Science, pop culture, and comedy collide on StarTalk Radio! Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and Director of New York's Hayden Planetarium, and his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities, and scientific experts explore astronomy, physics, and everything else there is to know about life in the universe. New episodes premiere Tuesdays. Keep Looking Up!
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Why is the past different from the future? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the universe’s deepest questions like why is there anything, how we know we are in the real present, if there could be a unified theory of physics and more with theoretical physicist Sean Carroll. Originally aired August 29, 2023. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/physics-philosophy-with-sean-carroll/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Pod...
Are all galaxies redshifting away? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Negin Farsad tackle a grab bag of fan questions covering cosmic infrastructure, redshift, werewolves, gravitational waves, and the nature of time itself. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Alex Nuche, Christian Payne, Gage Ewing, Ryan Whynot, Temirlan, 2 Lives Left, Chad Keeler, Harli Shae Smith, Brad Smith, Norm Bailey, James Peterson, Ryan Coppens, David Whittenberg...
Can we put the data centers in space? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly map out the future of human habitation, research, and industry in low Earth orbit with Ariel Ekblaw, founder and CEO of the Aurelia Institute. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-future-of-space-stations-with-ariel-ekblaw/ Thanks to our Patrons Richard Morgan, Kamila B, Douglas L, Izzi, Robert Lee, Alfredo Giachino, And...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore a grab bag of cosmic questions. They discuss unique scenarios like experiencing gravitons and the challenges of cultivating wine on other planets. The episode delves into Jupiter's rotation effects, distinguishing AI's broad applications from specific risks, and pondering alien humor. Further topics include universal constants in simulations, the physics of wormholes, and the nature of the Andromeda galaxy collision.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio dive into a "Cosmic Queries Grab Bag," exploring a wide array of listener questions. Topics range from the theoretical existence of white holes and wormholes, to the fundamental forces governing the universe, and the practical sensations of water pressure. They also tackle popular sci-fi movie tropes, discuss the Roche limit, and ponder the philosophical common threads connecting humanity, concluding with a complex query on black holes as "scars" in spacetime.
Is the internet too far gone or can we still fix it? Neil deGrasse Tyson, and co-hosts Negin Farsad and Gary O’Reilly, sit down with Jaron Lanier, Microsoft scientist, and father of virtual reality, to diagnose what went wrong with the web, how it’s changed with AI, and ideas for a new path back. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/fixing-the-internet-with-jaron-lanier/ Thanks to our Patrons Pam Komm, Domin Vernetti, Hank...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore three interconnected topics: albedo, light pollution, and the electromagnetic spectrum. They reveal how a body's reflectivity influences its temperature and appearance, using the moon and Earth as examples, and discuss Leonardo da Vinci's early insights into "Earthshine." The conversation then shifts to the multifaceted issue of pollution, from visible light obscuring stars to radio wave interference and the new challenge of satellite streaks for advanced telescopes like the Vera Rubin. Finally, they unify all forms of radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, as part of the same electromagnetic spectrum, highlighting their varying energy levels and effects.
What is a starquake? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen explore asteroseismology, the sun, and what’s happening on the insides of stars with astrophysicist Conny Aerts. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-starquakes-with-conny-aerts/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Pod...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and astrobiologist Betül Kaçar explore the mysterious origins of life on Earth, delving into the role of ancient enzymes and the planet's microbial past. They discuss "evolutionary singularities" like oxygen production and nitrogen fixation, and how understanding these unique, often fragile, historical events can provide crucial insights for future challenges, including alien life detection and sustainable practices. The conversation also touches upon the concept of "chemical intelligence" and the limitations of our current understanding of life.
Could you grow your own food on the moon? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly sit down with Kevin Espiritu, the gardening YouTuber behind Epic Gardening, to dig into backyard farming, the future of sustainable food, and what it would actually take to feed yourself on Earth or anywhere else. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/homesteading-on-the-moon-with-kevin-espiritu/ Thanks to our Patrons Sho...
