Whether you’re getting a degree in the field or just have a casual interest in all things physics related, there are loads of places on the web where you can find great sources of information. Here are 50 blogs we’ve pulled together that will help you better understand the universe on both the micro and macroscopic levels and maybe even impress a few friends with your knowledge at a party.
News
Keep yourself on top of all the latest and greatest news related to physics discoveries, research and ideas with these blogs.
- PhysOrg: This site is the ideal place to get your daily physics news fix.
- Physics Today News Picks: Check in with this blog regularly to read about the latest news articles that relate to the world of physics.
- The X-Journals: Bookmark this blog to follow some of the amazing new technologies that are emerging in fields like computer science and physics that will shape the world of tomorrow.
- The Physics ArXiv Blog: On this blog you’ll find a collection of the best content from the online forum called the Physics arXiv on which scientists post early versions of their latest ideas.
- FQXi Community: Here you can read a collection of entries on blogs in the FQXi Community, or the Foundational Questions Institute.
Quantum and Particle Physics
These branches of physics often cause a lot of confusion for the layman unfamiliar with physics. Check out these blogs to clear things up and educate yourself on the topics.
- Cohaerence: Here you can track the latest research developments in research in quantum mechanics and information science.
- Michael Nielson: Michael Nielsen is one of the pioneers of quantum computation, and you can read more about his personal and professional interests on this blog.
- Life on the Lattice: On this site, Georg von Hippel shares his thoughts on science issues including particle physics and quantum chromodynamics.
- Quantum Diaries: Make sure to bookmark this site if you’re interested in quantum and particle physics, as it contains posts about the work of numerous physicists around the world.
- Shtetl-Optimized: The author of this blog is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and writes frequently about quantum computing.
- The Quantum Pontiff: Here you’ll find interesting posts on quantum computing, mathematics and computer science from Professor Dave Bacon.
- Information Processing: Steve Hsu, Professor of physics at the University of Oregon, shares his thoughts, news items and research interests on quantum field theory here.
- atdotde: Ever wanted to know more about string theory? Read about that and more on Robert Helling’s blog.
- Cycle Quark: This blogger spent many years working as a particle physicist but on this site posts about a host of science and technology issues.
- Particle Physics at Discovery’s Horizon: This site is a great place to learn more about the large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland and the discoveries being made there.
- A Quantum Diaries Survivor: If you want to get an expert opinion on the field of particle physics, check out this blog, written by an experimental particle physicist working with the CMS experiment at CERN and the CDF experiment at Fermilab.
- Resonaances: Visit this blog to read posts on particle theory and the work being done at CERN and other locations around the world.
Astrophysics
Explore the physics properties that rule our galaxy and the universe beyond in these blogs.
- Cosmic Variance: Check out this Discovery News blog to read more about everything space related, from shuttle launches to telescopes.
- Bad Astronomy: Often cited as one of the best blogs of it’s kind, this site offers loads of information on debunking bad science as well as posting interesting tidbits about space exploration and discoveries.
- Leaves on the Line: Andrew Jaffe, astrophysicist at Imperial College London, posts on everything from art to science on this blog.
- Asymptotia: Clifford V. Johnson, a professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, at the University of Southern California maintains this blog that posts quite a bit about science, but a little bit about everything else as well.
- The AstroDyke: This blogger divides her posts between astrophysics, science and queer life, giving a balance between social and professional interests.
- Tom’s Astronomy Blog: If you simply love everything to do with astronomy and the science of space, then you’ll appreciate the news and views offered on this blog.
- The e-Astronomer: Written by a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, this blog posts on social and scientific issues as well as providing access to the professor’s own musings as well.
- Dynamics of Cats: Blogger Steinn Sigurðsson is an astrophysicist at Penn State, and posts lots of snippets related to astronomy.
- In the Dark: Here you’ll find a blog by Peter Coles, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University, with posts on both his personal and professional life.
- Cosmic Log: This MSNBC blog is a good source of information on the latest discoveries in the fields of physics, astronomy and more.
- When in Doubt, Do: Here you’ll find a blog written by cosmologist, talking about physics, his career and more.
Professors and Students
These blogs are written by professors and students alike, sharing their research, interests and thoughts on physics topics.
