Impossible: Physics beyond the Edge

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Consider these questions:

• Can machines produce limitless energy?
• Is time travel possible?
• Can anything travel faster than light?
• Is it possible to escape from a black hole?

Each is a puzzle that requires pieces from different parts of physics to solve. And after investigating these and other questions, you begin to see how all of physics is tied together in a system that is consistent, logical, beautiful, and often very surprising.

For example, the question about whether time travel is possible leads you to a study of the nature of time and space. The paradoxes you encounter there are directly related to Einstein's concepts of space-time and the constancy of the speed of light from his Theory of Relativity. This, in turn, takes you to exotic ideas such as black holes and wormholes, which some theorists believe may be potential shortcuts through space-time.

Before you know it, a staple subject of science fiction—time travel—has taken you through many layers of investigation to reveal profound truths about the universe.

Let's get together to listen to Professor Benjamin Schumacher (Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin, working at Kenyon College) talking about this fascinating topics in 24 lectures (30 min/lecture).

Further details to be announced soon.