Discussing the Frontier of Particle Physics with Brian Cox

How much more physics is out there to be discovered? Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with physicist, professor, and rockstar Brian Cox, to discuss everything from the Higgs boson, life beyond our planet, and the fundamental forces that guide our universe.

We dive into the cutting-edge world of particle physics. Brian explains the incredible discoveries made at CERN, including the Higgs boson, and why smashing protons together at nearly the speed of light unlocks the building blocks of the universe. What mysteries remain in the standard model of physics? Brian unpacks the search for supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and dark matter while highlighting the challenges of exploring particles that only exist fleetingly after high-energy collisions.

The conversation then shifts to the grand cosmic scale. Brian and Neil explore the relationship between particle physics and astrophysics. Could gravity be a particle? What do these nearly massless particles tell us about the universe’s deeper truths? And how might the future of experiments like the Large Hadron Collider reshape our understanding of reality?

To wrap up, Brian shares his passion for public science communication and the philosophical questions that drive his work. Learn about his global live tour, Horizons, which combines stunning visuals, classical music, and a celebration of the universe’s vastness. Discover the excitement behind upcoming missions like the Europa Clipper and how moons like Europa and Io may hold the keys to extraterrestrial life.

With a mix of rock and roll energy, groundbreaking physics, and profound philosophical questions, this episode takes you on a journey through the smallest particles to the largest structures in the cosmos—and everything in between.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Brian Cox
04:10 - Rockstar Physicist
07:28 - Being a Skeptic
14:02 - The Frontier of Particle Physics
18:54 - Making Higgs Particles
22:34 - pursuing Elegance
25:06 - How Do We Find New Particles?
29:30 - Progress in String Theory
41:30 - Giant Black Hole Jets
47:08 - Celebrating the Universe
52:00 - Life on Europa
1:02:22 - Neutrinos
1:12:26 - Closing

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[Viratt]

Can’t believe We can watch this for free. It’s an absolute treat. Thank you…

[martinurbani]

What I like the most about the two legends here on display, is the fact that they are always willing to learn something new. A great example of humility and respect.

[novmeet]

What a treat! Brian Cox’s calm, poetic explanations paired with Neil deGrasse Tyson’s energetic, no-nonsense approach make for an incredible discussion. They make complex ideas so engaging that I could listen to them talk all day long. More of this, please!

[hlbnt]

100K views in 7 hours helps restore my faith in humanity. Brian and Neil bring reason and hope to the world.

[jpa_fasty]

The fact that Brian opened for Gary Moore and Jimmy Page is now the coolest thing about him, on an already long list of cool things. What a life he has had.

[lennyvalentin]

Brian May took a gap year during his astro physics studies spanning multiple decades, during which he toured the world several times over and released some of the most legendary records ever made, performing as a singer/guitarist in the (not particularly) little-known rock band Queen, using a guitar he built himself with his dad back in his teens! Then, a little older, a little wiser and quite a bit greyer (still rocking Big Rocker Hair, though!), he returned to university, finished up his degree, and then worked on the Asteroid Bennu sample retrieval satellite mission. So a legendary dude on multiple levels.

I don't know how anyone would ever top that, honestly. :D

[forevera]

To walk away from a video like this and feel like you've learnt something or just having enjoyed the discussions is such a privilege. Thank you for time well spent.

[joakimskurk]

One thing I really appreciate is that scientists always say "WE did this" and "WE work towards that." In a society where the "me, me, me" and "us and them" mentality keeps growing, I really appreciate how the science community remains exactly that, a community that spans all cultures and backgrounds.

[Artofkarthik]

Brian is so eloquent when describing these complex things in simple ways for the layperson to understand!

[mkaleborn]

I know both men are trained professors/communicators. But can we take a moment to just sit back and marvel at their ability to just riff for almost 90 minutes on some very specific and technical information, facts and concepts without any concrete script. Just 2 smart dudes covering a wide range of very intricate and high-level topics.

Neil is no slouch, we know, but Brian in particular…. That guy is just next level in his capacity to both recall and deliver amazing information in a coherent and approachable way, without so much as a stutter or a stumble. That’s a big brain skill there.

[malccy]

Pure pleasure hearing two of my most favourite people on this planet chatting together. Excellent.

[alessandrorossini]

As soon as Brian mentioned Sibelius' 5th Symphony, I stopped the video, opened another YT page, found the music and put it as a discrete background to the two gentlemen's talk. Perfect.

[jimjam]

I love these guys. 2 Wildly different science communicator personalities.
Neil would give you homework and the explain beauty of the answers.
Brian would give you homework and explain the beauty of the questions.
Nothing wrong with either and I'm glad we have both.

[kayyhrf]

I’m so happy to be alive in an era where I can witness Neil and Brian exist

[rvt]

I just love listening to people who absolutely LOVE what they do. Brian talks about physics with so much passion but also explains things in a way that makes it accessible to a layman.

[Ryan-]

Brian has always spoken to his audience instead of talking down to them. Very relatable despite how complex the topic.

[kellyroper]

In a dark and depressing world full of ignorant, corrupt and bigoted people making decisions, I find it comforting that science will continue to exist. Physics and chemistry remain grounded in rules that have been set since before we could comprehend them and will remain absolute billions of years into the future. We are small, fleeting things flitting through life thinking ourselves significantly more important than we will ever be.

[TheTontomtoofat]

10/10 Got to love it when a teacher could just turn on your podcast and let you and your guest do the introductions to some of the coolest concepts in science.

[nigeltrigger]

Neil is a generous host. He asks questions that he knows the answers to, to develop the conversation. Brian is patient and respects Neil's cadence - Neil's processing power whilst he makes his point is apparent! Brian answers Neil's questions with great clarity! We live in a wonderful era!

[jacksawild]

Is it me or is NJT making real efforts to listen more these days. Glad to see it.