Quantum physics up close: Discover Schrödinger's cat in Göttingen!

Quantum physics up close: Discover Schrödinger's cat in Göttingen!

Things will soon get exciting in Göttingen when quantum physics is the focus of a lecture. On January 8, 2026 at 8:15 p.m. Professor Dr. Salvatore R. R. Manmana from the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Göttingen will present the fascinating fundamentals of this extraordinary science in the “purgatory” of the Catholic university community (khg). The khg invites you to dinner together from 7:30 p.m. before diving into the depths of atomic physics. The lecture is freely accessible and designed for anyone interested in better understanding the complex phenomena of the quantum world. [Katholische Kirche Göttingen](https://www.katholische-kirche-goettingen.de/ueber-uns/veranstaltungen/ Veranstaltungs-detailansicht/quantenphaenomene/) reports that the focus is on explaining the surprising predictions of quantum mechanics, such as the famous “Schrödinger's cat” thought experiment, simply and clearly.

But what is Schrödinger's cat all about? This thought experiment, which Erwin Schrödinger launched in 1935, impressively shows how strange the world of quantum physics is. The theory states that a cat in a closed box is in a state that depends on a quantum mechanical process. As long as no one is looking, the cat could be alive and dead at the same time - a state of so-called superposition. The cat's condition is only determined through a measurement, which has led to numerous discussions and misunderstandings among physicists. The article on Wikipedia's page provides more information about the background and importance of these considerations, which explains that the cat's condition remains undetermined until observation is made.

The secret of the quantum world

To better understand quantum mechanics, it is important to consider the components of the theory. Quantums are the smallest units of matter and energy, and at the atomic and subatomic levels, particles often behave in such a way that they can exhibit opposite properties at the same time. However, this does not apply to complex systems such as humans or animals. Physicist Richard Feynman summed it up when he said: “I don’t really understand quantum physics and I don’t think there’s anyone who really understands it.” This illustrates the complexity of the matter that quantum scientists have to deal with. This also emphasizes the complexity of quantum physics, which is not only important for physicists but is increasingly being used in modern technologies.

The WDR program “Zeitzeichen” also deals in detail with the thought experiment and the development of quantum physics, especially with the different interpretations that emerged from the battles between physicists in the 1920s. Influential figures such as Max Planck, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr contributed to the development of these theories. Find out more about this on the WDR broadcast website, which deals in detail with the challenges and achievements of quantum mechanics.

So anyone who is curious about the behavior of atoms and the basics of quantum physics should not miss this lecture. It promises to be an evening full of interesting insights into the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics!