Smash Notes
Are We Alone in the Universe?

Science Rules! with Bill Nye

Are We Alone in the Universe?

To understand our role in the universe, we have to explore the cosmos. Astrophysicist and author Dr. Janna Levin guides us in exploring the origins of the cosmos, black holes, string theory, and more! Plus, Dr. Levin answers question from Hailey, who asks how we can measure a constantly-expanding universe, and from Victoria who’s been wondering if we’re…

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Notes

  1. Why Should We Care About Where We Come From at 5:00

    According to Dr. Janna Levin, we should care because we should know where we are in the cosmic scheme of things. Full answer

  2. How Do We Know the Universe Is 13.8 Billion Years Old at 5:54

    Dr. Levin states that scientists predict how hot the remaining light that the Bing Bang is, which involve the laws of physics. Full answer

  3. What Does Looking at the Galaxy Reveal to Us at 6:34

    It reveals that the further away you look at a galaxy, the faster it must be moving away from you. This is known as Hubble’s Law. Full answer

  4. Can We Accurately Measure the Size of the Universe at 8:37

    No. Dr. Levin states that we can’t estimate the size of the actual Universe. In fact, we may never know. Full answer

  5. Is There More Than One Universe at 9:57

    It’s unanswerable. We may never be able to see that deep into space to know. Full answer

  6. Can You Have Multiple Infinite Universes at 14:04

    Yes. As we’re visualizing it from the limitations of our human minds, we’re imagining this being nested in a higher dimension of space. Full answer

  7. Is There a Way to Tell If We Are Living in a Holographic Universe at 19:56

    It’s not impossible. One of the ways scientists conclude this is by thinking of black holes. Basically, nothing can be more compact than a black hole. Full answer

  8. What Would Happen If the Universe Didn't Recycle Material at 25:20

    Say the Universe made stars, and the stars had thermonuclear explosions and made heavier elements— which are all the stuff for life. Full answer

  9. From What We Can See, How Much of It Makes Up the Universe at 27:43

    Everything you've seen in the Universe makes up less than 5% of what’s out there in the Universe. Full answer

  10. What Is a Known Form of Invisible Matter at 30:35

    Neutrinos are dark matter particles that doesn’t interact with light or atoms, which is why they can go through us. Full answer

  11. What Is String Theory at 31:40

    It’s an idea that there is one fundamental law of physics. Full answer

  12. What Does Every Particle in the Universe Have at 36:11

    Every particle has a field component and a particle component. Full answer

  13. Is It Possible to Travel to the Past at 39:47

    In Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, it is possible. Full answer

  14. What Is One of the Most Common Misconceptions About Space at 41:19

    In Janna Levin’s view, it’s the point that space expands into other space. In a sense, it’s a meaningless question. Full answer

  15. What Is One Thing We Should All Know About Space at 41:50

    To sum it up: Wow. Full answer

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