PBS Space Time
Science & Ideas
About
Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth with our astrophysicist host: Matthew O’Dowd. For all business inquiries and sponsorship opportunities please reach out to: pbsspacetime@lighthouseagents.com Matt O'Dowd spends his time studying the universe, especially really far-away things like quasars, super-massive black holes, and evolving galaxies. He uses telescopes in space to do it. Matt completed his Ph.D. at NASA's Space Telescope Science Institute, followed by work at the University of Melbourne and Columbia University. He's now a professor at the City University of New York's Lehman College and an Associate at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. Previous host Gabe Perez-Giz is an astrophysicist who studies black hole physics. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and also hosted PBS Infinite Series.
Episodes
- How Supernovas Act as Universe’s Largest Particle Accelerators
This episode of PBS Space Time explains how supernovas function as the universe's largest particle accelerators, creating cosmic rays with energies comparable to those generated shortly after the Big Bang. The program explores the origins…
- Is Our Model of Dark Energy WRONG? | New 4.2σ Results
This episode discusses the latest cosmological findings regarding dark energy, focusing on new results that suggest current models may be incorrect. It examines the evidence and what it will take to confirm these findings.
- Do Neutron Stars Shine In Dark Matter?
This episode of PBS Space Time examines new research indicating that neutron stars might produce axions, which are considered a potential dark matter candidate. The discussion focuses on the concept of neutron stars acting as "dark matter…
- Do Black Holes Have to Be Black?
PBS Space Time explores if black holes must be black, considering if they can possess quantum chromodynamic charge. The episode discusses new perspectives on the nature of black holes.
- The Crisis In Physics: Are We Missing 17 Layers of Reality?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores reductionism in physics, delving into the idea that big things are made of smaller things. It considers a potential crisis if this principle fails before reaching the smallest layer of reality.
- What Happens To Quantum Information Inside A Black Hole?
This episode explores the fate of quantum information within a black hole and its relationship to quantum entanglement and the fundamental structure of spacetime, featuring an abstract experiment by theoretical physicists Alice and Bob.
- What’s Your Brain’s Role in Creating Space & Time?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the role of the brain in understanding space and time, questioning whether these are objective realities or human constructs. It delves into how physics and our minds interpret the structure of the w…
- How Can Humanity Become a Kardashev Type 1 Civilization?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the concept of a Kardashev Type 1 Civilization, focusing on humanity's potential to master all available planetary resources. It discusses the feasibility and steps required for such technological ad…
- Are The Fundamental Constants Finely Tuned? | The Naturalness Problem
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the naturalness problem, pondering whether the universe's fundamental constants are finely tuned or if the universe could have had different laws of physics. The episode explores if this universe is…
- What If There's A Black Hole Inside The Sun? | Hawking Stars
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the theoretical concept of a black hole existing within the Sun, often referred to as a Hawking Star. It explores the scientific implications and the unlikelihood of such a phenomenon occurring in o…
- Does Axionic Dark Matter Bind Galaxies Together?
This episode explores axionic dark matter as a potential explanation for how galaxies are held together and the presence of dark matter in the universe. It discusses how quantum mechanics could manifest on a galactic scale through this the…
- Could LIGO Find MASSIVE Alien Spaceships?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses how the LIGO experiment, designed to detect gravitational waves, has revealed unexpected cosmic phenomena like colliding black holes and neutron stars. The hosts also speculate on the possibility of…
- What if Singularities DO NOT Exist?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the theory that black hole singularities might not exist, challenging long-held ideas in physics. This idea is based on a recent paper by Roy Kerr.
- What If Space is NOT Empty?
Physicists theorize that spacetime at its smallest scales is filled with black holes and wormholes. This episode explores the reasons behind this theory despite the lack of direct evidence.
- Can Space Time Remember?
This episode discusses how powerful cosmic events can leave permanent marks on the fabric of the universe. It explores gravitational waves from black holes and another type of wave that creates a lasting memory in spacetime.
- Why Is All DNA Right Handed?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the mysterious asymmetry of DNA, where molecules only use one side of what should be mirrored pairs. It discusses the idea that DNA's twist may originate from the fundamental handedness of reality it…
- How Will We (Most Likely) Discover Alien Life?
This episode explores the likelihood of discovering alien life, focusing on observations of distant planets rather than direct contact. It discusses the faint changes in alien sunsets and the small chance it could indicate alien presence.
- Why The Multiverse Could Be Real
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the scientific concept of the multiverse. It discusses how the multiverse arises from various physics theories and addresses the debate about whether it is a valid scientific idea or unfalsifiable sp…
- The NEW Ultimate Energy Limit of the Universe
This episode discusses the ultimate energy limit of the universe, and how the James Webb Space Telescope has made discoveries that challenge existing theories and provide new insights into gigantic black holes in the early universe.
- What If Gravity is NOT A Fundamental Force? | Entropic Gravity
This episode of PBS Space Time explores entropic gravity, a theory suggesting that gravity is an emergent effect of the universe's tendency towards disorder, rather than a fundamental force. It delves into the implications of this idea and…
- What If Black Holes ARE Dark Energy?
This episode of PBS Space Time investigates the hypothesis that black holes and dark energy might be connected. It delves into recent discussions and the potential scientific validity of this idea.
- Is There Evidence For a Vast Multiverse?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the concept of a vast multiverse and examines potential evidence for its existence. It discusses Steven Weinberg's "Anthropic Bound on the Cosmological Constant" and its implications for understandin…
- What Does An Electron ACTUALLY Look Like?
This episode of PBS Space Time investigates what an electron actually looks like. It explores whether an electron is a sizeless speck, a multidimensional vortex, or the boundary of a tiny universe.
