Discover the physics that matters

Everyday physics

Polarised light and the Brewster law

The Physics behind polarised light and its everyday wonders

Technology

The wonders of semiconductors, part 1

An exploration of the atomic world to uncover what makes semiconductors, the foundations of modern technology, so unique.

Quantum physics

Bohr atomic model

By stating the problem with classical physics clearly, Niels Bohr showed us a new way of looking at the micro-world.

History of physics

What was historic scientific peer review like?

The practice from which modern science gains much of its trust is in fact a recent development

History of physics

The discovery of the electron

How J.J. Thomson’s groundbreaking work revolutionised our understanding of matter

Space

LIGO detects gravitational waves

LIGO made the first direct detection of gravitational waves, but what is LIGO, what are gravitational waves and why does this matter?

Editorial

Reaffirming our support for LGBT+ people

Scientists identifying as LGBT+ have long shaped our view of the world. We support gender identities and believe they have no bearing on the science we do.

Space

How to fight asteroids

An asteroid has hit the Earth before and may hit it again with devastating consequences: figuring out how we can fight one is a very real problem physicists are trying to solve

Editorial

Topological phases and transitions: the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics

The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for work on topology and we explain exactly what it all means

Listen to our podcast

Browse by field