In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Keating, Ph.D., a cosmologist and professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. We discuss the origins of the universe and how humans have used light and optics to understand where and how life on Earth emerged. We explore how early humans charted the stars, sun, moon, and other celestial events to measure time and track seasons, as well as how stargazing continues to connect us to a shared ancient experience. Additionally, we examine the scientific process, the practical and ethical challenges of pursuing groundbreaking discoveries, and the emotional toll of striving for recognition in one’s profession. Finally, we discuss whether astrology has any scientific validity and consider the possibility of life beyond Earth. Read the full episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/8D3hBnM *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman *Follow Huberman Lab* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab X: https://x.com/hubermanlab Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter *Dr. Brian Keating* Website: https://briankeating.com Books: https://amzlink.to/az0UY0FlnS54f University of California, San Diego academic profile: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/brian.keating Podcast: http://briankeating.com/podcast Newsletter: https://big-bang.kit.com/huberman Research Projects: http://bkeating.physics.ucsd.edu/index.php?goto=Projects X: https://x.com/DrBrianKeating Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBrianKeating YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrBrianKeating LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-keating-ab893a10a *Timestamps* #HubermanLab #Science #Cosmology Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer