Physics
Physics is the study of matter and its motion through space and time. This natural science describes our whole Universe, from subatomic particles to distant stars, and everything in-between. Physicists such as Albert Einstein, Fields Bohr, Isaac Newton, James Clerk Maxwell and Marie Curie are among the great scientists to have contributed to our ever growing understanding of the classical and quantum world. Physics investigates a wide range of subjects such as: forces, astronomy, energy, atomic structure, mechanics, waves and particles to name a few.
Stunning new image of black hole at centre of our galaxy revealed
The groundbreaking image shows a strong magnetic field spiralling at the edge of Sagittarius A*.
The Universe is a hologram: Stephen Hawking's final theory, explained by his closest collaborator
On the sixth anniversary of Stephen Hawking's death, close friend and colleague Thomas Hertog unpacks the trailblazing physicist's thoughts on the Big Bang's origins.
This bizarre quantum theory could finally explain how our Universe began
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the 'inflation field'.
Here's how we could make a real-life Dune force field
In the sci-fi epic Dune, characters carry a portable force field that protects them from speeding projectiles. Could we make one of these for real?
Major quantum gravity breakthrough could spark new ‘theory of everything’
Quantum gravity has long baffled scientists. Now, a breakthrough discovery could change physics forever - and answer our biggest questions about the Universe.
CERN’s new 91km long ‘atom-smasher’ could soon reveal how our Universe will end
Plans for a new underground ‘atom-smasher’ sound ambitious, but they could be the key to unlocking the true nature of the Higgs Boson and, ultimately, our Universe.
The 21 best (and strangest) science discoveries of 2023
You can always count on science to deliver the goods in times of trouble. From the heart-warming to the downright weird, here's the best of 2023.
Physics, AI and music all share a common thread. You just have to look closely enough
Studying science can lead you in many directions and open many doors.
Here’s what happened when an astronaut took a yo-yo into space
The ups and downs of a yo-yo is based on physics but will it work without gravity?
Doughnut plasma and 100 million°C cores: How scientists could soon make nuclear fusion a reality
What are the problems facing nuclear scientists in their quest for the ultimate clean energy source? A physicist explains.
No, you absolutely cannot drop candy into the Large Hadron Collider. Here's why
The Large Hadron Collider accelerates protons to near the speed of light so throwing an M&M down there could be catastrophic.
Here's what would happen if you lit a firework in space
Without additional oxygen provided by Earth's atmosphere, fireworks wouldn't behave the same way as they do on Earth.
This bold new theory of 'quantum weirdness' could rewrite the story of evolution
Natural selection may be underlined by quantum mechanics, argues a physics professor.
Ultra-bright light breakthrough could spark 'technological and scientific revolution'
Getting a bright light in a small space is harder than it sounds – but these scientists may have done it.
Why dark energy could keep the dream of anti-gravity alive
A new antiproton decelerator experiment has revealed stunning new insights into gravity and antimatter.
What's inside the fifth dimension?
What else could there be beyond the three dimensions of space and one of time? And how can we begin to conceive of it?
What is the doppler effect?
This fundamental concept in physics is why the Moon sometimes looks red, and can help doctors analyse blood flow in tissues.
Black holes are tearing through space-time much quicker than scientists thought
3D simulations of black holes demonstrate their hungry ways, and could begin to explain the life of quasars.
How radioactive is my house? (Do I need to worry?)
Homeware, foods and even where you live can expose you to different amounts of radiation.
How one particle could unlock the Universe’s mysterious ‘fifth force’
Could new measurements of the way subatomic particles known as muons interact with magnetic fields hint at physics beyond the Standard Model?
Gases: Structure, properties and facts
Gas is a unique state of matter with some extraordinary features.
How many galaxies are in the Universe? A lot more than you'd think
Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, has a diameter of 87,400 light-years.
How do the rocks stay on the surface of Dimorphos?
Dimorphos is a small moon that orbits the asteroid Didymos, and the target of NASA's DART mission in September 2022.
This rare ‘ultracool’ brown dwarf is emitting seriously strange radio waves
It’s the coolest star in town.