The Secrets of Gravity: AMSEcast with James Riordon

The Secrets of Gravity: AMSEcast with James Riordon

From AMSEcast by American Museum of Science and Energy

March 11, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

This episode features a discussion on gravity with science journalist James Riordon, covering its fundamental principles and implications.

In this episode of AMSEcast , host Alan Lowe welcomes back science journalist and NASA senior science writer James Riordon to discuss his new book Crush: Close Encounters With Gravity . Riordon explores the fascinating science of gravity, from Isaac Newton's groundbreaking laws to Albert Einstein's revolutionary theory of general relativity. The conversation dives into how gravity shapes everything from the structure of Earth to the behavior of black holes and gravitational waves. Riordon also explains the strange effects of weightlessness on the human body, the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of exotic phenomena like wormholes. Blending history, physics, and cutting-edge discoveries, this episode offers an accessible look at one of the universe's most fundamental forces and the scientists who helped us understand it.

People in this episode

Host: Alan Lowe

Guest: James Riordon

Topics covered

  • gravity
  • science
  • physics
  • black holes
  • dark matter
  • general relativity
  • weightlessness

Keywords

  • gravity
  • black holes
  • dark matter
  • general relativity
  • weightlessness
  • wormholes
  • science journalism

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Crush: Close Encounters With Gravity

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