Home PBS Space Time Season 2026 Episode 1

The Universe Itself Might Be Hiding the Gravity Particle From Us

PBS Space Time · Season 2026 · Episode 1
To progress to the next level in understanding reality, we need to combine quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general relativity. And to do that, most physicists believe we need a theory of quantum gravity .. which means we need gravitons. But it also seems like the laws of physics make it impossible to ever detect this quantum particle of gravity. Almost like the universe is set up to keep the final answer forever out of our reach. So, can we outsmart the universe, catch a graviton, and finally solve physics?

Episode Details

Air date, runtime, timezone, and episode position.

Season
2026
Episode
1
Air Date
13/Jan/2026
Air Time
12:00
Runtime
20 min

Overview

Episode summary.

To progress to the next level in understanding reality, we need to combine quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general relativity. And to do that, most physicists believe we need a theory of quantum gravity .. which means we need gravitons. But it also seems like the laws of physics make it impossible to ever detect this quantum particle of gravity. Almost like the universe is set up to keep the final answer forever out of our reach. So, can we outsmart the universe, catch a graviton, and finally solve physics?

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