A Stellar New Year with Neil deGrasse Tyson – Cosmic Queries

What will first contact with aliens be like? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice say “Happy New Year!” by answering a grab bag of fan questions about aliens, string theory, moon landing skeptics, and more!

Will our first contact with aliens mean doom for us all? We explore why that might not be the case. Is it all just a projection of ourselves? Are we all just worms on a street? Is it true that string theory requires ten dimensions? Are particles points or strings? Learn about electrons, electricity, and matter in higher dimensions. What is a positron?

If we wanted to create a second moon how would we do it? We explore how much stuff it would take and the impact of gravity. Is it possible to make anything other than a sphere? We ask: Why is there so much skepticism about the moon landing? Is there any believable way it could’ve been faked? We break down moon landing deniers and why they’re right– just kidding, they’re completely wrong.

We explore plans to return to the moon and the commercialization of space travel. Are there any resources on the moon that we could use? Could we make Disneyland on the moon? Could people live there? At 1% of Earth’s mass, it’s a small world, after all. Discover NASA’s history with commercial industries and how exploration and research often pave the way for the industry. All that, plus, hear Neil’s reflections on the past year, and hopes for the new one.

Thanks to our Patrons Mahina Knuckles, Robert Slosser, Brandon Herbst, Joshua DeNoyer, Chazz Gencarelli, christopher manley, Michelle Foster, Lunavyx, Kenneth Freeman, and Andrew Staupe 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!

#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

0:00 - An announcement from Chuck
0:37 - Introduction
02:23 - What will be our first contact with alien life and how will it be received?
09:28 - Are particles point-like or string-like? And does string theory require 10 dimensions?
16:15 - What would it take for humans to create an object in space with a gravitational pull?
20:52 - Why is there so much skepticism around the moon-landing?
24:44 - Are plans to return to the moon relevant?
32:31 - NASA's role in the space community and the commercialization of space
36:09 - Neil's personal reflections
39:18 - Closing notes

[wildmanjeff]

Mr Tyson, you are hereby nominated for our spokesperson. I agree no politicians or gov heads. Thanks for the video

[erickm]

The final thoughts from Mr. Tyson brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for all you and Chuck do for us.

[andythrush]

Great program. Chuck and Neil need to take their act on the road. Neil using comedians to sell science is absolutely beautiful!

[smallz]

I think a great idea for a short episode would be neil and chuck going through some of their favorite science words and why! It would strike some rather interesting conversations I presume. I love the show neil and chuck! Thank you guys for everything and I hope you will consider!! From Canada MB

[dezaraydunigan]

I love this channel and all it's videos! So informative and I always get a good laugh or smile. I Appreciate all the hardwork you guys do! Happy new year to you all. Wishing loads of good health and happiness! 💕💕

[stephanienirenberg]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. MY SON AND I ARE SO HAPPY BECAUSE OF A NEW ONE.THIS EPISODE IS EXCELLENT!

[mr.aleximer]

Can't wait for many more content from James Webb telescope that is yet to come and all those new topics for Startalk.

[maxwilliams]

Thanks for everything you do!! Happy new year to Neil, Chuck, and the team!

[Tom-dtic]

As great as Neil is, and he is GREAT, none of this works without CHUCK!

[izzhakeem]

When Brandon said that he read The Universe in a Nutshell by Neil deGrasse Tyson, I genuinely felt like I was in parallel universe where that book is written by Stephen Hawking😂.
Anyway, to be confused with the legend Stephen Hawking is surely an honour😌

[rebeckamiller]

You guys make science fun and love listening to you and learning new things

[Nitelifebuzz]

21:23 - Chuck goes off to die from laughter & Neil keeps ploughing through with information. LOVE IT 🤣

[mountainmanwatchreviews]

I nominate Neil to be the ambassador of Earth on first contact.

[justinzaff]

The laughs they have together are so good !
We should all laugh more .
Best medicine as they say .

[MrDelishes]

It would be great to have that signed book, but I'm glad they are trying to expand how and what they like to explain about the cosmos. Love it.

[dudedude]

My new favorite YouTube channel. Thank you Neil and Chuck and the rest of the crew that all make StarTalk possible. I’m looking forward to another year of the channel and Cosmic Queries!

[darrellwaggerby]

Filled out the survey before watching the vid. I love Startalk ❤

[jonathanganira]

If Chuck is on, it's a must watch.

[christianharriot]

Lord Chuck,
Please do not sell yourself short. You bring lots to the table. You and Neil work well together and your absence is notable. The guests that have been in your stead have done well but pale in comparison to the relationship and banter you bring. Keep being you. You are important.

[gregorycampbell]

Filled the form 👍 Thanks for the show. I love putting it on for the family to listen too.