StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Fan Grab Bag

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we’re celebrating you! The fans! Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice are answering a special batch Cosmic Queries submitted by some of our most supportive fans.

Before we dive into questions, Neil and Chuck reflect on IQ tests. What happens when the person taking the test is smarter than the person who wrote the test? You’ll learn what it was like for Neil to be a student. Then we dive into the questions. Why are there so many spirals in nature? Neil tells us about his experiences filming Cosmos in a redwood forest and seeing spirals along the trunks of trees. You’ll learn about spiral galaxies and “density waves.”

Then, we investigate the rise and fall of the Arecibo Observatory. Neil gives us a history lesson on the significance of the telescope and it’s functionality. We discuss the slow demise and eventual shut down of the telescope. You’ll also learn about the Five hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope in China that’s currently the world’s largest filled-aperture radio telescope. Neil also explains why the plight of the Arecibo Observatory is a metaphor for science in America.

We ponder if machines can ever truly make art. Neil gives us his definition of art and why he thinks the only way for a machine to make art is to be a genuine artificial intelligence. What’s the most fascinating thing we’ve discovered in the known universe? Neil tells us why you can’t beat black holes. You’ll hear how scientists first discovered signatures of a black hole. All that, plus, discover more about the expansion of the universe and if it will end with the annihilation of spacetime.

In this episode, we’re spotlighting Cosmic Queries submitted by Patron Joel Cherrico. If you would like to have your questions featured in an episode through audio/video interaction with Neil, check out our Custom Queries reward on Patreon.

Thanks to our Patrons Joel Cherrico, Cory Farnum, Patti Weber, Vegard Gjertsen, Christopher Ludwig, Maria Atienza, Darshan Parmar, Larry Streeter, Kaleb Saleeby, Gregory Newman, and Jeffrey Moore for supporting us this week.

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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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[timmydecent]

whenever i cant sleep because of sad and stressfull thoughts i watch this channel. It makes me wander in sleep very nicely, thanks you guys

[chall]

This is what I fall asleep to. I’m heading to Patreon now. You two should never stop doing these. By far the best ones to sleep to. Chuck and Neil for life!

[locustfire]

Ah, my favorite comedy duo. It's always fun when it's Neil and Chuck

[zachl]

I personally believe that Chuck has the natural curiosity and the drive to dispense concepts and facts that would lead people towards heightened curiosity. Perhaps Chuck Nice should host Jeopardy

[witchdoctor]

The only people who no longer make mistakes, are those who are no longer on the frontier of inquiry - very well said.

[debbiehoagland]

Chuck is amazing. He's so quick witted and HILARIOUS!

[jayar]

I really hope Joel sends you just a handle lol that would make my day

[zomasm]

"Thank you for your 3 part video question!"
"And your money."
"cHuUuCk!"

[rfdrob]

This made my night. Thanks Neil, Chuck and especially Joel. Also thanks to everyone else for their cosmic queries!

[iStabSnipers]

I hope I'm not the only one who gets ecstatic when I see that it's another episode with chuck. Its sad days when chuck isn't here. I'm 1000% more likely to watch an entire episode when chuck is present. Some of your other guest co hosts don't have the same vibe that chuck sets to the episode.

[joshinnc]

I absolutely love cosmic queries! I wait for these.

[jpope]

I love seeing two black guys just nerding out. Thanks guys :). Representation matters. Peace.

[TheOkieLife]

If we ONLY do Cosmic Queries, I would not be mad. Thanks guys! We love all that you do, but this is BY FAR our favorite section.

I think I speak for all when I say this. And thank you!

[magdazgorska]

I have to say! Dr Tyson! You have a natural stand-up talent! IT was the funniest ( Smart as always) episodes of Queries ever! I was listening at work, and my co-workers kept asking if im listening to comedy:) thank you for a great morning and all the art topics. Im an artist myself and IT means a lot to me what you say! Cheers Chuck! Warm hugs from Poland!

[SvetYT]

Should've named that one Cosmic Queries - Joel Edition

[davidmikhael]

My friend and his family took me to Yosemite about 9 years ago and I looked up from the base of trees and wondered and appreciated the spiral effect of the trees. Thank you =)

[curtislindsey]

Chuck got a wine mug, Neil got a coffee mug... that checks out.

[letsplayanything]

im 28 with bachelor in business law and have never had a teacher who i admire, respect and follow as much as you Dr.Tyson!
I really appreciate your enthusiasm/willingness for teaching science/knowledge!

[krishnaharkless]

This is why I love science! From Carl Sagan to Neil. Love his books!

[gsav]

Chuck and Neil alone with a cosmic queries makes my week