The Vacuum Catastrophe
If vacuum energy really does have the enormous value predicted by quantum field theory then our gently expanding, geometrically flat universe shouldn’t exist. This is the vacuum catastrophe.
Zero-Point Energy Demystified
Let’s talk about the mysterious zero-point energy and what it really can, and really can’t do.
Suicide Space Robots
Let’s take a moment to remember the selfless sacrifices made by some amazing robotic explorers.
Citizen Science
The professional astronomer or astrophysicist is a pretty recent phenomenon. In the past, astronomy was often performed by nobility and extremely enthusiastic amateurs. Although it seems like the scientific exploration of our universe is now in the hands of full-time career astro-professionals, a ton of really valuable science is still done by people with proper day jobs.
Understanding the Uncertainty Principle
Sometimes intuitive, large-scale phenomena can give us incredible insights into the extremely unintuitive world of quantum mechanics.
The Origin of Our First Interstellar Visitor
We were recently visited by a traveler from outside our solar system. This is the first time we’ve ever seen an object that came to us from interstellar space. It's name is 'Oumuamua.
Extinction by Gamma-Ray Burst
Find out about the last time and the next time the Earth will be hit by a Gamma-ray Burst.
What Do Stars Sound Like?
We can now map the interiors of stars by “listening” to their harmonies as they vibrate with seismic waves.
Horizon Radiation
Learn about Horizon radiation and why it's essential for us to understand as we continue our journey towards the Unruh Effect and Hawking Radiation.
The End of the Habitable Zone
The Sun is getting brighter and the planets in our solar system that are habitable are changing.
Kronos: Devourer Of Worlds
What happens when a star eats its planets? Find out on today’s Space Time Journal Club.
What is Energy?
Energy is the most powerful and useful concept in all of physics, but what exactly is it?
Should Space be Privatized?
Will the future of space exploration be guided by public or private entities? Which is better?
Hawking Radiation
It’s the most famous prediction of perhaps the most famous genius of our time ... Stephen Hawking's theory of Hawking Radiation.
Scientists Have Detected the First Stars
What do the first stars in the universe, dark matter, and superior siege engines have in common?
The Andromeda-Milky Way Collision
The Andromeda galaxy is heading straight toward our own Milky Way. The two galaxies will inevitably collide. Will that be the very last night sky our solar system witnesses?
The Unruh Effect
Worried about black holes? Consider this: Every time you accelerate - you generate an event horizon behind you. The more you accelerate away from it the closer it gets. Don’t worry, it can never catch up to you, but the Unruh radiation it generates sure can.
The Physics of Life (ft. It's Okay to be Smart & PBS Eons!)
Our universe is prone to increasing disorder and chaos. So how did it generate the extreme complexity we see in life? Actually, the laws of physics themselves may demand it.
Supported by
