Physicists are used to the idea that subatomic particles behave according to the bizarre rules of quantum mechanics, completely different to human-scale objects. In a breakthrough experiment, Aaron O'Connell has blurred that distinction by creating an object that is visible to the unaided eye, but provably in two places at the same time. In this talk he suggests an intriguing way of thinking about the result.

Aaron O'Connell: Making sense of a visible quantum object

Making sense of a visible quantum object

Quantum mechanics, once thought relevant only to particles, applies to visible objects, erasing the boundary between scales.

Invisible yet impactful, quantum mechanics governs all, even the visible chunk of metal existing simultaneously in dual locales.

Bridging worlds, a tiny visible object exhibits quantum superposition, challenging perceptions of reality and particle behavior.