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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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.
What is infinity? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Negin Farsad explore whether we are in a finite universe, the issues with infinity, string theory, and more with theoretical physicist Stephon Alexander. Originally aired April 11, 2023. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-understanding-infinity-with-stephon-alexander/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a...
Is there life in the Venusian Clouds? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are joined by planetary astrobiologist David Grinspoon to discuss NASA’s return to Venus, our space future, and whether we’ll find life in our solar system. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Nick Pullia, Sean Cater, Keith Reiss, Seph Gordon, Charlie Viola, Miguel Rangel, Andrew Ferguson, JeAnnette Elaine Thomas, Hugh Caley, Daniel Weber, Chris, Pet...
This StarTalk episode, "Cosmic Queries – Black Hole Information Paradox," features Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delving into various scientific questions. They explain the resolution of the black hole information paradox concerning Hawking radiation and the preservation of information. Discussions also cover the unlikely scenario of our moon capturing its own moon, the physics of time travel as depicted in "Back to the Future," and the astrophysical meaning of "information." The episode also touches on lighter topics like ideal superhero identities and everyday science mysteries.
What happens when everyone knows what everyone knows? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice dive into human psychology and how recursive common knowledge is the invisible glue holding civilization together with cognitive scientist and author, Steven Pinker. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Zypherior (Fjottrik), Brett Peterson, Sheila Weinhardt, baltimega, Eric Gouse, Mathias Toft, Mike, Alex Boyer, Joey, Nathan, Mark, log...
Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to answer audience questions on the universe's biggest mysteries. They discuss the elusive nature of fields, the paradox of Hawking radiation near black holes, and the philosophical implications of the arrow of time and the Many Worlds Interpretation. The conversation also tackles the reality of dark matter, debunks quantum eraser myths, and explores the ongoing quest for a unified theory of everything, blending deep physics with philosophical insights.
Terraforming mars? How do black holes die? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer questions about the moon, periodic table of elements, light photons, black holes and more! Originally Aired August 3, 2021 NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-galactic-grab-bag-blue-steel/ Thanks to our Patrons….for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new epis...
Is time dilation just the data loading in a cosmic simulation? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer grab bag questions about saving the Sun, generation spaceships, bubble universes, and more! NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-expanding-bubble-universes/ Thanks to our Patrons Colbi Rohr, Designer Chrome, David Crawford, Faber Gabriel, Don, DJ, Ashur Isho, Steve, Logan Doherty, daveb, Alyssa, Dave Ross...
Is time fundamental to the universe or a human construct? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore our brain’s relationship with time, how we remember the past, and project the future with Dean Buonomano, Professor of Neurobiology and Psychology at UCLA. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/your-brain-is-a-time-machine-with-dean-buonomano/ Thanks to our Patrons Austin koffler, Tommy O’Connor, Igor Vihnane...
Can quantum tunneling occur at macroscopic scales? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice sit down with John Martinis, UCSB physicist and 2025 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, to explore superconductivity, quantum tunnelling, and what this means for the future of quantum computing. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/macroscopic-quantum-tunneling-with-john-martinis/ Thanks to our Patrons Fran Rew, Shawn Martin, Kyland ...
What’s the true color of the sun? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice discuss things you thought you knew about the color of the Sun, the sound of weather, and why friction is our friend. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-the-color-of-the-sun/ Thanks to our Patrons Jorge Aguirre, C&C Angeli, Len Brandis, Alan Parker, Aaron Ivey, AA-ron or just "AI", MD Bartlett, Nox, Nicholas...
What’s the deal with the strong nuclear force? Neil deGrasse Tyson answers the burning questions Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and the StarTalk Team have been saving all year about gravity as a force, cosmic rays, free will, emergence, and how physicists decide which equations to apply. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/our-burning-questions-free-will-emergence/ Thanks to our Patrons Hubert Górecki, Michele and David, Anto...
What’s a supervolcano? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen discover all types of volcanoes in the solar system with cosmochemist and author of Fire and Ice: The Volcanoes of the Solar System, Natalie Starkey. Is there such a thing as an ice volcano? Originally Aired October 5, 2021. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-space-volcanoes-fire-and-ice-with-natalie-starkey/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Po...
This episode dives deep into Nick Bostrom's simulation argument, examining the three propositions that suggest we might be living in a computer simulation. The discussion covers the computational resources needed for such simulations, how perceived reality might be rendered, and the potential motivations of advanced simulators, from entertainment to research. Neil and Chuck also probe the philosophical implications of free will and consciousness within a simulated existence, and how the concept of God might relate to powerful simulators.
