Multiverses & Wormholes with Brian Cox & Neil deGrasse Tyson – Cosmic Queries

What properties are fundamental to the universe? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice take a deep dive into multiverses, inflation theory, wormholes, and quantum entanglement with particle physicist Brian Cox.

How different would the universe be if gravity were stronger? We explore what adjusting fundamental properties of nature would do and if the universe would even be able to form. What happens to the luminosity of a star when you change the gravitational constant? What is luminosity? Learn about Brian’s multi-city tour Horizons where he explores questions of the universe.

Is it possible that the laws of physics could be different beyond this universe? Are there galaxies beyond our horizon? We discuss the theory of internal inflation and bubble universes and how other universes could be different from our own. What is the underlying law of our universe? We break down string theory, quantum mechanics, and the many ways we could’ve arrived at the universe we now have. Can you really time travel through wormholes?

Are there microscopic wormholes? Find out what Albert Einstein, Nathon Rosen, and Kip Thorne all thought of wormholes. If there were permitted time travel would that mean there is no free will? Brian spoils the movie Interstellar and we learn about quantum entanglement. Could space and time be derived from something deeper? Could it be that entanglement is the fundamental thing that produced space? Is there an edge of the universe? How far are we from it? Just like an electron microscope, could we make a quark microscope to see things seven smaller? Could we someday see the strings from string theory?

Thanks to our Patrons Tony Thompson, Kevin the Sommelier, Verne Thomas Inman, PhD, Claudio Carletti, James Weldon, Satoshi Watanabe, Keegan Matthews, Sandy Moir, Jim Flatt, and Mason Grogan 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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0:00 - Introduction
0:46 - Brian Cox’s Background
1:46 - Brian Cox’s Tour
7:20 - What If Gravity Were Stronger?
12:34 - Multiverses & String Theory
25:36 - Wormholes & Time Travel
36:39 - Is Spacetime Fundamental?
41:17 - The Edge Of The Universe
43:46 - Quark Microscopes
48:08 - Closing Notes

[StarTalk]

What did you think of the image of Sagittarius A*?

[GreggyAck]

These two men have given me so much. We're lucky to have people like this.

[classyswag]

It is such an honor that Lord Charles Nice read my name on StarTalk and that Neil and Brian discussed my question. Thank you so much for entertaining my inquiry! 🙏 I love Startalk, Lord Nice, Neil and Brian. These three men are among my favorite in "entertainment." Much love for all of you! Keep doing what you're doing!

[ThorPalsson]

Honestly one of the best episodes in recent memory

[brandonsmith]

Thanks!
Thank you neil. You got me into science and space and really opened my eyes about the world we live in. I love the education you provide to us all. Thank you so much.

[niltonchirindza]

I think we all agree with the lady who said, *never stop this podcast* so please never stop

Thank you for making me fall in love with the universe

[tomaszborzecki]

After all them talks with Neil and his guests, Chuck should have got an honorary PhD in physics.

[XboneMalone]

I wish that Neil & Brian were tasked to provide a full curriculum on Science for the UK & US until from ages 5-16. Great communicators, engaging, inspirational.
That's in addition to teaming up with Chuck on a monthly basis to do more of this.

[sobhanhashemi]

I would have watch the whole thing if it was even 3 hours. The best episode with most updated theories and answers. Loved it.

[abhghin]

Big fan of Brian here, got to a learn a lot from two of his old shows - The wonders of the solar system and wonders of universe. The way he explained things such as entropy, formation of different metals in a dying star and how we are all made up of star is simply outstanding. he is a gem just like Attenborough.

[darkydoom]

My father was a fan of yours, Brian. I would have loved to have taken him to one of your talks when you come to Western Australia, but he passed a few years ago. I'm sure he's enjoying riding the cosmic waves now

[johnglielmi]

Two of my favorite physicists alive today, and on one show, how cool is that! love this one!

[LilLingLing]

We love Brian and Neil, they're both rock stars to us ❤️

[jenniferdragonfly]

🌟 We just saw the FIRST EVER image of Sagittarius A* - the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy - a few hours ago! How EXCITING is that?! 🥳 . . . for everyone else obviously . . . I mean, for me the best thing that happened today is this video.
Thank you guys for taking from your time to share with us. It is greatly appreciated. 🙂 Lots of love.❤️

[averageyoutubeuser]

I'm going to go see Brian's show next week; I'm looking forward to it! It seems like a lot of fun.

[arkobanerjee]

It is finally happening!! Brian and Neil...full episode...it's 1:40 AM in India and my night just got a little longer. Please don't let this episode stop. Just keep talking you two...please.

[cgzx]

Brian and Neil have given me so much and change my life thank you both never stop educating us

[matt-g-recovers]

My two favorite big thinkers, and an entertainment professional that I can respect and admire for their dedication made for a great episode. Thanks guys!

[avachabotroy]

Your cosmic queries videos are so fun to listen too! The way that you guys make science so interesting, and the ways that Neil simplifies things in ways that we can understand is amazing.

[dinoman]

Two of the greatest scientist coming together, it’s so great to me to see these two coming together