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.
The Astrophysicist Who Loves the Things We Cannot Know
A conversation with “rational mystic,” physicist Marcelo Gleiser.
The Uncanny Sight of Waves Breaking on a Star
Something remarkable happens when this small sun zooms past its larger companion.
Scientists Watch Broken Metal Heal Itself
Time to rewrite our understanding of structural engineering.
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.
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.
Probing the Mysteries of Neutron Stars With a Surprising Earthly Analog
Ultracold gases in the lab could help scientists better understand the universe.
5 Amazing New Discoveries About Light
Invisible cloaks. Ghost imaging. Scientists are manipulating light in ways that were once only science fiction.
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.
Why Materialists Don’t Have to Be Atheists
Physicist Alan Lightman on evolution and atheism, creativity and spirituality.