- Uncertain Principles: Check out this blog to read more about physics, politics and pop culture and all the places they intersect written by Professor Chad Orzel.
- Dot Physics: If you’re not a physics expert but want to start learning about the topic, this blog can be a great place to start, with posts on some of the basics of physics, related so even non-experts can understand.
- Watered Down Physics: Alan Reifman is a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech, but in this blog, he posts on a range of physics and mathematical topics.
- Ted Bunn’s Blog: Check out this link for a blog by an assistant professor in the physics department of the University of Richmond, with posts on a range of topics but focusing largely on cosmology.
- Life as a Physicist: This blog is maintained by a particle physicist and professor at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- Imaginary Potential: This blog is a collection of posts from grad students and post docs at colleges like MIT, Yale, and UCSD.
- Soul Physics: This blog isn’t written by a physicist but instead Bryan Roberts, a PhD student in History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, but it contains some great thoughts on the history and deeper issues behind the science.
- metadatta: Get information gathered by this student on recent research in condensed matter physics, biological physics, or statistical physics as well as other topics.
Physicists
On these blogs you’ll find updates on what these physicists are working on or are interested in.
- Physics and Physicists: Get a take on the world of physics and physicists from a physicist on this blog.
- the reference frame: Here you can read about Czech physicist Lubos Motl’s take on physics and a number of other political, academic and social topics.
- Backreaction: Check out this blog to pick the brains of two theoretical physicists.
- Swans on Tea: On this site you’ll find posts on physics, the latest technology, and more from a physicist at the US Naval Observatory.
- The n-Category Cafe: This group blog brings together posts from both mathematicians and physicists.
- Peculiar Velocity: Learn more about the work, interests and musings of Ben Lillie, physicist and writer, on this blog.
Physics Fun
These blogs will help you learn, keep you entertained and even offer you something pretty to look at.
- Cocktail Party Physics: This blog is a great place to find science information, news and commentary with a fun, funky twist.
- Physics Buzz: Here you’ll find fascinating physics news and a fun take on many physics related topics.
- Talk Like a Physicist: This blog aims to take an informational and sometimes amusing approach to talking about physics topics.
- Strange Paths: Take a look at this blog to gain a better understanding of some of the amazing and often beautiful ways that the world works in often invisible ways. While it’s not always easy to understand, there are a lot of pictures to look at if you get lost.
Specialty Fields
If you’re still thirsting for more physics knowledge, check out these blogs that cover specialties from the nanoscale to biophysics.
- Physiology physics woven fine: Take a look at this blog to learn more about the field of biophysics.
- Not Even Wrong: Those hoping to better understand the mathematical side of physics should check out this blog.
- Nanoscale Views: This blogger wanted to give condensed matter and nanoscale physics some love too, so he started this blog full of information and news items on the subject.
- incoherently scattered ponderings: This experimental condensed matter physicist shares thoughts on science, social and career-related issues here.
Probably more widely known for hosting the viral videos that show up in mass emails, YouTube is actually an excellent source for truly useful videos as well. This list of 92 historical interviews attests to that fact. Browse through this collection to find video interviews from both the past and more recent time. Some of these interviews document specific eras such as interviews with those involved in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, while some are more recent interviews discussing the past, as when Walter Cronkite relates his news reporting when the first man walked on the moon. Still other interviews document history in the making, with current figures in academia, politics, business, and more sharing their knowledge.
Politics
From interviews with the likes of JFK to Noam Chomski, these videos record historical events and history in the making when it comes to politics and activism.
- Conversations with History: Noam Chomski. This famed linguist and political activist shares his views on politics and the role of the US in the global community.
- Cronkite Interview of JFK. This interview from Labor Day weekend 1963 shows Kennedy sharing his view of American involvement in Vietnam.
- Senators Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama on the Today show. This historic interview couples the late Ted Kennedy and Barak Obama before he was president as they talk about Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama for President.
- Conversations with History – Karim Sadjadpour. Sadjadpour, from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discusses American-Iranian relations.
- Frost over the World – Benazir Bhutto – 02 Nov 07. Sir David interviews the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto about her return to Pakistan just two months before her assassination.
- Conversations With History – Robert Baer. Former CIA operative, Baer discusses spying, US policy and options in the Middle East, and what we know about Iran.
