FirstPrinciples

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the universe’s oldest light, a remnant from when the cosmos first became transparent nearly 400,000 years after the Big Bang. Though faint, this 14-billion-year-old glow carries clues about the early universe, including the origins of galaxies, stars, and planets. Small variations in the CMB reflect density differences in the primordial plasma, magnified over time by gravity into the vast cosmic structures we see today. Modern observations of the CMB also connect us to the inflationary period, when the universe expanded rapidly in its first fraction of a second. What do you find most fascinating about the CMB and its insights into the universe? Let’s discuss! https://lnkd.in/e9f4Bjvi #BigBang #Cosmology #Science

Let’s take a look #InsidetheExperiment: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, buried deep in Antarctic ice, is a marvel of science and engineering. Using 5,160 sensors spread across a cubic kilometer of ice, IceCube detects neutrinos—elusive particles that travel through space unimpeded by matter or magnetic fields. By tracking the faint flashes of Cherenkov light produced when neutrinos interact with ice, IceCube provides insights into cosmic events, including supernovas and active galactic nuclei. It’s a key to understanding the most energetic processes in the universe. #Neutrinos #Astrophysics #IceCube Image Credit: Felipe Pedreros, IceCube/NSF

What if Santa’s seemingly impossible overnight delivery of gifts is less about magic and more about quantum physics? Allow us to introduce the Quantum Santa Paradox. If Santa were to harness the concept of quantum superposition—where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously—he could theoretically visit all homes at once. Of course, practical limitations like decoherence would complicate things, but the idea sparks curiosity about how the principles of quantum mechanics could scale to real-world (or mythical!) scenarios. Whether you’re exploring holiday fun or diving into the mysteries of the quantum world, this thought experiment reminds us how science can illuminate even the most fantastical questions. #QuantumSanta #HappyHolidays #Curiosity

Paul Steinhardt is drawn to ideas that others consider “impossible.” Whether exploring exotic materials or questioning our understanding of the universe’s origins, his work often challenges conventional thinking. In the 1980s, Steinhardt co-predicted quasicrystals, structures that defy traditional periodic patterns. At the time, the idea that nature could produce such materials seemed implausible, yet Steinhardt was undeterred. Decades later, he traced a rare meteorite that held the evidence. Steinhardt is also challenging prevailing wisdom in cosmology, suggesting the universe might undergo endless cycles of contraction and expansion—an alternative to the traditional Big Bang theory. His refined approach offers a new way to explain how the universe becomes smooth and flat, avoiding some of the pitfalls of other models. Steinhardt’s work reflects a commitment to pursuing bold, unconventional questions. https://lnkd.in/e3-x78nt #Physics #Cosmology #Innovation

Ever feel like your busy workday flies by, while time drags for others? In physics, time actually passes differently depending on where you are, according to Einstein’s general relativity. At sea level, gravity is stronger, so time moves slightly slower compared to the top of a mountain, where gravity is weaker. This phenomenon, called gravitational time dilation, proves that even the ticking of a clock isn’t universal. It’s a reminder that our perceptions—and even time itself—can change depending on the “gravity” of the situation. How does the science of time resonate with your busy schedule? #Relativity #Perspective

#OnThisDay, December 14, 1900, Max Planck changed the course of physics. His study on blackbody radiation introduced quantum theory, demonstrating that energy can act like particles, or “quanta,” under certain conditions. This idea not only resolved long-standing mysteries about heat and light absorption, but also became the cornerstone of modern quantum mechanics. Planck’s work earned him the 1918 Nobel Prize in Physics and continues to influence science today. How do you think quantum theory has impacted science and technology as we know it? Let’s discuss its significance! #QuantumPhysics #ScienceHistory Image Credit: Ullstein Bilderdienst, courtesy of AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives

David Bohm once said, “In some sense, man is a microcosm of the universe; therefore, what man is, is a clue to the universe.” This quote reflects Bohm’s view that our nature is inseparable from the fabric of the cosmos. His work invites us to explore the profound connections between ourselves and the universe—a perspective that blends physics with philosophy. How do you interpret the idea of humanity as a microcosm of the cosmos? Let’s discuss. 🌌 #DavidBohm #Physics #Quotes

MIT researchers have shown it’s possible to create non-Abelian anyons—exotic particles that can “remember” their paths—using 2D materials without a magnetic field. This could pave the way for more robust qubits and powerful quantum computers. It also builds on 2023 findings in electron fractionalization. Could moiré materials, often compared to “atomic Lego,” hold the key to unlocking entirely new quantum states? What excites you most about the potential of these advancements in quantum computing and materials science? Let’s discuss! https://lnkd.in/eJDqNRst

Werner Heisenberg once said, “What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.” This insight from quantum mechanics underscores a profound truth: our observations can shape reality. It’s a humbling reminder that objectivity has limits, even in science. How does this resonate with your perspective on observation and reality? #reality #objectivity #science

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) is celebrating its 60th anniversary — a legacy of uniting scientists across borders and advancing global knowledge. Founded in 1964 by Nobel laureate Abdus Salam, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) has hosted 22 Fields Medalists, 108 Nobel laureates, and approximately 6,000 visiting scientists annually from 150+ countries. It’s more than a research institute; it’s a hub for collaboration, a lifeline for scientists in the Global South, and a key player in tackling challenges like climate, energy, and equitable technology access. As Director Atish Dabholkar reflects on ICTP’s storied past, he’s nonetheless focused on the future: “The challenges we face are very different than they were when Salam founded ICTP.... But the basic mission of bringing the global community together remains the same and it’s a role we’re excited to play.” https://lnkd.in/erMYj4H7 #theoreticalphysics #ICTP