Ep; 526 | Understanding the Universe: Dwarf Galaxies & Cosmic Evolution | Dr. Sanjaya Poudel

The universe is vast, mysterious, and constantly evolving. In this insightful astronomy podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sanjaya Poudel, an astronomer and researcher specializing in dwarf galaxies, dark matter, and galaxy formation. Originally from Nepal and currently a research professor at Yonsei University, South Korea, Dr. Poudel shares his journey into science, his fascination with astronomy, and how curiosity about the universe shaped his career. This episode dives deep into what the universe is, the Big Bang theory, and how our observable universe evolved over time. We explore complex yet fascinating ideas such as the flat universe vs curved universe, higher dimensions, and the expanding cosmos. Dr. Poudel explains dark matter, its role in galaxy evolution, and whether dwarf galaxies contain dark matter at all. A major focus of this astrophysics podcast is dwarf galaxies—their properties, formation, alignment around the Milky Way, and why they are considered the fundamental building blocks of the universe. We also discuss how astronomers observe galaxies using world-class telescopes like ESO-VLT, Gemini, VLA, and GMRT, and how astronomy drives technological development. Beyond space science, the conversation highlights challenges in science education and research in Nepal, the importance of promoting scientific thinking, and the future of astronomical research. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in cosmology explained, space science, and understanding how the universe truly works.