In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Keating, Ph.D., a cosmologist and professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. We discuss the origins of the universe and how humans have used light and optics to understand where and how life on Earth emerged.
We explore how early humans charted the stars, sun, moon, and other celestial events to measure time and track seasons, as well as how stargazing continues to connect us to a shared ancient experience. Additionally, we examine the scientific process, the practical and ethical challenges of pursuing groundbreaking discoveries, and the emotional toll of striving for recognition in one’s profession.
Finally, we discuss whether astrology has any scientific validity and consider the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Brian Keating
00:02:07 Cosmology, Origin of Universe
00:05:41 Sponsors: LMNT & BetterHelp
00:08:33 Stars, Planets, Early Humans, Time
00:14:53 Astrology, Ophiuchus Constellation
00:19:58 Pineal Gland, Time-Keeping & Stars, Seasons & Offspring
00:29:19 Humans, Time Perception, Astronomy
00:36:08 Sponsor: AG1
00:37:47 Brain & Prediction; Moonset, Syzygy; Telescope, Galileo
00:46:36 Light Refraction; Telescope, Eyeglasses
00:51:36 Earth Rotation & Sun
00:53:43 Glass, Microscope, Telescopes & Discovery
01:02:53 Science as Safe Space; Jupiter, Galileo, Discovery, Time
01:10:48 Early Humans, Stonehenge, Pyramids, Measurement Standards
01:15:54 Giants of Astronomy
01:20:04 Sponsors: Function & Helix Sleep
01:23:10 Origin of Life, Scientific Method & P-Hacking; Nobel Prize, Big Bang, Inflation
01:30:20 Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, BICEP
01:37:58 Father & Son Relationship, Science & Rewards
01:44:06 Loss, Mentor
01:49:55 Antarctica, South Pole
01:56:49 Light & Heat Pollution, South Pole
02:01:09 Prize Pursuit, First Discovery; Star Collapse, Micrometeorites, Polarization
02:08:26 Sponsor: ROKA
02:10:08 Moon, Size & Horizon; Visual Acuity; Rainbow or Moon Bigger?
02:15:21 Sunset, Green Flash, Color Opponency
02:23:05 Menstrual & Lunar Cycles; Moon Movement
02:26:36 Northern Hemisphere & Stargazing, Dark Sky Communities, Telescope
02:29:51 Constellations, Asterism; Halley’s & Hale-Bopp Comets
02:32:13 Navigation, Columbus
02:36:29 Adaptive Optics, Scintillation, Artificial Stars
02:48:28 Life Outside Earth?
02:57:50 Gut Microbiome; Building Planet
03:05:00 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter
AMA #14: 2023 Philanthropy, Evening Routine, Light Therapy, Health Metrics & More
Welcome to a special edition of the 14th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. This episode is a recording of a live stream AMA, originally exclusive to our Annual and Lifetime…
Rick Rubin: Protocols to Access Creative Energy and Process
In this episode, my guest is Rick Rubin, world-renowned music producer of numerous award-winning artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Adele, Eminem, Slayer, and many more. Rick is also the host…
Dr. Robert Lustig: How Sugar & Processed Foods Impact Your Health
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Robert Lustig, M.D., neuroendocrinologist, professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and a bestselling author on nutrition and metabolic health. We address the “calories…
LIVE EVENT Q&A: Dr. Andrew Huberman at the Chicago Theatre
Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a live event in Chicago, Illinois. This event was part of a lecture series called The Brain Body Contract. My favorite part of the evening was the question…
Dr. Karen Parker: The Causes & Treatments for Autism
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Karen Parker, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Social Neurosciences Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. We discuss the biology of social connections and…
Robert Greene: A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose
In this episode, my guest is Robert Greene, multiple New York Times bestselling author and expert on human psychology and behavior both at the individual and group levels and in the context of relationships, careers,…
AMA #13: Winter Months & Sickness, Wim Hof Breathing & Stressors
Welcome to a preview of the 13th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. Huberman Lab Premium was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order to raise support…
Dr. Adam Grant: How to Unlock Your Potential, Motivation & Unique Abilities
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Adam Grant, Ph.D., a professor of organizational psychology at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an expert in the science and practical steps for increasing motivation,…
A Science-Supported Journaling Protocol to Improve Mental & Physical Health
In this episode, I explain a specific writing protocol shown in hundreds of scientific studies to significantly improve immediate and long-term health. I explain how to implement this specific protocol, which takes only four days…
LIVE EVENT Q&A: Dr. Andrew Huberman at Meridian Hall in Toronto
Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a live event in Toronto, Ontario. This event was part of a lecture series called The Brain Body Contract. My favorite part of the evening was the question…