What Is The Quantum Cat?
It was Erwin Schrödinger who famously introduced the quantum cat. He did so in an attempt to ridicule the established view of quantum physics: a theory he deemed so absurd it would argue that a cat could be both alive and dead at the same time. Cats, he wanted to believe, followed the laws of common sense; either here or there, either dead or alive.
Ever since, the meaning of the quantum cat has been debated. Is the cat really both dead and alive at once? What can such a thing even mean? Does the cat somehow split into two parallel universes, alive in one and dead in another? Yet one thing has always been clear: cats are indeed quantum beings.
The Quantum Cat, however, does not limit itself to quantum physics, or even science itself. At its core, this newsletter is about the relationship between humanity and science, about how this relationship has driven the long history of civilization, about the people and places where the relationship manifests itself today, and about the deep trends driving the future of all.
Why Should I Subscribe?
A subscription will get you two things:
A regular weekly email covering events and news from the world of space and physics. Check out an example here!
Around two emails a month covering topics from neutrinos to the future of humanity in depth. Check out an example here!
Do I Need To Pay?
Nope. The weekly email covering events and news is sent out to all subscribers, regardless of how much they pay. As a free subscriber you will also receive some of the in-depth articles as well.
But! If you do subscribe you’ll receive some exclusive content taking a deeper look at the topics we cover. You’ll also get an opportunity to help pick future topics to explore.
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By subscribing, you’ll be helping to keep this newsletter running and independent. Paid subscriptions help me devote more time towards researching and writing articles, responding to readers and building out the newsletter. They also give you full access to the newsletter, archives and to all the in-depth articles.
Who Is The Author?
Hi! I am Alastair Williams, the writer behind The Quantum Cat. I have been a physicist, briefly worked in extra-galactic astronomy and, for the last decade or so, a space industry professional. I’ve worked with satellite systems, telescopes, space operations and for several years been an active member of the NewSpace community.
How Do I Get Started?
First, if you haven’t already, subscribe below for regular updates.
You can then check out some of my more popular articles, a list of which you can find here:
Get In Touch
For all queries you can contact The Quantum Cat at: thequantumcat.space [at] gmail.com
I am happy to receive email on the following:
Offers to exchange recommendations on Substack or to discuss cross-posting
Possibilities to do guest posts (either on The Quantum Cat or elsewhere)
Commissions (I occasionally write as a freelancer and previously wrote a cover story for Sky & Telescope magazine)
Consulting (My areas of specialty include smallsats, satellite operations and space situational awareness)
Interview/media requests
Links you think I may find interesting or would like to bring to my attention
