This thing is -270°C and is EVERYWHERE

The universe is microwaving itself. A mystery signal discovered in the 1960s led to a Nobel prize.

In this video, Dianna explores one of the most mysterious discoveries in physics - a constant microwave signal that seemed to be coming from everywhere in the universe. It turned out to be light from an unusual process 13.8 billion years ago.

Special thanks to our Sally Ride level patrons: Alejandro Gutierrez, Brian O'Connell, Darkbit, Dave Butler, David Cichowski, Edi, Fabrice Eap, Henning Bitsch, Kenneth Hunter, Margaux Lopez, and Vincent Flores.

Check out MinutePhysics - Why do compressed air cans get cold?

If you liked this video check out these:
Why is the universe flat?
How the Edge of our Galaxy Defies Known Physics

MANY thanks to: Nick Lucid, Katie Mack, Derek Muller, Henry Reich, Thom Ory and Edward Wright for helping with this video!

Thanks to Levi Butner for inspiriting the idea for this video by asking me WAY too many questions during work! :)

Creator/Host: Dianna Cowern
Editor: Levi Butner
Writing: Valerie Bentivegna
Research/Copy Editing: Dianna Cowern

Sources:
Temperature and wavelength of original CMB:
ESA Planck References:
NASA WMAP Reference:
Interview with John G. Cramer (via email)
Nobel prize photo - Alexander Mahmoud 2018

[physicsgirl]

Yes this is a reupload. I fixed some errors in the video. Why were there errors, you ask?! Making frequent science videos is a complicated process:
- I don't know everything in physics
- Sometimes I work too fast and the facts suffer. Plz send your thoughts and prayers to the facts
- I don't know how to spell homogeneous

[aitchpea]

I remember watching a documentary about those two guys, I thought it amusing how they referred to pigeon poop as "white dielectric material"

[edrumsense]

It's been so EVERYWHERE that you don't need a Where. You don't even need a When. That's how EVERY it gets.

[jollyjokress]

The most interesting channels are always about physics.

[devsullivan]

A really underrated part of this video is how you take time to explain all the science-y jargon (fancy words).
Also, it's always helped me conceptualizing the red-shift to think about an ambulance moving towards or away from you. If you listen to the sound next time an ambulance passes, it will sound deeper (longer waves="red shift") as it moves away from you than when it moves towards you!

[jop]

"Before there were days"
"Because there was no Earth yet"
I loved that!

[duchi]

_"There's this thing that's all around us. Literally everywhere at all times"_

*Me:* Duolingo

[bassholic]

"Alas, it was not poop..." Dianna Cowern 2020

It's a trip knowing that the effect on old CRT televisions not receiving a dedicated signal, which was commonly referred to as snow, is actually cosmic microwave background noise. As someone who is 50, I grew up with several generations of CRT televisions. The effect was always the same.

[randybehrmann]

I learned about the Holmdel horn antenna probably 25 years ago. I remember the theory about the pigeon droppings being the cause of the interference, but to no avail.
I like watching your videos because you make the information fun. Sharing information with great enthusiasm and a huge smile make it very enjoyable.
Great job Dianna!!

[lokeshlkr]

5:02 "back in the day, when there were no days."

[dr.maddie]

Every time I think about how complex yet beautiful our universe is, it gives me goosebumps.

[parthapratimlala]

Your narration is amazing. Even non-physics persons will enjoy & learn.👍👍
Truly " happy physicsing ".

[Rowan_G_Link]

"There is a small percentage of the snow static you can see is due to the CMV" I immediately go to my grandparent's old TV and turn it on to see for myself. :D

[AndrewTNet]

"This thing is -270°C and is EVERYWHERE"

Is it my ex?

[secondslater]

My 12 year old daughter refuted my mum when my mum was on a rant about how you shouldn't open the microwave oven door without turning it off first, because the radiation is dangerous... my daughter's words, "Clearly someone doesn't know the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation!"

[jmunt]

8:38 that "Tha's fast" made me smile

[miguelnovais]

I love the passion in your reactions! You truly are into science. Keep it up Physics Girl!

[fvckyoutubescensorshipandt]

I wish I had a time machine to go back to when the universe was 25C everywhere (roughly 15M years after time 0). I wonder if the pressure was also 100kPa instead of near vacuum. It would be nice to go on a spacewalk in one's shorts. Or space streak if you're really feeling adventurous. Granted no stars yet so might not be much to see. Oh yeah, no oxygen yet either, oops.

[christiaandijkstra]

That purple book on your shelf really says it all: “We have no idea.”