- Visit of Golda Meir to the Council of Europe. Israeli leader Golda Meir talks about the freedom and lack of freedom of the Jewish people.
- Conversations With History – Zalmay Khalilzad. Khalilzad served as the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Nations and speaks about the strategies needed by the US in shaping national security, including developing more diplomacy to complement military power.
- indira. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi defends her stance in support of Bangladesh.
- Conversations with History – Mark Danner. Journalist and professor, Mark Danner discusses his articles for the New York Review of Books on torture in response to 9/11.
- Conversations with History – Leslie H. Gelb. Learn what Gelb, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations says about power, the American misconception of what power is, and his strategy for US foreign policy.
- Conversations with History – James A Leach. After 30 years in the US House of Representatives, Leach has plenty to share about politics in America, how it has changed, and what Americans might anticipate for the future of politics.
Science
These scientists talk about their work, the role of science throughout history, and science for the future.
- PART 1: David Attenborough on Darwin – by Nature Video. Attenborough shares his views on Darwin, natural selection, and the role of the Bible in science.
- Conversations with History: Steven Chu. A Nobel Laureate in Physics, Chu talks about how his upbringing contributed to his education, his work as a scientist, and more.
- Conversations with History – Leon M. Lederman. Lederman discusses both his work in particle physics as well as his thoughts on the future of science in secondary school education.
- Conversations With History – Gibor Basri. This professor of astronomy from UC Berkeley shares what he is doing in the field of astrophysics.
- Conversations with History – Lucy Shapiro. Shapiro tells about her work in the biological sciences and also speaks on the threat of infectious diseases and how that impacts society.
- Conversations with History – Neil Shubin. Hear about paleontology from Shubin, Provost of the Field Museum and professor at the University of Chicago.
- Interview with Owen Gingerich, part 1. Professor Gingerich, astronomer and science historian, talks about his family, childhood, and his introduction to science.
- Conversations with History – John Harte. Going from physics to environmental science, Professor Harte discusses the shift in his professional focus, the current environmental crisis, and what should be done.
- Conversations with History – Leonard Shlain. Surgeon and professor Leonard Shlain shares his perspective on the connection between science and art as he has written about in his books.
- Conversations with History – Michael Pollan. This popular author talks about the food industry, national health and nutrition, and about science writing in general.
- Archive of American Television Interview with Robert…. Robert Adler, the developer of the wireless TV remote control, shares his history of the work he did.
- Conversations With History – Chikashi Toyoshima. Toyoshima discusses his remarkable breakthrough in the biological sciences as well as the role of creativity in science.
- Conversations with History – James Gustave Speth. The dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale, Speth elaborates on why the future of the Earth depends on the radical transformation of capitalism.
- Conversations With History – John Heilbron. Heilbron discusses the history of science and the value science history holds for society.
Humanities and Social Sciences
These interviews include discussions on philosophy, psychology, and social issues.
- Conversations with History: David Harvey. Professor of Anthropology, David Harvey discusses his youth and education, his work in geography, and how knowledge of geography can promote understanding of the modern world.
- Conversations with History – Craig Calhoun. The president of the President of the Social Science Research Council talks about the challenges facing social science research.
- Vilém Flusser on History, Science & the Photograph. Watch this video of Czechoslovakian philosopher Flusser as discusses the flow of history and its relationship to science.
- Conversations with History – John Perry. This professor of philosophy from Stanford discusses identity, humor, and procrastination.
- Conversations with History – Joan Wallach Scott. A professor and writer, Joan Wallach Scott shares her work in the field of gender issues.
- Conversations With History – Jocelyne Cesari. Jocelyne Cesari, from Harvard, talks about the shifts in Islam as Muslims live in the western world.
- Conversations with History – Laurence R. Simon. Professor Simon discusses the role of non-governmental agencies in changing the inequalities of global poverty.
- Conversations With History – Bart D. Ehrman. This professor of Religious Studies elaborates on how the Bible explains human suffering.
- Conversations with History: Daniel Kahneman. Professor Kahneman shares his Nobel Prize-winning research on intuition and decision-making in this interview.
- Conversations with History: T.M. Scanlon. Hear about human rights, tolerance, and freedom of expression from Harvard’s Professor Scanlon.
