Losing the Nobel Prize: Cosmology and Ambition

Nov. 14, 2018
Dr. Brian Keating (University of California, San Diego)
What would it have been like to be an eyewitness to the Big Bang? In 2014, astronomers using the powerful BICEP2 telescope at the South Pole thought they’d glimpsed evidence of the period of cosmic inflation at the beginning of time. But had these scientists been deceived by a galactic mirage? In this popular-level talk, cosmologist Brian Keating tells the inside story of BICEP2’s detection and the ensuing scientific drama. (Dr. Keating's popular book, "Losing the Nobel Prize" was selected for several lists of the best science books of the year.)

[Jablicek]

2:32, just so's you can avoid the intro.

[ebswolfpack]

Professor Keating, with the bandwidth of a galaxy, delivers a riveting talk that takes you from dust, to Antarctica (who knew penguins were shmucks!), to the building of his telescope BICEP and how he has been tracking the source code of the universe since forever. He's remarkably self-effacing, and has the ability to sacrifice himself for the sake of a a nobler cause- science and discovery. What a fabulous way to spend an hour. Highly recommend! His assessment of the Nobel Prize brings light- maybe even polarized light- to the heavyweight matter. (E.g. omissions of women, tendency for laureates to nominate people they know, the way science has changed since the 1800s) It's clear he's got a mission within a mission. And his jokes are so funny! Best way to learn about the universe right here.

[robbiejames]

I always think "I've seen this video before", Andrew Fraknoi's intros always start the same 😂

[christianmunson]

An excellent summary of the current state of knowledge about the beginning of the Universe, and how we are trying to characterize the effects of the Big Bang. Also, how the quest for the Nobel Prize influences research, and not always in a good way.

[nicholasgalitzki]

An enjoyable talk with a good mix of history, both local and cosmic, and some exciting new experimental prospects. I also look forward to seeing where the discussion on Nobel reform goes in the next few years.

[andynilipour]

Very interesting and informative about both research in cosmology as well as the Nobel Prize. It will be interesting to see the progression of the Nobel Prize in the future. Reveals how our system of rewarding people for their contributions may be flawed and how it impacts scientific discovery.

[mikeborrello]

"We are stardust
We are golden
We are billion year old carbon"
Artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash recognize, celebrate their existence by song. Very few like Keating dedicate their life to discovering, understanding the details. That should be celebrated, rewarded accordingly. If you read the book, Keating learned a lesson. Integrity, family above all. Specious comments obviously from those that didn't read the book.

[stuartvolkow]

Articulate overview of cosmology, it's history and fundamental concepts, with the story of your, book Losing The Nobel Prize, woven in. Excited to read the book and get into more details. Timely, since the Nobel Prizes were awarded yesterday. Interesting perspective on how science works and sometimes doesn't from someone in the saddle.

[kevinslater]

Good luck changing the world without a computer, good luck building a computer without copper, silicon, and plastic. Good luck getting copper, silicon and plastic without a geologist.

No Nobel Prize in geology ... :'(

[الكوابيسالثانيه]

العناصر الكيميائيه
Iron is the twenty-sixth element in the periodic table
The question is how many elements were formed inside the stars before the big bang of the stars?

What is the full number of those elements within the stars before they explode?

We ask you to send the first question and the second question to the cosmologists

.

[rdrock]

Jeez to all the posters whinging about this talk. Wash the sand out of your cracks and get over yourselves.

[Mrfailstandstil]

so wtf with static noise in the background?