What is a Field?
Today we talk about the field, a concept fundamental to physics. We explain what it is and how it has transformed our understanding of nature.
Saving the Present
Two months ago I posted on how the theory of Special Relativity refutes the idea of a universal present moment. Today I put forward the arguments which seek to push back and restore our intuitive notion of an objective flow of time and the present.
The pension plan
Cryogenics is something that feels like the property of science fiction yet here we are, grappling with a possible pathway to the far future.
Black Holes: #1 Falling In
Ever wondered what would happen if you had the nasty fate of falling into a black hole or what you would see happen if you were at a safe distance watching your friend fall in? Well read on and find out…
A descent into chaos
Entropy is the level of disorder – but that definition can lead to some misleading ideas. Sometimes it is easier to think of it as being the tendency for things to wander over time. I hate to use this phrase, but it is a tendency towards randomness.
Strange New Worlds
Prior to 1992 not a single exoplanet was known to exist. Now, here we sit having discovered 3,537 exoplanets in 2,653 planetary systems. Today we explore these strange new worlds.
It’s a coincidence, right?
What really is a coincidence? Is there one unified way in which all of the coincidences in the universe can be understood, or are we left with an uncomfortable illusion of luck?
Where is everyone? The Fermi Paradox
This post examines the Fermi Paradox which asks the question, where is everyone in this vast universe? Why have we received no signs of extraterrestrial life when we scour the night skies?… Where are all the aliens?
What happens behind my back?
The idea of reality only existing when observed has been discussed heavily – but should the reality humans know be dependent on us logging it? We investigate what the world really looks like behind your back.
Seeing is Believing
What is the basis of human belief regarding the existence of independent objects? When it comes to the sciences the basis is usually that classic (yet often misused) word ‘proof’ … but what is it that constitutes proof in the scientific world?
Rationalising The Universe 