Summary
In this podcast episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Professor Brian Cox discuss various topics related to space and physics. They answer questions from Patreon supporters, including one about how the universe would be different if the strength of gravity were stronger or weaker. The hosts explain that if gravity were too strong, everything would collapse into black holes and if it were too weak, nothing would form at all. Additionally, they discuss the possibility of the laws of physics changing beyond our cosmic horizon and how it relates to the concept of a multiverse. They explain the idea of the inflationary multiverse, which suggests that there could be an infinite number of bubble universes, each with potentially different emergent laws.
The discussion also covers the possibility of time travel through wormholes, which are allowed geometries in Einstein's theory of general relativity. They explain that wormholes are considered shortcuts through space and time, and if they were stable enough, they could be used to build a time machine. However, most physicists believe that wormholes are inherently unstable and would collapse if someone tried to travel through them.
Furthermore, the hosts and guest discuss the relationship between time travel and the laws of nature, as well as the idea that space and time may be derivative of something much bigger. They explain the concept of quantum entanglement and its relationship to space and time, and how it may be the fundamental thing that keeps space together. They also answer a listener's question about the location of Earth and the Milky Way in relation to the edge of the observable universe, and how we know the universe is expanding.
Finally, the conversation touches on fundamental physics and the relationship between space and time. They discuss the limitations of electron microscopes and the relationship between energy and wavelength, which limits the ability to probe smaller and smaller distances. The hosts and guest provide interesting insights into the possibilities of the universe beyond what we can observe, although the discussion is theoretical and speculative. Overall, this podcast episode provides an engaging and informative look into the mysteries of the cosmos.
