StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Black Holes and Dark Energy, with Neil deGrasse Tyson

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we bring you the classic StarTalk formula that you’ve come to know and love. Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on the mysteries of the universe, specifically, black holes and dark energy.

We start with a simple question: are we sure there’s a black hole at the center of the galaxy? Neil teaches us the methods we use to measure black holes. He also reminds us of the Copernican principle. You’ll learn why the more massive the galaxy, the more massive the black hole at its center. Neil and Chuck reminisce on the movie Marooned. Discover more about electron degeneracy, neutron stars, and pulsars.

You’ll hear if it’s possible for a black hole to re-ignite into a star once it loses enough mass through Hawking radiation. Chuck has an idea for a science fiction film about a killer black hole until Neil squashes it with some Star Trek trivia. We explore whether a black hole can warp spacetime around it. You’ll learn what happens to the gravitational well of a star if the star comes across a black hole. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a show about black holes if we didn’t talk about the movie Interstellar.

We ponder if “Planet 9” could be a black hole. If the Earth turned into a black hole would it still orbit the sun? The answer may surprise you. We investigate what might be at the center of a supercluster. Then, we dive into dark energy. Neil explains why dark energy is still mysterious. You’ll also learn more about the Albedo effect and the Doppler shift. All that, plus, you’ll find out if dark energy has an impact on your everyday life.

This episode originally aired February 24, 2020.

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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

[archmage_ged]

Chuck Nice is the best co-host. Period.

[docmarshall]

Problem: "We want more questions" and "we want longer answers"
Solution: longer show! Can't get enough of watching NDT and Chuck

[mrnexus]

"Neil DeBlack Google" - Chuck 2020

[noisycarlos]

Love these. The right amount of science and lightheartedness.
Gotta love Chuck.

[Chet_Brinkley]

Mr.Tyson and Mr. Nice are a perfect combination. You play off each other's energy in a way that makes me not want to stop watching and I'm left looking forward to the next episode.

[IIxViiprzv]

We want more questions AND long answers 😄

[Archan]

I could listen to those two forever, lol. They are so funny and entertaining with science thrown in the mix.

[draelon]

I really can't overstate how much I envy this man. I realize a lot of his time is taken up with appearances and other social obligations, but having the mathematics foundation he has and the fundamental understanding of things that comes with is literally the greatest thing I could wish for. I went into the service because (unknown at the time/am now medicated & self-aware) I had ADHD, and knew I'd never be able to hold my focus through college. While in the service, I spent 10 yrs as a computer programmer and 7 more as the equivalent of an industrial hygienist... I've been an ionizing radiation safety officer (which required rudimentary training in that area to understand & calculate everything), evaluated multiple non-ionizing radiation sources (calculating and later measuring overlapping sources for occupational safety lines), and working with air/soil/water sampling and calculating my results was honestly both my greatest strength and love (next to my wife & kids). Now I'm a "retired" stay-at-home dad, and very rarely get to challenge my math knowledge. I'm happy with myself, but I can honestly say, this man's life is more than I'd ever be able to reasonably dream for myself. Mr. Tyson, I salute and congratulate you for both your accomplishments and the understanding you share with the world. Thank you.

[professorsypher]

I love when Neil gets so excited about something that he just starts hitting Chuck.

[jasonwilcher]

Keep the long answers AND add more questions, you could make the episodes a lot longer. The Joe Rogan Experience is evidence that people want to listen to long form discussions like that. 3 hour cosmic queries episodes would be wonderful!

[PremierCCGuyMMXVI]

Man these Podcasts are very interesting. I’m re-thinking my existence.

[personagrata]

Found this channel from CinemaSins and so glad I did. Dr. Tyson is the perfect way to start my day. You are so very awesome Dr. Tyson.

[Jay-omgr]

Plot twist: Chuck low key has had a bachelors in physics this whole time.

[Grygryjr]

Earnest Rutherford discovered that the atom was mostly empty space. J.J Thompson discovered the electron. Love the show. Currently combing through every episode and I'm positively enlightened.

[MikeyIsLive]

What I really like about Neil is he explains it in a way even I can understand lol enjoying this show so much, Thank you 🤯

[Nextwavegamez]

These two individuals are a gift to our world! Amazing podcast show

[xqw]

14:50 the gold foil experiment was performed by Rutherford :)

[joshuamcmellon]

I love this channel so much. You two entertain my wondering mind all everyday while I'm at work and while I'm watching TV at home. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you two. Probably keep wondering.😂

[DrJonesJazzMore]

someone : asks a question
Neil : well, there is a movie...

[sweetpeasbackyardgarden]

Neil's laugh is fantastic!!! This is now one of my top 5 episodes!!