Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Achieving Orbit

What does a falling apple and the moon have in common? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore gravity, Sir Isaac Newton, and how objects acheive orbit. Has Chuck ever been in orbit?

Discover the history of our orbiting moon with Sir Isaac Newton. What would happen if you fired an apple from a mountaintop? Learn how Newton connected the falling apple to the orbiting moon. How can objects escape gravity? What does “falling” even mean? Why are astronauts weightless when they are in orbit? Neil voices some qualms he has with the film Ad Astra and you’ll hear a reading list to learn more about Newton. Is he truly the world’s greatest intellect?

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:

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!

#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[bootney]

Neil - “Chuck, you ever been in orbit”?
Chuck -
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[nosferatu]

BEST opening ever.... "have you ever been in orbit"? "Ehmmm" "The answer is No" 🤣🤣🤣 I live for these two boys 😍

[Abhishek_Sarbhukan]

Neil: Chuck, you ever been in orbit?
I was expecting Chuck to say, "Well, I am in orbit around the sun from last 45 years or so."

[saschaschneider]

“The Guide says there is an art to flying", said Ford, "or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” ― Douglas Adams; Life, the Universe and Everything

[thechosenone]

I got kicked out of a Flat Earth Facebook group for asking if the social distancing rule pushed anyone over the edge yet

[jimkurth]

This blew my mind regarding the reason for free fall or weightlessness. Wow! Never seen things like that but makes perfectly logical sense. I really enjoy this YouTube channel. Always learning something new

[johnalexwallwall]

You two bring me such happiness I swear, thank you guys

[JJs_playground]

It's actually amazing that newton was able to deduce the apple and moon are both falling to earth.

Same goes for Einstein and his special / general theories of relativity.

[luccasthomazzi]

I’ve been watching StarTalk for a long time. I’ve seen many episodes on incredible things. But this one was so well explained by Neil that you feel like you can go through the thought process of Isaac Newton. Then you realize how genius his idea was. Love the show! Love you Neil!

[TheKki]

Newton was a genius to even begin comparing the free-fall of an apple to the moon's orbit. Side note: Chuck also deserves his props for taking on this job and holding his own/being able to keep up with Neil.

[murasaki]

“There is an art to flying, or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. ... Clearly, it is this second part, the missing, that presents the difficulties.” -The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

This description of orbit is what every Kerbal Space Program player learns. As you see your rocket's curve on the map and you fire the engine, you see that curve extending further and further until it misses the ground entirely.

[lethabothibedi]

Did Neil really let “Boomerapple” slide? 😂😂

[sagarkardak]

I regret watching audio only podcasts and missing Neil's laughter

[nofarDcohen]

The Expanse did the gravity acceleration thing really well.

[maestrobassyo]

Chuck is a big reason why I watch this, super funny guy!

[JG-ztcg]

Talk about Newton but man, Neil is one of the most brilliant minds of our time. May he continue to amaze us with his knowledge of the universe and his wisdom.

[ScienceManiacCZ]

One of my favorite historical greats is Leonardo Da Vinci and to know that Newton is as diverse as he was is awesome and makes me want to learn more about him! Always learn SO MUCH when I watch these vids!!

[SharpSapphire]

I love these two guy’s synergism. They’re super great together. Always a thoughtful and entertaining show, every one. Just love it!!

[troyporter]

this video is so underrated - too little views!...BEST EXPLANATION EVER. Great stuff guys!

[LaBelleTML]

Some people don't know why objects orbit around the earth.
They just don't understand the gravity of the situation.