May 18, 2018
If we manage to survive the Sun gradually heating up, though,
there might be a bigger problem before the Sun runs out of
hydrogen. See, Monty Python and the Galaxy Song have it right; our
galaxy is only one of millions and billions in this amazing and
expanding Universe.
Physics is stunning. The reason is that it exists on so many
different scales. On impossibly small lengthscales, we have no idea
what’s going on; things are strange, and weird, and quantum. Then
we move up towards the scales of subatomic particles; then the
world of atoms and molecules; the world of microscopy. The world of
us, and the objects we know; and the world of mountains, the world
of worlds. The world of stars, and solar systems; the galaxy of
stars and stellar systems. The world of galaxies, and, who knows –
maybe the world of Universes, too.
This is the story of what happens if we make it through
everything; if we survive the 21st century, and all of the
centuries beyond. What new risks can we anticipate?
And how - to the best of our understanding - does everything,
inevitably end?
Theme music:
Get Ready for the Apocalypse - Astrometrics
Incidental music:
Julie Maxwells Piano Music, Starry Sky
Both available via the Free Music Archive