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Paul Mecurio, and Charles Liu tackle fan questions about extraterrestrial life in this "Cosmic Queries" episode. They explore the physics of near-light-speed travel, including acceleration and time dilation, and discuss potential alien forms beyond humanoid biases. The conversation also delves into theories like the Dark Forest Hypothesis, the possibility of universal intelligence, and how humanity's own history of colonization and conflict influences our perceptions of alien encounters.
Are all the galaxies orbiting a superstructure in the middle of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are reaching into the grab bag to cover questions from absolute zero to the nature of gravity, and much much more. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-total-darkness/ Thanks to our Patrons RY, The Kilted Bard, Istvan Leel-Össy, Matthew, lrs.2010, Devin Caldwell, Shaneeb Kamran, Leon...
Are seed oils really that bad? Are people getting enough protein? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Paul Mecurio, & Gary O’Reilly cut through the noise on health myths, food misinformation, and the forces making it harder than ever to eat well with nutrition scientist, Jessica Knurick, PhD. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/busting-nutrition-myths-with-jessica-knurick/ Thanks to our Patrons Rand Richards, Robert van de Walle, C ...
This episode explores the groundbreaking OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu, with mission scientist Harold Connolly Jr. They delve into the meticulous process of sample collection and the remarkable discoveries, including ancient water-rich minerals and amino acids, vital for understanding life's origins. The discussion also touches on planetary protection, the nature of asteroids, and the importance of interdisciplinary scientific collaboration in advancing our knowledge of the universe.
This StarTalk episode celebrates the new "Cosmic Queries" book, focusing on chapters about the universe's origins, age, and composition. Neil deGrasse Tyson and cosmologist Janna Levin discuss the prevalence of dark matter and dark energy, the mystery of matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the implications of an ever-expanding universe on future astronomy. They also tackle fan questions on particle accelerators, string theory, the quantum vacuum, and the potential for higher dimensions, revealing that our understanding of the cosmos is constantly evolving.
Author Andy Weir joins Neil deGrasse Tyson to delve into the science behind his bestselling novel "Project Hail Mary," discussing the fictional Astrophage threat and the fascinating details of designing the alien character, Rocky. They explore how scientific constraints drive creativity, from the extreme conditions of Rocky's home planet to its unique biology and echolocation. The conversation also touches on the book's themes of reluctant heroism and the clever plot devices used for interspecies communication and relativistic effects.
What happens when scientists are right and nobody wants to hear it? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the frustrating history of brilliant minds who were ignored, mocked, and punished for telling the truth with science writer Matt Kaplan. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/told-you-so-with-matt-kaplan/ Thanks to our Patrons William D A, JK Smith, k c, Jim Worke, ufuk mevlevioglu, discount, Mark S...
In this extended StarTalk episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene dive deep into cutting-edge physics. They clarify the relationship between the multiverse and the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, examining the implications of infinite realities and the role of mathematics in defining them. The discussion also covers string theory's progress, the concept of hidden dimensions, the black hole information paradox, and the profound questions surrounding the inevitability of life and the nature of time.
Where does the wind come from? What is a sonic boom? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explain things you thought you knew about sonic booms, daily temperatures, and how wind works. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-sonic-boom/ Thanks to our Patrons ShrubPuncher, Tim James, Jesse Doucette, Joshua Horton, Andrew D, Bree Fouss, Richard McEnery, Zachary Dubner, Jacob Gartung, Koltan Kaboozo, Ry...
Are we living inside a computer simulation? Is artificial intelligence truly conscious? And what happens to us when we die? Neil deGrasse Tyson and cohost’s Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly tackle more questions from inside the StarTalk team. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/our-burning-questions-simulation-debate/ Thanks to our Patrons Ian, Alexander Kaponen, Natasha Schaal Davis, Paul Guyton, Mike Disher, MsJenniJennJenn...
