What has changed in physics since the beginning of PF?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter tribdog
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around significant changes in physics since the inception of Physics Forums (PF), with a focus on cosmological developments and other notable shifts in scientific understanding. Participants reflect on historical context and the evolution of concepts in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that a major change in physics is the understanding that the Universe is not only expanding but also accelerating, which contrasts with earlier beliefs about a potential gravitational collapse.
  • Others mention the reclassification of Pluto as a non-planet as a significant change in astronomical classification.
  • There is a reference to the timeline of discussions regarding the Universe's acceleration, with some participants recalling informal discussions prior to 1998.
  • One participant questions whether PF existed before 1998, indicating a curiosity about the forum's historical context in relation to these scientific developments.
  • Another participant recalls the solar neutrino problem as a concern during the earlier years of PF, suggesting it was a topic of interest at that time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of perspectives on what constitutes significant changes in physics, with some agreeing on the importance of the Universe's accelerating expansion while others highlight different events like Pluto's reclassification. The discussion remains open-ended without a consensus on a definitive list of changes.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the timeline of discussions and events are based on personal recollections, which may vary in accuracy. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and historical scientific developments.

tribdog
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When I first started posting on PF the big question in physics was whether the Universe would expand forever, or if gravity would eventually win and cause a big crush. Since then we've learned that not only is the Universe expanding, it is accelerating. This is the biggest change in what we know about physics that I can think of. What other major changes has there been since PF started?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I guess Pluto becoming a non planet is up there too.
 
tribdog said:
When I first started posting on PF the big question in physics was whether the Universe would expand forever, or if gravity would eventually win and cause a big crush. Since then we've learned that not only is the Universe expanding, it is accelerating.

Was PF around pre-1998?
 
That's what I was about to post. I first heard about the acceleration in "official" terms in March of 1999, and it was being discussed informally at least a year before that.
 
cristo said:
Was PF around pre-1998?

We started Spring of 2001
 
I hadn't heard about it until about 2003 and that's what's important
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
We started Spring of 2001

So you were probably still worrying about the solar neutrino problem ?
 

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