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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What happens when you fall into a black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice give us the step-by-step on spaghettification, explain Schrodinger's cat, and explore quantum tunnelling… Or do they? NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-quantum-cat/ Thanks to our Patrons Peter Nguyen, Noah Narh, Oliver Anderson, Oleksandr, TULAKAR JHA, Marziee, Carmen, Erica Trebesch, Joan Cotkin, Steve, Kevin, r...
Is social media rewiring childhood and fueling a mental health crisis? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the costs of growing up online and how to take back childhood with social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt/ Thanks to our Patrons Maz Dunic, gummibear359, Jack Bovee, Richard McCullo...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jeff Thornburg discuss the future of aerospace, from Portal Space Systems' rapid maneuverability to the evolution of rocket propulsion. They explore the critical interplay between government and private space initiatives, the value of engineering failures, and the challenges of funding innovation. The conversation also delves into geopolitical space security and exciting future technologies like AI and warp drives.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delve into a range of fascinating cosmic queries, from the physics of black holes and the information paradox to the prospects of human space colonization and the search for extraterrestrial life. They also discuss the societal impact of science funding, the "horizon problem" in cosmology, and the importance of solitude for scientific creativity in a distracting modern world. The episode concludes by advocating for greater respect for scientific fact in government and society.
Can we resolve the crisis in cosmology? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Matt Kirshen take on Hubble Tension, the difference between the estimated ages of the universe, and how to solve it with legendary astronomer Wendy Freedman. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/solving-the-crisis-in-cosmology-with-wendy-freedman/ Thanks to our Patrons Smallevent, Ralph, Arun, Pandey, Nick Ohlheiser, Dantheman, Brian Campana, Mel, Mich...
What happens to your brain when you use AI? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore current research into how large language models affect our cognition, memory, and learning with Nataliya Kosmyna, research scientist at the MIT Media Lab. Is AI good for us? NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/your-brain-on-chatgpt-with-nataliya-kosmyna/ Thanks to our Patrons Jacqueline Scripps, Jose Mireles, Eric Divelb...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Kelly Holley-Bockelmann discuss LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, designed to detect gravitational waves from supermassive black holes and other cosmic phenomena far beyond LIGO's capabilities. They explore LISA's ambitious space-based design, its profound potential to open a new window to the universe, and the spin-off technologies like a solar system GPS. The conversation also highlights critical funding challenges and the scientific excitement of discovering phenomena that challenge current theories.
In this "Cosmic Queries Grab Bag" episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio delve into listener questions ranging from the expansion of science and the limitations of AI to the intriguing mechanics of Hawking radiation and the "Powers of 10" scale of the universe. They explore the best power sources for a moon base, the evaporation of micro black holes, and ponder whether our universe might reside within a black hole, all while debating the enigmatic "Wow signal" and the concept of negative gravity for wormholes.
What would happen if the speed of light were infinite? Neil deGrasse Tyson, joined by co-hosts Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and astrophysicist Charles Liu, answers questions about quantum entanglement, qubits, higher dimensions, grabby aliens, and more! NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-grabby-aliens-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Chirag Patel, Douglas Prinn, Cristian Todea, w s, Tristan, Clay Blai...
What is the origin of life in the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Matt Kirshen explore how life got its start, the Miller-Urey experiment, and synthetic biology with molecular biologist Kerstin Göpfrich. Could the first alien life we find be the one we make? NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/building-life-from-scratch-with-kerstin-gopfrich/ Thanks to our Patrons Kory Thompson, Scott Brooks, Evelyn ZB, Ken Robertson, R...
This StarTalk episode, "Cosmic Queries – The Deep," features Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice tackling profound fan-submitted questions. They discuss whether the human brain can truly understand itself, ponder humanity's place as a potential alien simulation, and debate the role of science in uncovering universal truths against the backdrop of faith. The conversation extends to the future of human survival, the concept of immortality, Neil's personal philosophy on manufacturing meaning, and the actual nature of a space vacuum, concluding with insights on the shape of the universe and higher dimensions.
This episode delves into the surprising physics of common experiences, revealing why toast browns non-linearly due to moisture evaporation and how water boils through conduction and convection. Neil deGrasse Tyson connects these concepts to grander cosmic events, explaining how oatmeal boiling over relates to the sun becoming a red giant and applying the ancient Brachistochrone problem to optimize rocket launch trajectories into orbit.
This StarTalk episode delves into the fascinating world of mind-reading with Meta's Jean-Rémi King, a neuroscience researcher. The discussion covers various brain activity measurement tools, how AI decodes visual perception and language from neural signals, and the surprising similarities between AI models and the human brain. The conversation also explores the ethical implications and future applications, such as restoring communication for patients, while acknowledging current technological limits for true thought-reading.
In this episode of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Matt Kirshen delve into the quest for alien intelligence with SETI Institute co-founder Jill Tarter. They explore Tarter's journey into SETI, the technical and philosophical challenges of detecting technosignatures, the role of radio waves, and the societal implications of first contact. The discussion also touches upon the Drake Equation and clarifies misconceptions about UAP sightings, emphasizing the long-term optimism required for the search.
Join Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice as they answer an eclectic mix of fan questions in this 'Cosmic Queries' episode. Topics range from the fundamental properties of gluons and gravitons, to the implications of time dilation for interstellar travel. They also delve into the shape of the universe, the Casimir force, and offer advice for aspiring physics majors, all while humorously debating pineapple on pizza.
