Collection
The science and engineering of the universe beyond Earth. Astrophysics, orbital mechanics, stellar physics, cosmology, and the extraordinary conditions of stars, black holes, planetary systems, and the large-scale structure of the cosmos.
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Key principles
Black holes are among the best-supported objects in physics — and among the strangest. Ole Eggers Bjælde explains what they actually are, how time behaves near one, and what the next generation of research will require to resolve what remains unknown.
In 2019, we photographed one black hole. We know millions more exist in the Milky Way alone. That gap is not a problem of knowledge — it is a gap in detection technology, and indirect evidence is not a lesser form of evidence.
The Sun's relationship with Earth's climate is one of the most layered problems in planetary science. Christoffer Karoff walks through orbital mechanics, sunspot cycles, measurement difficulties, and the geoengineering options now receiving serious government funding.
The 'root cause' argument against geoengineering research is not scientific caution. It is a form of moral symbolism that mistakes the starting point for the conclusion. Blocking half a percent of sunlight is technically achievable, cost-competitive, and deserves serious parallel investigation.
The search for extraterrestrial life starts with Earth — not because scientists lack imagination, but because Earth is the only confirmed example of life that exists. Kai Finster explains why using Earth's biochemistry as a template is not anthropocentric bias. It is the only scientifically defensible starting point.
Astrobiology is criticised for being Earth-centric. That criticism misunderstands the epistemics. You cannot search for something you cannot characterise — and Earth is the only example of life we have.
The classroom poster shows eight planets and a clean edge at Neptune. The solar system extends halfway to the nearest star. Mads Fredslund Andersen explains what is actually out there, how it formed, and why the boundary question matters for exploration.
The classroom solar system poster implies a closed system ending at Neptune. That implication shapes how people understand science, exploration, and discovery. It is worth correcting.
E5
TechnologyE4
PhysicsE3
PhysicsE2
PhysicsE1
BiologyThe field concerned with building systems that exhibit intelligent behaviour.
The application of biological knowledge to engineering.
The capacity to do work, and the central organising challenge of modern civilisation.
Systems defined by their connections rather than their components.
The science and practice of making things at scale.