Cosmic Chemistry with Kate the Chemist & Neil deGrasse Tyson

How is chemistry different in space? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Matt Kirshen explore cosmic chemistry, the periodic table, and more with Kate Biberdorf aka Kate the Chemist. Is the periodic table complete?

How long after the Bing Bang did chemistry start? Learn about the chemistry of the universe and nuclear chemistry. Are molecules common in space? Could the periodic table of elements be different in different parts of the universe? Is the periodic table full? Discover what it takes to make a new element and learn about the work of Dr. Yuri Oganessian. How is chemistry on Earth different from other parts of space? We break down STP and a rare molecule made out of xenon.

To create life, is all you need just the right ingredients and enough time? Could aliens have a nitrogen-based system instead of a water system? Why are UV rays hostile to biology? We explore how sunscreen works and how UV radiation kills cells. We also discuss the logistics of hydrogen powered cars.

In a supernova explosion, how do we get heavier elements than iron? Is there a maximum molecule size? What is the most powerful chemical explosion we know of? Discover the difference between TNT and dynamite. Can we use light spectra to see alien pollution?

Thanks to our Patrons Matt Jones, Robby League, Jason D. Belcher, Timothé Payette, and Scott Hosier for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.

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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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2:40 - When did chemistry start?
6:20 - Is the periodic table different in other parts of the universe?
10:00 - Earth versus Space
12:30 - Rare molecules, STP, & Xenon
18:44 - Asteroids, Organic Molecules & The Building Blocks of Life
21:12 - Biochemistry On Other Planets & Nitrogen
24:20 - Why is UV light hostile to biology? Why?
28:00 - Parts of space we can’t go due to reactions with rocket exhaust and surrounding chemicals?
35:00 - Iron & Stellar Fusion: Where did the heavier elements come from?
37:50 - Maximum Element Size
40:16 - What’s the most powerful chemical explosion?
42:08 - Can we use spectra to see alien pollution?

[TheExplodingGerbil]

Kate The Great! Have her back again, brilliant communicator and enthusiasm 👏 👌

[zovke]

All my teachers together in 17 years of my education didn't have as much of enthusiasm and smiles as Kate had during this episode. It must be an true joy to attend her classes and the way she is explaining things to is just awesome. Truly enjoyed this one

[andypeiffer]

Chemistry is nuts. My least familiar area and love that Kate is back!

[joehebert]

UV light is often used by saltwater reef keepers as a sterilizer against cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates, and to reduce the spread of algae. Keeping a saltwater reef tank is a great way to interact with chemistry in a very practical way.

I really enjoyed this show and its positive energy.

[sebasfccs]

I'm not a scientist but I've always been curious about science and I loved to see that there are people like me. Thank you guys for feed us with this great knowledge

[thomasnickel]

Thank you so very much for your efforts. That was really super interesting. If everybody had teachers like you guys are, we would have been on Mars 40 years ago.

[stevesmith]

Kate was awesome. Such interesting topics and information. I love Chuck, but you can tell Matt did his prep for the show, which really made for an efficient session. 10 out of 10 episode.

[fizzy]

I love startalk. I love Kate the chemist. This is probably the best episode

[afrodesiac]

My favorite chemistry is the chemistry everyone on these shows has with each other 😁

[sakismpalatsias]

Wished I had her as a science teacher.. super cool.

[tonyb]

nicely done. glad to see a serious chemistry discussion from dr. kate instead of the middle school "volcanos" projects. i look forward to your podcast

[artdonovandesign]

I've said it before and now once again...I think that Dr. Neil is a bona-fide genius.

This 'genius' appears every once in a while, as the Professor is _still_ confined to the intellectual "parameters" of a popular YT show. So he can't go _too_ far, or very often.

But his brilliantly unique views on life and the cosmos do indeed appear- like a 'Magician's Flash Paper'- out of nowhere.

And when it does, I find it mesmerizing.

[dammy_henry]

one of the best episodes for sure. Kate was energetic and informative. love it

[sunflowerglitter]

Im so grateful I found your channel! 😊I was just watching the last episode you had with Kate and Chuck yesterday so to see you upload this video really made my day. Thank you! 😊 💗

[jamiboothe]

"Standard Temperature and Pressure" There is so much that is beautiful about that scientific ideal. That is how we live our lives and the chemistry of what we know so far. The segment about Xenon and it`s ability to change a bit under different circumstance is fascinating. We use Xenon, in extreme circumstance, to create the light that is powerful enough to illuminate the screens in traditional movie theaters. The Xenon is under pressure, and has shaped anodes and cathodes, that hold the plasma in a tight shape, depending on the need of the projector. The temperatures are just short of the temperature what would deform the Sio2 envelope, and the reducing types of glass that cushion the thermal shock. My point is, that chemistry is completely dependent on the changing STP, and mass will stay predictable, as long as the STP in knowable.

[trentmckenzie]

Having just read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, this episode was so poignant. Kate is such a delight and great communicator and the 3 of you all looked like kids having fun and learning cool science. Such a great episode.

[abduljabbarmohammed]

Kate's passion about chemistry is contagious.

[johnglielmi]

This was one of the best, and most informative episodes yet! Prof. Kate is incredibly articulate, she makes even us lay persons comprehend her explanations. This is why I am also such a fan of Dr. Tyson as well. If I remember it correctly. Alfred Bernhard Nobel The inventor of TNT created the Noble prize because of the destructive forces that TNT caused. and I've also heard that TNT is so unstable because it would sweat Nitro-Glycerin, which is highly reactive.

[BigScienceDP]

Fellow chemist here... Loved this episode! And I want that periodic table ❤

[barberchopin]

WOW Kate is incredible! Super knowledgeable, and an expert teacher!!