[S2] Episode 14: Exploring Astronomy Through the Eyes of Physics

Welcome to the second season of the SkySimplified podcast! We will jump deeper into astronomy here and explore brand new intersections. I'm so excited to have you all back.

Join host Pranet Sharma for the first podcast episode recorded and produced in person! Meet Dr. Larry Gladney, the Yale University FAS Dean of Science and Phyllis A. Wallace Dean of Diversity and Faculty Development (as well as an accomplished experimentalist with a remarkable amount of breakthroughs to his name) to discuss the perspectives that physics has on astronomy and pursue the fundamental questions of the cosmos.

Topics include: Difficult journeys through science, the transition from astrophysics to experimentation, the advent of particle accelerators, general relativity vs. quantum mechanics, the difficulty in quantizing gravity, a conflict in predictions, our philosophical assumptions about the universe, exploring the next big thing in physics, building bigger accelerators or building bigger telescopes, how telescope technology was easier to develop than accelerator technology, the limitations and benefits of the James Webb Space Telescope, the potential of the Vera Rubin Observatory, the argument ground-based telescopes and the power of surveys, the power of citizen science and crowdsourced data analysis, quantum entanglement and string theory, how persistence and optimism for the long-term is the most important element in any successful story, and why it is so essential that we evolve along with science. 

Visit www.lssst.org to read more about the Vera Rubin Observatory—one of Dr. Gladney’s projects. For any questions about the show, visit www.skysimplified.com/contact. Thank you for listening, and as always, clear skies!

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NOTE: Due to in-person recording, audio for this episode is slightly compressed. This will be patched in the next episode.