Michael Albrow, the author of the book “Space Times Matter” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Albrow’s inspiration for this collection arises from his desire to share the wonder of scientific discovery without technical obscurity. In building the book from his accessible columns, he aims to inspire readers—especially students and educators—to probe deeper into scientific topics and strip away the intimidation often associated with physics. He emphasizes humility and wonder in science: even experts don’t yet understand dark matter, dark energy, or the full nature of spacetime.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Michael Albrow has been doing research in subatomic particle physics for sixty years since graduating from Birmingham University (United Kingdom) in 1964. A former professor at Stockholm University, he is now scientist emeritus at Fermilab near Chicago and is a fellow of the Institute of Physics and the American Physical Society for outreach and education. Albrow was on the teams that discovered the heaviest known particle, the top quark, at Fermilab, and the Higgs Boson (the “God particle”) at CERN in Geneva.
In “Space Times Matter,” Michael Albrow presents a captivating anthology of 100 compact, standalone essays that journey through the heart of modern physics and cosmology. Each piece explores awe-inspiring questions—how the sun and stars actually work, what the tiniest particles are, and why the universe seems finely tuned for life. Topics span dark matter, dark energy, the nature of space and time, and even the possibility of parallel universes. With almost no math or equations, these digestible stories make frontier science accessible to anyone, whether you’re a curious teenager or a lifelong learner.
In this collection of one hundred short science stories, Albrow addresses these and many other fascinating questions. The pieces are meant to be self-contained, so there is some repetition; you are invited to browse, read one today and another tomorrow, in no particular order. These stories could be used by a science teacher to inspire a class to dig deeper. No math is required; there are (almost) no equations. Some stories about space and time include Albrow’s original ideas. The collection concludes with eighteen original science poems.
Albrow’s essays are designed to be read one at a time—no specific order required. You’ll hop from a tale about subatomic particles and the deep mysteries surrounding the Higgs boson, to reflections on black holes, cosmic beginnings, and the enigmatic dark components of the cosmos. Many essays revisit similar ideas from new angles, reinforcing understanding without redundancy. Several feature Albrow’s original ideas on space and time, revealing insights shaped by his decades-long career. This diverse structure makes it an ideal “daily science snack” or classroom prompt. The collection wraps up with heartfelt science poetry—touching on topics from gravitational waves to the landscapes of imagined universes.
“Space Times Matter” delivers a delightful balance of clarity and contemplation. It’s the perfect companion for anyone fascinated by the universe’s grandest questions—from atoms to galaxies. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or simply a lifelong learner, Albrow’s lucid, story-driven approach makes complex science feel personal, poetic, and profoundly human.
To delve deeper into Michael’s inspiration behind his book and its content, you can watch the full interview below: