The Edge of Our Understanding with Brian Greene & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Are humans smart enough to uncover the secrets of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the singularity, string theory, free will and more with theoretical physicist Brian Greene.

Does quantum mechanics prevent an infinitely small singularity in a black hole if nothing can be smaller than a Planck length? Explore with us the mathematical breakdown at the singularity and what we know about what goes on there. Can relativity and quantum mechanics ever truly meet?

We discuss if anything in our universe truly has free will. What is free will to a photon that does not perceive time? We discuss the role of aesthetics in theoretical physics, whether string theory is right, and why it's taking so long to uncover the entire universe.

How is E = mc^2 actually used? We break down the mass-energy equivalence and how it is demonstrated in everyday life. What would a scaled-up atom look like? Is there a geometric center of the universe? Will we ever reach a point where quantum physics can no longer be proven experimentally? All that, plus, we explore what the next major breakthrough might be and whether it will shatter our understanding of the universe as we know it.

Thanks to our Patrons Christian Attwood, Tyler Loveland, Ruhan Periyacheri, Jeff Parker, Ed Thorton, and Dakota Ponder 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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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Brian Greene
7:26 - Does Quantum Mechanics Prevent an Infinitely Small Singularity?
15:07 - Are We Predestined?
19:45 - Why Strings? Why Not Another Smaller Particle?
27:29 - How is Mass-Energy Equivalence Used?
32:47 - What Would a Scaled Up Atom Look Like?
35:48 - What’s At The Center of the Universe?
38:44 - Will We Reach a Point Where Quantum Mechanics Can’t Be Proven?
41:30 - What Will the Next Breakthrough Be?

[Sorteal]

I love it when Brian Greene is on the show. The chemistry between all three of them is great. I vote for more Brian Greene.

[DaleGusta]

Isn't it time for Chuck's graduation as an amateur astrophysicist soon?
I'd love to see an episode where Neil and the producers select the questions, and put together a special "Things you ought to know by now"-episode where Neil reads the questions, Chuck replies, and then Neil elaborates.

Chuck, we believe in you! 👏

[annrobinette]

Brian Greene is one of the best teachers and my favorite astrophysicist!

[triberium_]

Man I just love Brian Greene's ability to explain such complex ideas and concepts. Truly incredible times we live in to be able to witness such insights from a fellow human being.

[jimfox]

Neil, I am so glad you gave Chuck a celebratory educational certificate!! 😊.. I love your show and it has been very noticeable how much Chuck has learned over the years!! I can tell by the great questions that he ask. Keep up the great work both of you!! I Learn and Laugh every time I watch an episode!! Knowledge and laughter is a great combination.

[dachannien]

On the lucid dreaming topic: I once had a lucid dream in which I realized I was dreaming, and the dream was kind of creeping me out, so I wanted to wake myself up. When I woke up, it turned out that I didn't really wake up at all - I dreamt that I woke up, but was still actually asleep. That also broke the lucid dreaming effect, since I thought I was awake. I was super convinced that I was awake, too, until a few minutes later when I woke up for real.

....Or did I???

[FreemanPresson]

A string theorist was in his office, kissing his secretary. His wife walked in, gasped, and turned to leave. The theorist said, "Wait a while, and I will explain everything!"

[eddiecampbell]

I must say that Chuck learning alot and actually retaining it has been fun to watch over the many videos.. he's coming out with the right answers too so we know he's paying really good attention with the explainers with done Neil . It's fitting that he actually was given a diploma of sorts from Neil for how much he's actually learning and showing it too lol

[SamusSelf-Destruct]

I love Brian Greene always. He’s such a fascinating and compelling communicator when it comes to the weirder and more complicated edges of science.

[GuilleVQ]

I'm a huge fan of Brian Greene's books. "Until the End of Time" was an amazing journey of learning for me. Love the idea of using the empire state as a graphic reference of eons passing. For the past 5 years, I've been exploring the hobby of learning about relativity and how the universe actually works, and I've read all of Brian Greene's books and also many other authors. Thanks for having him on start talk again.

[thrivebox]

Can’t get enough of this. Incredible guest. Great comedian. Incredible brains. Ridiculous conversations that make your neurons twitch. Been watching start all for some time now. Thank you gentlemen

[jashley]

Chuck is doing an outstanding job managing the show. Loving it gents!

[kingdemon]

Always a pleasure to have Professor Brian Green come on and enlighten us

[pranavkrishnasamy]

Brian greene is an absolute treasure to our generation gifted by the universe

[reXdownhamOG]

I’m currently 67 years old and I’ve been a lucid dreamer since early childhood. Recently, I’ve gained a new level of control over my ability to fly while in this dream state. For years, I would always wake myself up because I feared accidentally hitting the power lines. This was frustrating. Now, I’ve overcome this fear. I can jump from very high places and fly from there, whereas in the past, I didn’t have that level of confidence. I also was able to help someone (in the dream) learn to fly, simply by suggestion; instead of ‘teaching’ them to fly, I only needed to suggest they try it themselves. It’s an interesting time for me in my dreams, that’s for sure. -Love you guys. My favorite podcast!!

[Nihilian]

This is the first time I’ve heard someone share my exact thoughts on free will. I’ve explained this several times to many people, so this is pretty awesome! Thanks!

[mudassarm]

I like to see the people and discussions at the edge between the known and the unknown ... Neil is great when he talks about the universe, philosophy, astrophysics and science ...

[danielwest]

i cannot imagine great teachers that are more interested and caring about their science as you two wise human beings, and all of your guests that I have heard in your discussions. Thank you sincerely for all you do to educate people in your lives as teachers. Kudos

[grawl]

Brian fits perfectly here. Humor sparks, the talk is fluent and relaxed. Interesting topics. Real pleasure.

[mikesandell]

The way you bring intelligence and inspire us all to see the intelligence in us all is so inspiring. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all!