How did scientists discover evidence for dark energy? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Paul Mecurio explore dark energy, Hubble tension, and the beginning and end of the universe with astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, Adam Riess. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/origins-of-dark-energy-with-adam-riess/ Thanks to our Patrons micpoc, Nathan, Matthew, Aislynn Schaffer, Mark Domino, Lou Wheeland, Matrograde, Elliott Natale...
Are our parts replaceable? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly sit down with bestselling author Mary Roach, who discusses her newest book, Replaceable You , and the quest to grow organs, build parts, and engineer the human body. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/replaceable-you-with-mary-roach/ Thanks to our Patrons Hubert Górecki, Michele and David, Antonio, Luigi, Normie, Ronald Stephens, Jessica Shaw...
What if our universe is the inside of a black hole… inside another black hole? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Paul Mecurio answer a grab bag of fan questions about black hole mergers, the misconception about gravity assists, and if there’s such a thing as laws of physics. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Beth, Rebecca Yoswein, Leigh, Desiree Doporto, Bao Le, Thomas Alvarez, Eric Venus, Max And Gaz, Angel, Rebecca Schatz, Micheal Booth, Bru...
What is truly foundational to the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice welcome particle physicist Brian Cox for a discussion about emergence, particles, consciousness, and the very fabric of spacetime. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/are-we-the-universes-way-of-knowing-itself-with-brian-cox/ Thanks to our Patrons Kyrie Diantonio, Brandon Zimmerman, Blane Sibille, Eva Dis, Micheal Bejarano, Z A N, Bart, Aaron G...
Are we making science fiction a reality? Is that a good thing? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, & Gary O’Reilly and guest Adam Becker, science communicator and author of More Everything Forever, discuss sci-fi dreams, tech-bro promises, and the real science shaping our tomorrow. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Jeremiah Washington, Lawrence Burr, PAscal, Melissa Lange, Noah Naccarato, christian lopez, Matthew Thomas Dunn, thalia...
Can you listen to a picture of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice welcome back Chandra X-ray Observatory data-sonification expert Kim Arcand of the to explore how translating cosmic data into sound lets us sense the universe in entirely new ways. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/sounds-of-the-cosmos-with-kim-arcand/ Thanks to our Patrons William Ash, Jonathan Bond, Frank Clowes, Aureus Griffith, Steven Tu...
Albert Einstein was, well, Albert Einstein. But was he right? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice investigate what it took to prove Einstein right, with theoretical physicist Dr. Jim Gates. Originally Aired October 19, 2020. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-proving-einstein-right/ Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial...
Do you feel the need… the need for speed?! Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice break down things you thought you knew about force vs. pressure, heat vs. temperature, and speed vs. acceleration. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/things-you-thought-you-knew-force-heat-speed/ Thanks to our Patrons Maria Almeida, Mitchel M, Christopher Nelson, Bob Swanson, Addison DeJesus-Lessing, Bradley D, Matt Chase, Patches, Jarrett Elli...
Why can’t we run through walls if atoms are mostly empty space? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, Gary O’Reilly, and astrophysicist Charles Liu explore force fields, warp drive, invisibility, and quantum physics behind superhero powers. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/superhero-science-startalk-live-with-charles-liu/ Thanks to our Patrons Dave, Downtime Coffee, David, Colby Bechtold, Carlo Gomez, Mark Hanley, zach, Dav...
In this "Cosmic Queries" episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice delve into fan questions covering diverse scientific topics. They discuss the implications of 4D beings, the diminishing practicality of space elevators, and profound questions about humanity's capacity to understand the universe. The conversation also explores the physics of light propulsion via solar sails, the dynamics of galaxy collisions, and the imaginative concept of spacetime functioning as a giant crystal lattice.
How do you know what you know? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore issues with quantum mechanics and objectivity, the history of physics, and how scientists ask questions on the edge of our understanding with philosopher of physics Elise Crull. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/the-limits-of-knowing-with-elise-crull/ Thanks to our Patrons Erik Nunez, Jim Zehr, Paulo Santos, Ken Cho, Dean Starbuck, Dan, S...
What does loneliness do to our brains? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore how the loneliness epidemic impacts our minds, bodies, and even our lifespan with neuroscientist Ben Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends: The Science of Social Connection. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/what-loneliness-does-to-your-brain-with-ben-rein/ Thanks to our Patrons kendrick bell, edthri, Patrick Canada, Robe...