What are the main candidates for dark matter? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice sit down with theoretical physicist Katherine Freese to tackle fan questions about dark matter, dark energy, and the dark universe at large. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/dark-universe-decoded-with-katherine-freese/ Thanks to our Patrons Yasin Hasbay, Joe Hudson, Marcelo Morales, Jeffrey C, Quentin Kelly, Mark Hobden, Shaw...
How can you get away with murder? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore forensic pathology, autopsies, and crime scene science with medical examiner and author Jonathan Hayes, featuring an interview with crime writer and author of Autopsy, Patricia Cornwell. Originally aired January 11, 2022. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/true-crime-forensic-pathology-with-patricia-cornwell-dr-jonathan-hayes/ Subscribe to Siriu...
What if we took Earth… and pushed it somewhere else? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer grab bag fan questions about gravitons, hyperspeed, saving the sun, and more! NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-gravitons-hyperspeed/ Thanks to our Patrons Dez, Colton, Christian Zabriskie, Ignacio Ramirez, Brian Nadeau, Bryan Eder, Sai Apata, Xenõ The Warrior Princess, Roja, Bilal Dhooma, Evert Jethoe, Regina, ...
Does the universe need observers to exist? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore questions about entropy, spontaneous symmetry breaking, spectroscopy and more with astrophysicist Charles Liu. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-spontaneous-symmetry-breaking-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Avery Ellis, Markus Riegler, Linda Tullberg, Gami Lannin, Arief Aziz, Ron Lawhon...
How much energy would it take to make a warp drive? Neil deGrasse Tyson joined by Sasheer Zamata & Pete Holmes explore the science in TV shows from antimatter annihilation to tachyons to warp bubbles with astrophysicist & science advisor for Star Trek , Erin Macdonald, and particle physicist & advisor for The Big Bang Theory and Oppenheimer , David Saltzberg. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Kevin Lee, Meeka, Orlando Cru...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio host mathematician Terence Tao to delve into the universe of mathematics. They discuss the differences between pure and applied math, explore renowned unsolved problems like the Collatz Conjecture, and examine the surprising real-world applications of abstract mathematical concepts. The conversation also touches on the impact of various number systems, challenges in math education, and the intriguing question of whether our universe is a simulation.
How did we go from digital computers to AI seemingly everywhere? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly dive into the mechanics of thinking, how AI got its start, and what deep learning really means with cognitive and computer scientist, Nobel Laureate, and one of the architects of AI, Geoffrey Hinton. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podca...
This episode of Cosmic Queries explores a diverse range of fan-submitted questions, starting with an in-depth look at the behavior of light, including its speed in various mediums, the index of refraction, and total internal reflection. Neil and Chuck then delve into profound cosmic mysteries like the accelerating expansion of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life, touching on the theological implications of a vast cosmos and the historical persecution of thinkers like Giordano Bruno. Other topics include the mechanisms of LIGO, the potential and limitations of quantum entanglement for communication, the nature of relative motion in space, the perceived futility of time capsules, and a speculative look at which species might dominate Earth after humans, concluding with a hopeful note.
Is your consciousness a quantum phenomenon? Is the universe one predetermined block? Neil deGrasse Tyson and cohosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly answer grab bag questions about quantum theory, the cosmological constant, and retrocausality with astrophysicist Charles Liu. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Jules, Kelton Falls, Danielhero 11, Zaubergarden, Danilo Vieira Battistini, Brian Lacroix, Charles Baker, Matthew Krug, Chris A, S...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delve into "Things You Thought You Knew." They visualize the minuscule scale of molecules, revealing how water and air molecules are constantly shared across history. The discussion then shifts to the counter-intuitive reality of color temperature, where blue is scientifically hotter than red, contrasting this with artistic perception. Finally, they explore how food spoils, not just biologically, but also through quantum degradation, impacting texture over long periods.
