50 Best Physics Blogs

Whether you’re getting a degree in the field or just have a casual interest in all things physics related, there are loads of places on the web where you can find great sources of information. Here are 50 blogs we’ve pulled together that will help you better understand the universe on both the micro and macroscopic levels and maybe even impress a few friends with your knowledge at a party.

News

Keep yourself on top of all the latest and greatest news related to physics discoveries, research and ideas with these blogs.

  1. PhysOrg: This site is the ideal place to get your daily physics news fix.
  2. Physics Today News Picks: Check in with this blog regularly to read about the latest news articles that relate to the world of physics.
  3. The X-Journals: Bookmark this blog to follow some of the amazing new technologies that are emerging in fields like computer science and physics that will shape the world of tomorrow.
  4. The Physics ArXiv Blog: On this blog you’ll find a collection of the best content from the online forum called the Physics arXiv on which scientists post early versions of their latest ideas.
  5. FQXi Community: Here you can read a collection of entries on blogs in the FQXi Community, or the Foundational Questions Institute.

Quantum and Particle Physics

These branches of physics often cause a lot of confusion for the layman unfamiliar with physics. Check out these blogs to clear things up and educate yourself on the topics.

  1. Cohaerence: Here you can track the latest research developments in research in quantum mechanics and information science.
  2. Michael Nielson: Michael Nielsen is one of the pioneers of quantum computation, and you can read more about his personal and professional interests on this blog.
  3. Life on the Lattice: On this site, Georg von Hippel shares his thoughts on science issues including particle physics and quantum chromodynamics.
  4. Quantum Diaries: Make sure to bookmark this site if you’re interested in quantum and particle physics, as it contains posts about the work of numerous physicists around the world.
  5. Shtetl-Optimized: The author of this blog is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and writes frequently about quantum computing.
  6. The Quantum Pontiff: Here you’ll find interesting posts on quantum computing, mathematics and computer science from Professor Dave Bacon.
  7. Information Processing: Steve Hsu, Professor of physics at the University of Oregon, shares his thoughts, news items and research interests on quantum field theory here.
  8. atdotde: Ever wanted to know more about string theory? Read about that and more on Robert Helling’s blog.
  9. Cycle Quark: This blogger spent many years working as a particle physicist but on this site posts about a host of science and technology issues.
  10. Particle Physics at Discovery’s Horizon: This site is a great place to learn more about the large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland and the discoveries being made there.
  11. A Quantum Diaries Survivor: If you want to get an expert opinion on the field of particle physics, check out this blog, written by an experimental particle physicist working with the CMS experiment at CERN and the CDF experiment at Fermilab.
  12. Resonaances: Visit this blog to read posts on particle theory and the work being done at CERN and other locations around the world.

Astrophysics

Explore the physics properties that rule our galaxy and the universe beyond in these blogs.

  1. Cosmic Variance: Check out this Discovery News blog to read more about everything space related, from shuttle launches to telescopes.
  2. Bad Astronomy: Often cited as one of the best blogs of it’s kind, this site offers loads of information on debunking bad science as well as posting interesting tidbits about space exploration and discoveries.
  3. Leaves on the Line: Andrew Jaffe, astrophysicist at Imperial College London, posts on everything from art to science on this blog.
  4. Asymptotia: Clifford V. Johnson, a professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, at the University of Southern California maintains this blog that posts quite a bit about science, but a little bit about everything else as well.
  5. The AstroDyke: This blogger divides her posts between astrophysics, science and queer life, giving a balance between social and professional interests.
  6. Tom’s Astronomy Blog: If you simply love everything to do with astronomy and the science of space, then you’ll appreciate the news and views offered on this blog.
  7. The e-Astronomer: Written by a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, this blog posts on social and scientific issues as well as providing access to the professor’s own musings as well.
  8. Dynamics of Cats: Blogger Steinn Sigurðsson is an astrophysicist at Penn State, and posts lots of snippets related to astronomy.
  9. In the Dark: Here you’ll find a blog by Peter Coles, Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University, with posts on both his personal and professional life.
  10. Cosmic Log: This MSNBC blog is a good source of information on the latest discoveries in the fields of physics, astronomy and more.
  11. When in Doubt, Do: Here you’ll find a blog written by cosmologist, talking about physics, his career and more.

Professors and Students

These blogs are written by professors and students alike, sharing their research, interests and thoughts on physics topics.

  1. Uncertain Principles: Check out this blog to read more about physics, politics and pop culture and all the places they intersect written by Professor Chad Orzel.
  2. Dot Physics: If you’re not a physics expert but want to start learning about the topic, this blog can be a great place to start, with posts on some of the basics of physics, related so even non-experts can understand.
  3. Watered Down Physics: Alan Reifman is a professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech, but in this blog, he posts on a range of physics and mathematical topics.
  4. Ted Bunn’s Blog: Check out this link for a blog by an assistant professor in the physics department of the University of Richmond, with posts on a range of topics but focusing largely on cosmology.
  5. Life as a Physicist: This blog is maintained by a particle physicist and professor at the University of Washington in Seattle.
  6. Imaginary Potential: This blog is a collection of posts from grad students and post docs at colleges like MIT, Yale, and UCSD.
  7. Soul Physics: This blog isn’t written by a physicist but instead Bryan Roberts, a PhD student in History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, but it contains some great thoughts on the history and deeper issues behind the science.
  8. metadatta: Get information gathered by this student on recent research in condensed matter physics, biological physics, or statistical physics as well as other topics.

Physicists

On these blogs you’ll find updates on what these physicists are working on or are interested in.

  1. Physics and Physicists: Get a take on the world of physics and physicists from a physicist on this blog.
  2. the reference frame: Here you can read about Czech physicist Lubos Motl’s take on physics and a number of other political, academic and social topics.
  3. Backreaction: Check out this blog to pick the brains of two theoretical physicists.
  4. Swans on Tea: On this site you’ll find posts on physics, the latest technology, and more from a physicist at the US Naval Observatory.
  5. The n-Category Cafe: This group blog brings together posts from both mathematicians and physicists.
  6. Peculiar Velocity: Learn more about the work, interests and musings of Ben Lillie, physicist and writer, on this blog.

Physics Fun

These blogs will help you learn, keep you entertained and even offer you something pretty to look at.

  1. Cocktail Party Physics: This blog is a great place to find science information, news and commentary with a fun, funky twist.
  2. Physics Buzz: Here you’ll find fascinating physics news and a fun take on many physics related topics.
  3. Talk Like a Physicist: This blog aims to take an informational and sometimes amusing approach to talking about physics topics.
  4. Strange Paths: Take a look at this blog to gain a better understanding of some of the amazing and often beautiful ways that the world works in often invisible ways. While it’s not always easy to understand, there are a lot of pictures to look at if you get lost.

Specialty Fields

If you’re still thirsting for more physics knowledge, check out these blogs that cover specialties from the nanoscale to biophysics.

  1. Physiology physics woven fine: Take a look at this blog to learn more about the field of biophysics.
  2. Not Even Wrong: Those hoping to better understand the mathematical side of physics should check out this blog.
  3. Nanoscale Views: This blogger wanted to give condensed matter and nanoscale physics some love too, so he started this blog full of information and news items on the subject.
  4. incoherently scattered ponderings: This experimental condensed matter physicist shares thoughts on science, social and career-related issues here.

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