- The Most Important Satellite You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses an important satellite that monitors Earth's biosphere. It covers the satellite's existential and economic importance, and the dangers it faces.
- What NEW SCIENCE Would We Discover with a Moon Telescope?
Astronomers discuss the potential for new scientific discoveries with a moon telescope, specifically a giant radio telescope on the far side of the Moon. This telescope could detect faint radio signals from the time before stars.
- Are Room Temperature Superconductors IMPOSSIBLE?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the concept of superconductivity, its current limitations due to the need for extremely low temperatures, and the potential impact of achieving superconductivity at room temperature. It explores how…
- Does Infinity - Infinity = an Electron?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the concept of infinity minus infinity and its potential link to the existence of a single electron within the framework of quantum mechanics. It explores how this mathematical idea aligns with the…
- What If The Speed of Light is NOT CONSTANT?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the fundamental physics concept of the constant speed of light. It delves into variable speed of light theories and their potential to explain phenomena like dark energy and gravity.
- At What Point Does Spacetime Become Quantum?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the question of when spacetime becomes quantum. It delves into the challenges of observing the quantum nature of gravity and discusses theoretical approaches to address this. The episode examines how…
- Is It IMPOSSIBLE To Cross The Event Horizon? | Black Hole Firewall Paradox
This episode explores the Black Hole Firewall Paradox, discussing whether it is impossible to cross an event horizon. It examines different theories proposed by physicists regarding the nature of black holes and fundamental physics.
- Is 'Perpetual Motion' Possible with Superfluids?
This episode of PBS Space Time investigates whether 'perpetual motion' is possible through the lens of superfluids and Bose-Einstein Condensates. It delves into how large-scale quantum phenomena manifest in these unique states of matter.
- Can We Create New Elements Beyond the Periodic Table?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the potential for extending the periodic table beyond its current limits. It discusses the instability of superheavy elements and how cosmic phenomena might contribute to the formation of new element…
- How To Detect Faster Than Light Travel
This episode discusses whether warp drives are possible and if distant alien civilizations could produce detectable gravitational waves from their warp fields. It explores what to look for and how to detect these phenomena based on a recen…
- EMP Attack: The Real Science of Electromagnetic Pulse
This episode of PBS Space Time examines the real science behind electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). It discusses how EMPs are generated, including through space nukes, and assesses their potential dangers.
- How Much Of The Universe Can Humanity Ever See?
This episode of PBS Space Time explores the absolute limit of humanity's future view of the universe and its ability to influence us. It distinguishes between what we can explore and what we can witness in the cosmos.
- What If Gravity is NOT Quantum?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the ongoing quest for a quantum theory of gravity. It examines the difficulties faced by physicists and questions whether a different approach to understanding gravity is needed.
- Interstellar Expansion WITHOUT Faster Than Light Travel
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the feasibility of interstellar expansion without faster-than-light travel. It explores the idea of generation ships as a potential method for humanity to journey to other stars.
- How Many Black Holes Are In The Solar System?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the ongoing mystery of dark matter. It explores a potential experiment involving a ray of light, a good clock, and the planet Mars that could help reveal its nature.
- What If Gravity Isn’t Quantum? New Experiments Explore
This episode of PBS Space Time explores new experiments in quantum gravity. It discusses ideas for connecting quantum mechanics with general relativity that can be conducted in a lab instead of requiring large-scale colliders.
- Why Life on Mars Will DOOM Humanity
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses recent findings that suggest the possibility of life beyond Earth. It explores the implications of such a discovery for understanding life universally and for the future of humanity. The host, Matt…
- Why Time Flows Differently Between Galaxies
This episode discusses the expansion of the universe, the role of dark energy, and potential alternative cosmological theories. It examines how these factors might influence the flow of time between galaxies.
- How Eclipses Revealed Our Solar System
This episode of PBS Space Time explores how solar eclipses and similar astronomical phenomena have been instrumental in revealing the workings of our solar system. It discusses how these events have contributed to our understanding of real…
- Was the Gravitational Wave Background Finally Discovered?!?
PBS Space Time discusses the recent announcement of the moderate confidence detection of pervasive ripples in the fabric of space-time, which is likely the gravitational wave background. The detection was made using a pulsar timing array b…
- Are Many Worlds & Pilot Wave THE SAME Theory?
This episode of PBS Space Time examines the interpretations of quantum mechanics, specifically comparing the Many Worlds and Pilot Wave theories and discussing arguments that they may be equivalent.
- We Were WRONG About the Quantum Eraser! ft. @LookingGlassUniverse
PBS Space Time revisits the quantum eraser experiment with a focus on whether the future can retroactively influence the past. The episode aims to clarify the concepts with physicist input.
- The Crisis in Physics: Why the Higgs Boson Should NOT Exist!
According to quantum physics, the universe should have collapsed instantly after the Big Bang. Recent observations indicate this did not happen, and experiments have yet to explain why the Higgs boson is light enough to allow the universe…
- Can We Move THE SUN?
This episode of PBS Space Time discusses the theoretical possibility of relocating our entire solar system by moving the Sun itself, exploring the challenges and potential of such an interstellar journey.
- Why Antimatter Engines Could Launch In Your Lifetime
Antimatter drives, once confined to science fiction, might become a reality sooner than expected, with potential launches within the current generation. This episode explores the feasibility of such technology.
- The Final Barrier to (Nearly) Infinite Energy
The PBS Space Time episode "The Final Barrier to (Nearly) Infinite Energy" explores the progress in fusion energy, noting that many technological challenges have been solved. It highlights that the primary remaining difficulty lies in deve…
- The Gravity Particle Should Exist. So Where Is It?
PBS Space Time explores the concept of the graviton, the theoretical quantum particle of gravity, and discusses its significance in the quest to unify the fundamental theories of physics.