Arts
Hear from famous artists from the world of music, TV, painting, and literature in these video interviews.
- Miles Davis interview, 1982. Listen to what renowned jazz musician, Miles Davis, has to say about jazz in this interview with Bryant Gumbel.
- Larry Dunn. Hear from legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire’s keyboardist and musical director as he talks about the creative process and creating music.
- Bob Keeshan – Archive Interview Part 1 of 7. This is the first of seven 30-minute interviews with Bob Keeshan, more commonly known as the beloved children’s TV show host, Captain Kangaroo. He talks about his past, the importance of imagination for people throughout their lives, and more.
- Art Linkletter – Archive Interview Part 1 of 6. With his trademark humor, this iconic TV figure tells about his childhood with his adoptive family and his introduction into radio and TV.
- Inside The Actor’s Studio Ron Howard 1. Ron Howard discusses his work on the famed Inside the Actor’s Studio.
- HITCHCOCK Content vs Technique. Hitchcock provides his take on the artistic process and an audience’s emotional reaction to the art.
- Conversations with History – Roya Hakakian. The author of the book Journey from the Land of No: A Girlhood Caught in Revolutionary Iran, Hakakian talks about the craft of writing as well as life in Iran.
- interview with marcel duchamps 01. In this interview from the early 1960′s, Duchamp talks about painting and his struggle with it.
- Conversations With History – Annabel Patterson. Find out what this professor of English at Yale has to say about literary scholarship and its relationship to society.
- An Interview with Michael J. Lewis. Lewis discusses art, architecture, and education in this interview.
- Francis Bacon Interview (part 1/2). This controversial painter shares his life and work in this interview from 1966.
- Howard Hodgkin (Part1/6). This British abstract painter explores what it’s like being a painter during the 20th century.
- Bob Marley Interview 1976. This rare interview with Bob Marley shows him talking about his musical influences, Rastafarianism, and his love life.
Business
Watch a rare interview with a Rothschild, hear from Nobel Laureates, and learn from leaders in the field of business with these video interviews.
- Rothschilds need to save "The System" BBC. Sir Evelyn de Rothschild talks about the current financial state and what he feels should be done.
- Principles of Leadership. Several leaders in business talk about what it takes to become a successful leader.
- W. Edwards Deming on Business/Societal Transformation. This video from 1992 features the legendary W. Edwards Deming as he discusses the need for the people of society to instigate a transformation.
- Interview with 2006 Laureate in Economics Edmund Phelps. Believing in both great thinking and some amount of risk-taking as a means to success, Phelps shares his perspective on how to create a successful economic future.
- Interview with Paul Krugman, 2008 Economics Prize. Learn what Krugman attributes to the prevention of another Great Depression from happening during the most recent financial crisis.
- Conversations with History – Martin Wolf. Wolf, Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator of the Financial Times talks about the causes of the current global economic state and offers suggestions for the future.
- Effective Business Negotiations. CEO of Think! Inc., Brian J. Dietmeyer shares the basics of business negotiations in this interview.
- Entrepreneurs Moonlighting, Don’t Quit Your Day Job. Eddy Chavey, and independent web designer explains why it may be smart to keep your day job when starting your own business.
- Conversations with History – Niall Ferguson. Learn about the history and evolution of financial institutions such as banks, insurance, and the bond market.
- Strategic Management: Routes to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. Four successful entrepreneurs share how they acquired a small business as a start to entrepreneurship in this video from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
- Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo.. Nooyi shares her views on the growth of business in India and the role of Indian women in business.
- Conversations with History – Barry Eichengreen. This economic historian talks about the current economic crisis and how society can learn from history in these situations.
Education
From the powerful interview of Mister Rogers at the US Senate to students interviewing Holocaust survivors, these videos all touch on the subject of education.
- Mister Rogers defending PBS to the US Senate. This moving discussion between Mr. Rogers and Senator Pastore not only won funding for PBS, but also illustrates why quality education is important for the future of society.
- David McCullough Interview: The Value of Education. Historian David McCullough explains why education is important and the motivation for educating.
- Skull and Bones History. This video from the History Channel shows interviews with several people who have investigated the history and workings of this secret society at Yale.
