Drexel Prof. Dave Goldberg sees beauty in symmetry

     This photo provided by NASA, taken in 2006 by the Hubble Space Telescope shows a cluster of diverse galaxies. (AP Photo/NASA, file)

    This photo provided by NASA, taken in 2006 by the Hubble Space Telescope shows a cluster of diverse galaxies. (AP Photo/NASA, file)

    Nearly everyone understands the basic principles of physics. In a conversation with “Lightning Rod” blogger Faye Flam, Drexel professor Dave Goldberg explains how the simple concept of symmetry is the foundation for all of the complicated laws and equations we were forced to study in school.

    Maybe you took physics in high school or college. Maybe you even understood it. But nearly everyone understands basic principles of physics: What goes up must come down. For every action, there is a reaction.  These are examples of symmetry, which Drexel Physics Professor Dave Goldberg explains is the foundation of all of those complicated laws and equations we were forced to study in school.

    Goldberg is the author of the new book “The Universe in the Rearview Mirror: How Hidden Symmetries Shape Reality.”

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