Ep. 46 - Cosmic Strings & The Early Universe ft. Bryce Cyr

<p>Our guest this week, <strong>Bryce Cyr</strong>, is completing his <strong>PhD</strong> in <strong>Cosmology </strong>at <strong>McGill University</strong>. He's studying the theoretical structures known as cosmic strings (unrelated to string theory, but we discuss that too). They might shed light on the nature of the early universe and the origin of dark matter!</p> <p><strong>Questions Answered</strong><br> How did the universe begin? Where did it come from and where is it going How far back can we look?<br> What's the big idea with the cosmic microwave background?<br> Why is gravity problematic?<br> What's the goal of string theory? What about cosmic strings, are they the key unification?<br> What's the big hold up on the grand unified theory of physics?<br> and many, many, <em>many </em>more!<br> <br> <strong>Topics &amp; Concepts</strong><br> The Early Universe<br> Cosmic Strings<br> Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)<br> High Energy Physics<br> A Unified Theory<br> The Fundamental Forces<br> String Theory<br> Particle Acceleration &amp; The LHC<br> The Ideal Gas Law (PV = nRT)<br> Universal Expansion<br> Ancient Light: Distortions<br> Neutrinos<br> Gravitational Waves<br> LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration<br> Black Holes &amp; Accretion<br> Good Theories, Bad Theories<br> Beauty &amp; Loneliness<br> Dark Matter, Dark Energy<br> <br> <strong>My New Audio Course on Listenable: The Secret Life of Words</strong><br> <a href="https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://listenable.io/web/courses/402/the-secret-life-of-words/</a><br> <br> <strong>30% off Listenable Membership (Referral Code: jeremyullman)</strong><br> <a href="https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&amp;s=1670905-f8024a&amp;p_affiliate.referral_code=jeremyullman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://frstre.com/go/?a=76205-87a7d9&amp;s=1670905-f8024a&amp;p_affiliate.referral_code=jeremyullman</a></p> <p><strong>Does free will exist? </strong>Maybe. Regardless, please share your cherish