Motion Through the Ages: From Galileo to Dark Mysteries

We usually begin the study of physics with a discussion of motion, not because it is easy, or because the modern understanding of motion began with Galileo hundreds of years ago. Rather, Galileo’s groundbreaking work provides a paradigm to understand how physics is done today. Extracting out the fundamental essence of motion from all the distractions associated with what turn out to be irrelevant complexities was a monumental intellectual leap for humankind—a leap we often take for granted.

Without the leap, for example, Newton could never have made his profound discoveries about the relationship between force and movement, nor his discovery of the Universal Law of Gravitation.

But too often we treat these remarkable achievements as something belonging in antiquity.. as if we have moved far beyond them in every way. Nothing could be further from the truth. Applying the very same ideas that Galileo and Newton developed leads us to the cusp of modern physics: the discovery of the dominant mass in the Universe, a vast invisible sea of dark matter. In this episode, we travel over 450 years of physics, from Galileo, to the threshold of our understanding of the cosmos today. Hang onto your hats.

I’m also pleased to share a quick PSA. A reminder of our 2026 Origins expedition through the Greek archipelago (July 24 to 31), with a Cyprus add-on (July 17 to 22). If you’re interested, it’s worth raising your hand early. These trips tend to fill quickly. Express interest at

https://originsproject.org/greek-adventure-2026-application/

Consider supporting the podcast and the Origins Project Foundation at https://www.originsproject.org/

To see commercial-free, full HD video episodes, join us at https://lawrencekrauss.substack.com

Thank you for your support!

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-origins-podcast/id1467481703
Website: https://TheOriginsPodcast.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheOriginsPod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheOriginsPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginsPod

The Origins Podcast, a production of The Origins Project Foundation, features in-depth conversations with some of the most interesting people in the world about the issues that impact all of us in the 21st century. Host, theoretical physicist, lecturer, and author, Lawrence M. Krauss, will be joined by guests from a wide range of fields, including science, the arts, and journalism. The topics discussed on The Origins Podcast reflect the full range of the human experience - exploring science and culture in a way that seeks to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Full Episodes Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLv1PHLilU&list=PL5R87nA_A7ijBql86ZL1_PAM8GDM1M_VC