Brian Cox on how black holes could unlock the mysteries of our universe
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Published 2023-10-27
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Brian Cox explains the significance of black holes in the quest for a quantum theory of gravity and a deeper understanding of space and time. According to Cox, black holes are intriguing because they challenge the compatibility of quantum theory and general relativity, creating a fundamental clash in our understanding of nature. Unifying these two pillars of physics is a major goal for theoretical physicists, and black holes are crucial in this pursuit.
He also delves into the characteristics of black holes, describing the event horizon as a boundary between the external universe and the interior of the black hole.
In conclusion, he says, black holes play a pivotal role in our understanding of the universe, pushing scientists to explore the nature of space, time, and the fundamental laws of physics. They offer a glimpse into something deeply hidden, potentially leading to a profound shift in our comprehension of reality.
Read the video transcript ► bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/black-…
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About Brian Cox:
Brian Cox obtained a first class honors degree in physics from the University of Manchester in 1995 and in 1998 a Ph.D. in High Energy Particle Physics at the DESY laboratory in Hamburg. He is now Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Brian is widely recognized as the foremost communicator for all things scientific, having presented a number of highly acclaimed science programs for the BBC watched by billions internationally including ‘Adventures in Space and Time’ (2021), ‘Universe’ (2021), ‘The Planets’ (2018), ‘Forces of Nature’ (2016), ‘Human Universe’ (2014), ‘Wonders of Life’ (2012), ‘Wonders of the Universe’ (2011) and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ (2010).
As an author, Brian has also sold over a million books worldwide including ‘Black Holes’, ‘Universal: A Guide to the Cosmos’, ‘Quantum Universe’ and ‘Why Does E=mc2?’ with co-author Professor Jeffrey Forshaw. He has set several world records for his sell-out live tours, including his most recent tour Horizons which has taken in venues across the globe.
All Comments (21)
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Please have Brian Cox on more often.
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Brian Cox is probably one of the best at explaining complex things so that we can all be part of those discoveries and be part of that fantastic astronomy journey.
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Brian has a gift of assembling the right words together when he talks about physics. He helps you think the way a physicist does in simple terms. Not many scientists have this talent because their minds think so quickly, they can't put the words together that make any sense to us. I think the ah-ha moment when one begins to understand what Brian is talking about is what so many young want-to-be scientists are looking for. He provides that one, thought-provoking spark that you find yourself thinking all day about. He will inspire many of our youth to be scientists and they will continue to unlock the secrets of the universe for all of us.
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“Information is conserved by the universe” this is such a nice way to think of those who have left us, and those who we’ve lost. No one is ever really gone.
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Brian Cox is undoubtedly the best communicator of science to the "common" person. His ability to take such complex topics and make them accessible to non specialists is amazing.
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I've always found Black Holes fascinating, but I've never connected them with that line, "End of Time." It's very poetic.
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I love that no matter how mind boggling the universe is, scientists treat it like any other puzzle and are grinding it out. Instead of being blown away, they keep digging and using math/science to figure it out like any detective not affected by the tragedy of a brutal crime but figuring out how it happened getting the full explanation of events, motive etc.
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I could listen to Brian Cox all day, what a storyteller he is and he’s describing complicated and complex subjects so well.
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This is the best explanation of black holes I have ever heard. I believe Brian Cox is able to explain so well because he really understands the concept. Reminded me of Feynman. Great editing.
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Every single video or TV show that Brian Cox is a part of, is just simply mesmerising. Explains things in such amazing and beautiful detail, it's not something that anyone could ever get bored of.
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I never thought that Keanu Reeves knows so much about our universe.
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To be honest I dont know anything about what he says but he's calming nature when he talks makes me understand. I would listen to him the whole day.
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It's almost magical that we can see such quality content for free.
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One of my favorite people to listen to. Physicist & rock star Brian Cox
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I won’t pretend to understand much of what he is saying, but I could listen to him all day.
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He explained everything so simply.. then he said "The simple way to say it.." This guy is amazing.
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I love how gentle and soft spoken he is. Plus i tend to comprehend what he says much better than other scientific speakers.
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Brian Cox speaking without interruptions is a sermon... salute from Egypt.
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Did he say he has a new book out? God I hope so because he'll be doing the rounds promoting it and I haven't seen him for a while. Even just 10 mins with Brian Cox is such a joy and fascinating without compare. He's just fabulous at explaining it and bringing it to life for everyone. Thank you for the vid
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The escape velocity explanation just increased my understanding of the topic about 20-40%. And I have a B.S. in Physics and have been reading and learning about cosmology for a few decades. This alone makes the time spent watching worth more than I can tally.
