physicscentral.bsky.social
@physicscentral.bsky.social
General exam: Another attendee seated next to me, Nikita, just told me that this was his 3rd time watching this presentation and was dying for the next phase of work.

We're ending our live coverage of the exam now but thank you for joining us!

#physics @seattlekraken.com
March 10, 2025 at 5:08 PM
LIVE: Raucous applause as Murali finishes his general exam; audience members are thrilled and his advisor is beaming.

"It's hard work, it takes time to understand, but it's important. I'll start taking questions now."

#physics @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social @seahawksofficial.com
March 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Murali lands the plane on BAO data and ties it all together with an eloquent reconciliation of free streaming fractions.

It's evident to see the impacts his time at Cornell and as a teacher at the Breakthrough Collaborative has had on his communication style.

Attached: Hackathon photo
#physics
March 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
"Things are getting a little complicated, but bear with me"

A rare acknowledgement from Saravanan about the intricacies of the cosmology space. Thinking that we're in the meatiest part of the discussion yet, focused on BAO data.

#physics @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social
March 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Reposted
NEW: The Flame Nebula has been studied by telescopes for over a decade, but it wasn’t until this #NASAWebb observation (right side) that we could detect tiny brown dwarfs in its densest regions.

Learn more about what Webb discovered in the Flame Nebula: webbtelescope.pub/3DkFl6C 🔭 🧪
March 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
📊 ANALYSIS: Saravanan's analysis of degeneracy is reminiscent of his time conducting research as an undergrad.

In the attached photo from our partners at the University of Michigan, taken in CERN in 2019, viewers will note the change in looks -- but recognize the same grit and focus.

#physics
March 10, 2025 at 4:39 PM
📊 ANALYSIS: What does this physics exam mean for the greater field of physics?

2 key takeaways:
1. Lots of worthwhile problems remain to be solved
2. Talent pipeline of young physicists continues to be strong

Wondering what proposed gov cuts on funding will mean for academia.

#politics #physics
March 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Murali's already fielding tough questions from a very engaged audience. It's no surprise that a room filled with some of the nation's best minds at UW would have thoughts.

"At the end of the day, the data does what the data does."

#physics #stem @billnye.bsky.social
March 10, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Murali's research dropped on arxiv just last week.

His paper, "Abundance and properties of dark radiation from the cosmic microwave background", can be found below:

arxiv.org/abs/2503.046...

#physics #stem @seattlekraken.com @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social
Abundance and properties of dark radiation from the cosmic microwave background
We study the cosmological signatures of new light relics that are collisionless like standard neutrinos or are strongly interacting. We provide a simple and succinct rephrasing of their physical effec...
arxiv.org
March 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Just like that, we're already a quarter of the way through the exam -- Saravanan is absolutely in a flow right right now, and on pace to record a historic exam.

"I'm about to throw a lot at you, but don't worry, I'll hold your hand."

@aurahack.bsky.social #physics #science #STEM
March 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Murali's rocking a topline set of gear, including:
-a green laser pointer (some speculate it's the $785 DSAN PC-433-Mini)
-state of the art animation embedded within the presentation
-and as always, custom designed sweater made for this event

@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social @bjpols.bsky.social
March 10, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🔴 LIVE: The exam has begun. Saravanan begins with a history of the universe. He's gregarious, confident -- channeling the presence of effective physics communicators in the field.

"Things are really hot, things are really dense."

#Physics

@scifri.bsky.social @science.org
March 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
A touching moment as Murali's parents call in from the East Coast. It's been a long journey to the Emerald City for Murali since he began his young, rising career as a high schooler in NC competing in @HOSA.

@seattletimes-rss.bsky.social @sea.nws-bot.us
March 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
🏕️ BREAKING: Speaking to undergrads lined up, it’s clear that some have camped out overnight outside UW’s Physics & Astronomy Building to secure prime seats for Saravanan’s exam. Overall, a festive mood, though security mentioned isolated incidents of a few isolated fights. #Physics
March 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
🧵 LIVE COVERAGE: We’re here at the University of Washington for what promises to be a historic general exam by Murali Saravanan. The room is buzzing. Follow along for updates. #Physics
March 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM