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Physics

The Overlooked Experiment That Revealed the Quantum World

A century ago, the Stern-Gerlach experiment established the truth of quantum mechanics. Now it could build a bridge between the two pillars of modern physics.

January 4, 2024

The Astrophysicist Who Loves the Things We Cannot Know

A conversation with “rational mystic,” physicist Marcelo Gleiser.

November 8, 2023

The Uncanny Sight of Waves Breaking on a Star

Something remarkable happens when this small sun zooms past its larger companion.

August 17, 2023

Scientists Watch Broken Metal Heal Itself

Time to rewrite our understanding of structural engineering.

July 27, 2023

Have We Gotten Dark Matter All Wrong?

Physicists have yet to pinpoint the hypothetical matter that keeps galaxies from flying apart. Now they have a new focus.

July 25, 2023

Venmo, Meet Quantum Mechanics

A better way to secure digital payments.

July 25, 2023

The Day Oppenheimer Feared He Might Blow Up the World

The story behind the scare that an atomic bomb would ignite the atmosphere into a fireball.

July 21, 2023

Probing the Mysteries of Neutron Stars With a Surprising Earthly Analog

Ultracold gases in the lab could help scientists better understand the universe.

July 14, 2023

5 Amazing New Discoveries About Light

Invisible cloaks. Ghost imaging. Scientists are manipulating light in ways that were once only science fiction.

July 11, 2023

A New Experiment Casts Doubt on the Leading Theory of the Nucleus

By measuring inflated helium nuclei, physicists have challenged our best understanding of the force that binds protons and neutrons.

July 5, 2023

Winning By a Hair

For cyclists, it’s a drag when you don’t shave your legs.

June 30, 2023

Why Materialists Don’t Have to Be Atheists

Physicist Alan Lightman on evolution and atheism, creativity and spirituality.

June 23, 2023