Reality Physics

For readers of Sean Carroll, Brian Greene, Katie Mack, and anyone who wants to know what theoretical physicists actually do. This Way to the Universe is a celebration of the astounding, ongoing scientific investigations that have revealed the nature of reality at its smallest, at its largest...

The universe is vast—unfathomably so. It stretches beyond our imagination, a seemingly infinite tapestry of galaxies, stars, and planets, each potentially harboring its own secrets. Among these cosmic mysteries, one question looms large over our species: Are we alone? For decades, scientists have combed the skies for signs of intelligent life—searching for radio signals, scanning the electromagnetic spectrum, and pointing laser arrays into the void. Yet, despite the most advanced technologies and tireless efforts, the silence has been deafening.

The universe is a vast, mysterious, and incredibly cool place. It’s filled with things so strange and wonderful they can make your head spin. From the tiniest particles buzzing around beneath the surface of reality to the largest structures stretching across billions of light-years, the cosmos is packed with surprises. And the more we learn, the more we realize just how much we don’t know. When you glance up at the night sky, you’re not just looking at stars. You’re peering into the deep past, through millions or even billions of years.