How Will the Universe End? | Space Time
Summary
This episode explores the universe's ultimate fate, tracing its decay from the death of the last stars through the degenerate age and galaxy dissolution. It examines the critical role of proton decay in determining whether matter persists or collapses into black holes, which eventually evaporate via Hawking radiation. The discussion also covers alternative scenarios like quantum tunneling and the Big Rip, concluding with a Q&A segment on electron physics and the scientific method.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: SAP Concur and Subaru
Introduction: The Age of Stars Ending
The Long Dark and Heat Death Overview
Recap: Death of Stars and Isolation
The Degenerate Age and Planetary Disruption
Sponsors: Subaru and SAP Concur
Sponsor: Sephora
Galactic Dissolution and Proton Decay Question
Proton Decay Timelines and Consequences
The Black Hole Era and Hawking Radiation
Dark Matter Fate and Final Evaporation
Scenario: If Protons Do Not Decay
Sponsors: Subaru, SAP Concur, and Sephora
Quantum Tunneling and Iron Stars
Neutron Stars and Planck Mass Black Holes
Ultimate Heat Death and Alternative Endings
Sponsors: Wix and Alas, Lewis and Barnes
Q&A: Electron G-Factor and QED
Q&A: Electron Size and Wave Functions
Q&A: Theory Validation and Lehman College
Sponsors: LinkedIn and McDonald's
Sponsor: Kuvasier Cognac
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