A Ripple in Spacetime with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Charles Liu

What if time had multiple dimensions? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly answer grab-bag questions about Hawking Radiation, the speed of light, and how rare black holes are with astrophysicist Charles Liu.

We break down the time dimension and how multiple time dimensions would change our concept of the past. Learn about the ripples in spacetime and if the universe was a 1950s Jell-O mold. Where does Hawking Radiation come from? Could it be that a black hole does not have an edge? We explain quantum mechanical tunneling and explore the mystery of what creates Hawking Radiation.

How many black holes are in our galaxy compared to stars? Neil and Charles break down the rations of stellar objects for us. Is the residual effect of the Big Bang fueling dark energy? We also discuss why consciousness is likely not a cosmic energy that can be quantified.

Learn about the speed of light traveling through different media. We explore the possibilities of combining artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Can someday a computer solve its own problems? What are the ethics of combining these powerful tools? Plus, discover who Charles Liu calls when he doesn’t have an answer.

Thanks to our Patrons Mapplicable, Sam J, Karen Goodger, Bean Mon, Brittany Mencotti, Jeremy Davidson, and Brian Giordano for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can 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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00:00 - Introduction: Charles Liu
2:18 - What If Time Had 3 Dimensions?
7:04 - The Medium of Spacetime
10:40 - Where is Hawking Radiation Coming From?
14:43 - Quantum Mechanical Tunneling
16:01 - How Many Black Holes Are In Our Galaxy?
22:01- Is Dark Energy Left Over From The Big Bang
24:23 - Is Consciousness Physical?
31:24 - The Speed of Light in Different Mediums
38:22 - Who does Charles Liu Call?
42:55 - Combining AI and Quantum Computers

[StarTalk]

What other questions do you have for our Geek-in-Chief?

[RobertsCandR]

I must have watched at least 100 episodes of StarTalk. My biggest takeaway from all the shows is this. It's the fact that the questions being asked to people like Neil, Chuck, Gary, and Charles, just prove that there really are a lot of intelligent, inquisitive, and curious people in the world. For me, as an older person, gives me such positive hopeful feelings for the success of humanity. Keep in mind, this comment is coming from a man, who when he was in his mid 20's, the internet was just barely an idea, and a cell phone looked like a walkie-talkie. My point is, as old as I am, I'm still impressed with the consistency of one of the most important human characteristics. And, that would be the need to know and learn. Truth be said, that's something we're really good at. Now, if we could just get over our worst human characteristic, "Greed", there's no telling how much good we could do for humanity.

[nickhodgkins]

Charles is so dignified, moderate and well mannered.

He is fittingly complimentary to the humour and dynamic discourse of Chuck, Neil and Gary.

[ai]

Dr. Liu is a great guest. I think he explains things realy well and has a good sense of humor.

[stonerainproductions]

Charles Liu is such a force of nature. This team of Neil, Charles, Gary and Chuck is amazing.

[cyclingnerddelux]

Charles Liu is a wonderful communicator and a great sport.

[WillCotinho]

I swear these are the best and my favorite episodes! Everytime I see the dream team (Charles, Chuck, Neil and Gary) I just know it's gonna be very substantial, very educational and funny! Can't get enough of these.

[westleyrowe]

Chuck really has gotten so much smarter over the years from this show, you can tell the way he asks questions now compared to the beginnings of the show

[CaptainKwame]

It's been such a long week, and I am so glad to see Professor Liu back! Makes this Friday that much better!

[runger]

I love Charles! He's so good at explaining things

[dunderwood]

Dr. Charles Liu + Dr. Tyson + Gary O ÷ Lord Nice = the perfect episode #ScienceROCKS Bless up from the Bronx NY.
We will be observing the Stars from Jerome Park observatory in short order, thanks to Dr. Tyson #RESPECT

[SuperiorDave]

One reason I love watching star talk with chuck on. It's because he throws the joke out there at the exact time. It's needed and the exact time that I myself would throw one out like he did with the charlie brown joke.

[bdri]

Charles liu is the best of the nerds. We need at least 3 hours of him ❤❤❤❤

[notarealperson]

Jello is also a good analogue for spacetime because spacetime is expanding and there's always room for Jello

[ThePassportGod]

Man, I love that Chuck is on the show. It kind of makes it more like high school mixed with college. He makes a conversation actually normal and not just about a bunch of experts yelling at a bunch of facts about different topics

[jeanwren]

Thanks Neil! Every time I go hiking I'm going to tell myself I'm not a particle trudging up this hill 🥵, but I'm a wave that's already on the other side of it 😂😂😂

[criy_mtv]

I didn't know I needed this right now.

[notinmanitou]

What a joy to have these four great minds together! They prove the old adage "Time flies when you're having fun." Please do this more often!

[CiaoBello]

Every time the Charles Liu is in the show I get hyped up because he’s soooo knowledgeable!

[Goodjobeveryone]

Yes!!! A new star talk always brightens my day, thank you!