The Science of Star Trek with Dr. Charles Liu

Could we create warp drive someday? In this Star Trek-themed episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice team up with astrophysicist Charles Liu to dive into the science, technology, and legacy of one of the most influential sci-fi franchises of all time: Star Trek.

We answer questions about quantum entanglement, the size of electrons, and the real science behind Trek tech or Treknology. How close are we to warp drives, transporters, and subspace communication? You might be surprised to hear what’s theoretically possible and what remains in the realm of science fiction.

We discuss technology that exists already and the solutions to storytelling challenges through warp drives and dilithium crystals. Learn about the show’s physics, from phasers and antimatter to the mycelium network’s fascinating parallels with fungal biology. How do you store antimatter without it annihilating? Plus, find out who everyone’s favorite characters are and who they relate to most.

As we reflect on the series’ 23rd-century vision, we ask: Could humanity achieve Trek-level tech by 2260? We discuss the physics we’re missing and the collective imagination and determination it takes to advance our understanding of the universe.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Star Trek
03:54 - The Size of an Electron
05:37 - The Technology in Star Trek
15:40 - Laser, phasers, and Transporters
23:40 - Warp Speed and the Expansion of the Universe
27:18 - Favorite Star Trek Characters
33:54 - Is Faster Than Light Travel Possible?
37:32 - How to Contain Antimatter
41:58 - Will We Ever Get the Tech in Star Trek?
46:38 - Star Trek Trivia
A Cosmic perspective

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[simplyme]

Dr. Charles dealing with Neil and Chuck's sense of humor is a Master class of staying on topic

[terryl]

Dr Liu is an individual that almost anyone would enjoy listening to him explain a subject.

[teilanittv]

You can tell Charles loves Star Trek. Its not so much that most people who love Star Trek know every little detail about Trek, but you can always tell a real fan of the shows when they can remember the name of the episodes. When Charles bring up Tapestry, I was like, ok...this guy is a fan. This was such a fun podcast.

[Grygong]

I love dr Charles, he’s so calm, collected, well worded and has a great sense of humor and wonder! We need longer episodes with him!

[cchanchurro]

Actually the most unbelievable thing about Star Trek is that humanity has come together in common cause and lives in a eutopia on Earth

[bg]

I made my first video call in 1964, Tomorrow Land, Disneyland, California. I spoke to another child on the other side of Tomorrow Land. Granted, it took a camera the size of a small refrigerator and dedicated data lines for the 100 or so feet to the other caller, but it was my first video call! Only had to wait another 40 years to make another video call. And now, I shy away from all cameras on video calls and just leave a picture of a Coot on the screen so they think I'm listening. Such fun.

[StarTalk]

For all the Trekkies out there, what's your favorite bit of Star Trek technology and why?

[lambentkith]

I love when the guest are also authors. It's like a science book club. This is the next book to read.

[photographerjonathan]

Love this conversation about StarTrek. such a great show. when I was kid my parents bought me a Honda 70. with the agreement that I would clear the dinner table every night and do the dishes for six months straight. so every night after dinner my family would go in to the living room. and my mom and brother would watch the Original StarTrek. and I would listen to it in the kitchen while doing the dishes. but through out the years I got to watch it many times. and it's one of my favorite shows. I love it till this day.

[seantlewis]

I was born in 1966, the same year Star Trek premiered. My middle name is "T", like James T Kirk. I'm always with the Trek, and glad you're talking about it.
Favorite character: I'm with Scotty all the way. "Scotty" has been one of my nicknames since I was a teen. The character motivated me to become an engineer.

[drwho]

What was really intriguing about Star Trek, was that there was philosophy in dual tandem with the fantasy science. You know there was always that philosophical reflection at the end of the show. That was so cool.

[Rick-cs]

I appreciate that the prime purpose of Star Trek is to provide a "futuristic" environment to tell stories that will inspire us to be better individuals & a better society for tomorrow. The science is the McGuffin; the message in the stories is what we we love most in Star Trek... If they also challenge our scientific imaginations too, then that's is a terrific bonus...

[CumminsHider]

My all time favorite guest, Dr. Charles

[arthurallsopp]

Chucks Questions are great. He's not a Science guy so he asks all kinds of out side of the Box questions. Such a great show. Cheers Neil.

[kmix]

Chuck questions are the best the way Neil laughs is so refreshing I learn so much with these 2 please guys never fall out keep this going forever ❤

[aliiorga]

This is just incredible insane....😮 I just finished watching all the Star Trek films, and one of my first thought was "I have to ask Neil and Chuck what they think about this" ... And now I find this....😮

[jeffjabas]

The Chuck humor coming out of Tyson and how awkward it makes his guests! 😆 🤣 😂

[BetaBlue]

The funnest thing for me that has come from Star Trek so far is the discovery after the fact that Transparent Aluminum is a real thing!

[Lisa_McGuire]

When Neil gives a Cosmic Perspective - immediately my anxiety drops and I feel a calmness smoothing my thoughts. I’m am lucky to be living in a similar timeline with y’all🥰

[TheTontomtoofat]

I'm so glad I found this podcast. Every episode I have listened to has brought me so much joy. 10/10