Uploaded October 2013 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
October 2nd, 2013
Dr. Eliot Quataert (University of California, Berkeley)
Dr. Quataert provides an overview of the modern understanding of our origins in astrophysics. The story begins in the infant universe, which we now know was remarkably smooth compared to what we see around us today, with only tiny differences in its properties from one part to another. By contrast, in the present universe there are enormous differences in the properties of matter in different locations: some regions host planets, stars, and galaxies (and even humans!) while others are cold and mostly empty. Dr. Quataert describes how the universe has evolved to its current state, emphasizing how gravity reigns supreme and builds up the planets, stars, and galaxies required for biological evolution to proceed.
October 2nd, 2013
Dr. Eliot Quataert (University of California, Berkeley)
Dr. Quataert provides an overview of the modern understanding of our origins in astrophysics. The story begins in the infant universe, which we now know was remarkably smooth compared to what we see around us today, with only tiny differences in its properties from one part to another. By contrast, in the present universe there are enormous differences in the properties of matter in different locations: some regions host planets, stars, and galaxies (and even humans!) while others are cold and mostly empty. Dr. Quataert describes how the universe has evolved to its current state, emphasizing how gravity reigns supreme and builds up the planets, stars, and galaxies required for biological evolution to proceed.
