Afshordi views himself closer to an observer than a pure theorist 00:54:51 – Scientific progress benefits from bridging between communities 00:57:47 – Repulsive gravity in inflation avoids singularities but leaves open loopholes 01:01:00 – Singularity theorems can break down with quantum gravity or altered dimensions 01:03:05 – Our universe was born inside a black hole 01:06:16 – Future probes might let us see further back than the CMB 01:10:56 – Einstein unknowingly started the quest for quantum gravity - Additional resources: Get Niayesh Afshordi's book: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Big-Bang-Cosmic-Origins/dp/0226830470 Get Dr. Brian Keating's NEW Book for Only 0.99! This week only: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN8DH6SX?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100 Please join my mailing list here

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
310 | Marc Kamionkowski on Dark Energy and Cosmic Anomalies

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 86:14


Cosmologists were, let us be honest, pretty stunned in 1998 when observations revealed that the universe is accelerating. There was an obvious plausible explanation, the cosmological constant proposed by Einstein, which is equivalent to a constant vacuum energy pervading space. But the cosmological constant was known to be enormously smaller than its "natural" value, and it seems fine-tuned for it to be so small but not yet zero. Once burned, twice shy, and since then we have been looking for evidence that the dark energy might not be strictly constant, even though that's even more fine-tuned. We talk to cosmologist Marc Kamionkowski about recent evidence that dark energy might be changing with time, and what this might have to do with the Hubble tension and other cosmic anomalies.Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2025/03/31/310-marc-kamionkowski-on-dark-energy-and-cosmic-anomalies/Support Mindscape on Patreon.Marc Kamionkowski received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago. He is currently the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. Among his prizes are the Gruber Cosmology Prize, the Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics, membership in the National Academy of Science, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.Johns Hopkins web pageGoogle Scholar publicationsWikipediaKamionkowski and Riess, "The Hubble Tension and Early Dark Energy"Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument paper and followupDark Energy Survey paperSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.