Gravity keeps us grounded, but how does it work? Claudia De Rham, physicist, reveals the secrets and mysteries of this fascinating force in Micro sciences.
We feel gravity every day. It is what makes objects fall and prevents us from floating in the air. However, this law of nature explained by Newton in the 18th century still hides many mysteries. “Gravity is not a force, it is simply the manifestation of curvature, space and time”, explains in Micro sciences Claudia De Rham, professor at Imperial College London and author of the book “The Beauty of Falling”.
To help us understand, the researcher suggests representing a patchwork: gravitation would be the thread that connects these different pieces of fabric to each other.
The enigma of black holes
But this imperfect image which makes it possible to popularize the explanation formulated by Einstein in the theory of general relativity, more than a century ago, is no longer enough. In certain places in the Universe, such as at the heart of black holes, scientists are faced with an enigma. “When we get close enough to the center of black holes, the law of general relativity no longer makes sense,” admits the physicist.
To solve this mystery, Claudia De Rham and her colleagues are exploring new ideas. They imagine that gravity could be made up of tiny particles, called “gravitons.” “Understanding gravity is like trying to understand the rules of a giant game, that of the Universe,” enthuses the researcher. And this game could help solve very concrete problems on Earth.
By seeking to decipher its mysteries, we can travel through our origins and try to understand the very beginning of the Universe.
>> Listen to the full episode:
Podcast: Huma Khamis
Texte web: Andreia Glanville
Swiss
