A cosmologist's guide to the end of the universe | Katie Mack and Debbie Millman

Cosmology bridges the gap between abstract mathematical models and human experience, framing the universe as a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Theoretical physics functions as a creative discipline, requiring scientists to build mathematical "cartoons" of reality that are tested against empirical data. By studying the cosmic microwave background, researchers can directly observe the universe's early, hot, and dense state, effectively looking billions of years into the past. While human existence remains insignificant on cosmic scales, the pursuit of knowledge provides a grounding sense of purpose. Understanding the potential ways the universe might end—such as heat death or vacuum decay—shifts the focus toward finding meaning in the present moment. This scientific exploration, combined with personal pursuits like aerobatic flying and poetry, highlights the deep connection between human curiosity and the vast, temporary nature of the cosmos.