- Conversations with History: Martha Nussbaum. Professor Nussbaum discusses women’s roles in education, religious freedom, and human development.
- Media Education and History. Robert Ferguson of the University of London Institute of Education discusses the intersection of media education and history.
- PBS "History Detectives" Host/Historian Gwendolyn Wright. Wright, an architectural historian, relates how she became involved in this influential and educational program at PBS and her work in historical architecture.
- Interview with Cordell Svengalis, Ph.D.. Veteran educator Dr. Svengalis discusses his work on identifying trends and projecting the future as it applies to education.
- "Art & Memory" – An Educational Project of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Students interview Holocaust survivors and create a work of art for this educational project.
- Interview with ABC News (Building With Books). The founder of Building With Books talks about his program that teaches students community service in which they help build schools for students in developing countries.
- Emery Stoops Interview. Emery Stoops was a visionary and highly regarded figure in education. This interview takes place three years before his death at the age of 106.
Historical Events
Watch interviews about historical events such as man landing on the moon or the Civil Rights movement in these videos.
- Walter Cronkite And The Lunar Landing (CBS News). Cronkite details what it was like to report on the first man landing on the moon.
- Conversations With History – Frederick S. Wyle, Esq.. Once a Pentagon official during the Kennedy administration, Wyle talks about the policy on nuclear weapons in Europe during the Cold War.
- Fathers of Revolution Vol. 1. Hear from leaders of the civil rights movement and those close to them in this video.
- Sidney Poitier speaks about Civil Rights. Poitier talks about his motivation and involvement in the Civil Rights movement.
- Conversations with History – David M. Kennedy. Learn about the Great Depression from writer David M. Kennedy as he analyzes Roosevelt’s role in the depression, among other topics.
- Hidden Agenda Norman Dodd 1 of 6. This is the beginning of a 1982 interview between G. Edward Griffins and Norman Dodd wherein Dodd discusses his investigations of the Reece Committee that implicated several high-profile non-profits in trying to shape history through the control of education.
- Presidential Inauguration, Interview w/ James Clyburn (D-SC). This influential congressman discusses his work in Congress as well as the historic inauguration of President Obama.
Historical Figures
From Rosa Parks to Ayn Rand, these historical figures are interviewed and recorded here.
- Academy of Achievement’s Exclusive Interview Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks describes that fateful day when she refused to give her seat to a white man on a bus.
- Malcolm X interview on Chicago TV with Jim Hurlbut. Listen to Malcolm X in this TV interview where he talks about his history, the history of African-Americans, and answers questions from panelists.
- Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King shares her experience being at the center of the Civil Rights movement.
- RetroBites: Gloria Steinem. Steinem discusses the difficulty of getting serious writing assignments as a women in this 1968 interview.
- Muhammad Ali…Recipe for Life. Muhammad Ali describes what he hopes people remember about him after he dies in this interview from 1972.
- The Panorama Interview Princess Diana Part 1. Princess Diana discusses her expectations of becoming a princess, her marriage, and more.
- Conversations with History – James M. McPherson. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and professor enlightens viewers on the life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States.
- Interview with scribe Julie Seltzer. Seltzer is a scribe, or writer of sacred texts, and is currently working on writing out the Torah and will be one of the only known women to have written the Torah.
- Ayn Rand Phil Donahue Interview Part 1 of 5. Philosopher and author Ayn Rand discusses her life’s work, her philosophy, and politics in this five-part interview.
Law
These videos touch on legal issues such as the traditional role of judges, human rights, and the survival of middle-class families.
- Conversations with History – J. Clifford Wallace. Senior Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Wallace talks about the role of judges in a democracy.
- Conversations With History – Stephen Holmes. Holmes, a NYU law professor, discusses the implications of the Bush administration’s policies in response to 9/11 and ways future administrations can avoid errors.
- Svitlana Kravchenko & John Bonine – ELAW Interview Series. These two law professors discuss their individual work in the fields of human rights and environmental law, as well as their work together.
- Conversations With History – Amy Chua. This Yale law professor shares her knowledge on the rise and fall of hyperpowers, using historical figures to illustrate her discussion.
- Conversations with History: Elizabeth Warren. Warren explores the intersection of politics and the law where it concerns two-income families struggling to pay for housing, health care, and education.