What is life? What is intelligence? What is… complexity? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly learn how complexity science, chaos theory, and emergence help us understand our place in the universe with David Krakauer, president of the Santa Fe Institute. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/emergence-explained-with-david-krakauer/ Thanks to our Patrons teonie, Dixie Gamoning, Greg Meyer, Mike Bilodeau, Mitche...
What’s really going on with UAPs? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Paul Mecurio get to the bottom of identifying the unidentifiable with Jon Kosloski, Director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-truth-about-uaps-with-jon-kosloski/ Thanks to our Patrons Glenn Fiskin, A. Certain Woman, Jeffrey Schwartz, Adam Watson, Micheal Lawson, Aaron Hardy, Terje Berg, Peter Wells,...
“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice chat with Jeff Goldblum about Jurassic Park, science, and more—joined by Bill Nye, a paleomammalogist and other experts. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/making-science-cool-with-jeff-goldblum/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and ...
Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts Zeljko Ivezic, Director of Rubin Observatory Construction, to discuss the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). The episode highlights the observatory's groundbreaking capacity to scan the entire sky every few nights for ten years, generating a massive 60-petabyte dataset. Key scientific objectives include discovering millions of new asteroids, mapping Milky Way stars, and probing dark energy. They also explore the critical role of AI, the project's technological prowess, and its commitment to open data for citizen scientists, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and sustained science funding.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly delve into human adaptability with evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer. They discuss how humanity's ability to thrive in diverse environments is our superpower, the genetic basis of human diversity, and the social construct of race. The conversation also explores biological adaptations to altitude, the legacy of Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA, and the health implications of modern sedentary lifestyles.
This StarTalk episode delves into the cutting-edge of exoplanet science with astrophysicist Anjali Tripathi. The conversation covers the rapid increase in exoplanet discoveries, the capabilities of new telescopes like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the proposed Habitable Worlds Observatory for direct imaging and finding biosignatures. They also explore planet formation, the unique characteristics of newly found worlds, and the challenges of detecting life beyond Earth.
This StarTalk episode challenges common perceptions by exploring the deeper meaning of dimensions, from spatial to temporal, and how higher dimensions might perceive our reality. The discussion then shifts to the elusive concept of faster-than-light travel, examining theoretical particles like tachyons, the expansion of the early universe, and how light behaves in different mediums. Finally, Neil and Chuck break down isotopes, explaining how varying neutron counts define different forms of elements and their critical role in applications like carbon-14 dating for understanding Earth's history.
Why do we die? Do we have to? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the paradox of death, the science of aging, and the search for immortality with Nobel Prize-winning structural biologist Venki Ramakrishnan. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Erick Schnell, Joey T, Nick Fortin, Karen Harbert, Jacob Kirkpatrick, Gunther Hammel, Frankie Blooding, Cynthia Maloy, Davlat Sirojitdinov, Abram Pousada, Adam Wyler, Greg A...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer diverse listener questions covering complex physics and cosmology. Discussions include probing quantum gravity with gravitational waves, the concept of using time to escape a black hole, the mechanics of plasma propulsion and its link to Einstein's equivalence principle, humanity's limited understanding of the universe dominated by dark components, predictions for the universe's end state and the Kardashev scale, the stability of our solar system against additional planets, and the mind-bending process of black hole evaporation and the information paradox.
Are advanced civilizations doomed to destroy themselves? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore the Cold War, The Drake Equation, and nuclear winter hypothesis with producer of Cosmos and Carl Sagan’s widow Ann Druyan and atmospheric scientist Brian Toon. Originally Aired August 8, 2022. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/nuclear-winter-with-ann-druyan-and-brian-toon/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new ...
When will the last supernova be? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore types of novas, freaky binary star systems, core collapse, standard candles, and the explosive future of Betelgeuse with astrophysicist Michael Shara. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/super-duper-novas-with-michael-shara/ Thanks to our Patrons Devon Gromko, Ron C, Blake Flynn, michelle slaughter, Mia Ham, Ryan Jacobs, Philipp Fallon, Ashley San...
Are we addicted… to revenge? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly break down the neuroscience behind revenge-seeking, what motivates violence, and how science can help stop it with James Kimmel Jr., lawyer, psychiatry lecturer at Yale School of Medicine, and author of “The Science of Revenge.” NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-science-of-revenge-with-james-kimmel-jr/ Thanks to our Patrons Daniel D., We...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore the philosophy of physics with expert Elise Crull. They discuss the historical intertwining and modern separation of physics and philosophy, the role of philosophical thinking at the frontiers of science like quantum gravity and cosmology, and the influence of worldview on scientific inquiry. The conversation touches on historical figures like Newton and Einstein and the ongoing interpretive challenges of quantum mechanics.
Can we fix the news? On this minisode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Gary O’Reilly sit down with Harleen Kaur, former space engineer and founder of Ground News, to explore our current media landscape, navigating bias, and fixing the internet. Go to https://ground.news/startalk to stay fully informed on the latest Space and Science news. Save 40% off through our link for unlimited access to the Vantage plan this month. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free he...
Neil deGrasse Tyson and guest physicist Lara Anderson explore string theory, a leading candidate for a quantum theory of gravity that aims to reconcile Einstein's General Relativity with quantum mechanics. They discuss how it posits fundamental vibrating strings and requires extra spatial dimensions, posing significant challenges for experimental verification. Despite testing difficulties, the theory has yielded profound insights into the relationship between gravity and particle physics (like the holographic principle) and spurred major advances in pure mathematics, highlighting the fertile ground where theoretical physics and advanced math intersect.
