Are Aliens Smarter Than Us? With Neil deGrasse Tyson and David Grinspoon

Can there be life on planets without magnetic fields? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice discuss exoplanets, extraterrestrials, and answer extraordinary questions from our fans with astrobiologist, David Grinspoon.

Can we entertain the idea of non-carbon-based life? We explore why carbon works so well for the basis of life and whether silicon-based life seems possible. What chemistry is different between the two elements? Learn about agnostic biosignatures and what the basic definition of life is. Is chemistry the same everywhere?

Why do we assume that any life we find will be more advanced than us? What would we do if we discovered life less technologically advanced than us? We discuss the SETI protocol and the likelihood that we would be able to communicate with aliens once we found them. Why are there supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies? How did they get there? Could there be life on a planet without a magnetic field?

How many Earth-like planets do we know about that reside in habitable orbits? We get into the JWST’s contributions to exoplanetary discovery and whether it would be possible to achieve a fully scientifically literate population like in The Orville. What aspects of planets are scientists looking for in the search for life? How close to a planet do we have to be to confirm these attributes? Was Venus once a habitable planet? We talk about runaway greenhouse effects and whether Earth could ever become what Venus is now. And finally our most important question: does weed still work in space?

Thanks to our Patrons el EC Podcast, neutronforce, Jim Crutcher, S Mokry, and Sly Sparkane 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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[StarTalk]

What's the first question you would ask a visiting alien?

[tripendicular]

David needs his own show. He’s a wealth of knowledge and so pleasant to listen to.

[mollybell]

Thank you to everyone that brings StarTalk to us. I just love this show. Can't get enough of you guys. 💗

[carnitagroves]

Neil and Chuck could discuss burnt toast and I'd still be enthralled. Its so cathartic to see how these two finesse science. NEVER

[BeamMonsterZeus]

The top like 5% of bears are smarter than our bottom percentile. Algae makes better choices than some people. I'm giving it a preliminary yes.

[GillMac]

I’m new to Startalk, but it’s my favorite “channel” (I turfed out the telly years ago). Intriguing subject matter, an intelligent presenter and guests; served with humour and good cheer.

[kimberliwilliams]

Thank you Neil for bringing love for science back

[sailorgeer]

On the question in science fiction about encountering intelligent but less advanced civilizations, this theme comes up repeatedly in the Star Trek canon, where humans (and other advanced species) decided on a policy of non-intervention and non-contact with any civilization not capable of interstellar travel, aka The Prime Directive. Humans themselves were left to themselves until the the moment they developed faster-than-light travel, at which point the Vulcans initiated First Contact. There’s also the famous quote from Arthur C. Clarke, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

[TheNightcrowsNest]

Wow.... Chuck had the best questions...he was on the same level as the other 2... Loved the silicon and conditions question... It blew my mind that someone had the boldness to think outside of our own understanding.... Good on ya Chuck!

[goldman]

Always a great privilege of learning new knowledge from you guys 🙏🏽

[rokku]

Thanks for the wonderful videos on discussions guys. They mean a lot to me

[MikeJamesMedia]

Thanks everybody, for the fun and interesting conversation!

[nichmoore]

I so love love love StarTalk!!! Thank you for always educating and enlightening us. Dr. Tyson and Lord Chuck Nice are such a great duo! - Fan and follower for life!🥰🌠

[riopugliese]

Always a pleasure to listen to this show. Keep it up, guys. You rock! 👍👍

[AnalogX]

I love StarTalk and all the hosts and guests always presented in an easy digestable format :)

[D.B..]

When discussing the limitations of variation between silicon bonds and carbon bonds, I wonder if there are places in the universe where some of our specialized and sophisticated materials occur naturally. Does plastic exist beyond our influence, occurring naturally? Are there mountain-sized semiconductors of silicon/germanium that could operate as giant, functional transistors, just as they are?

[leomartin]

I'd LOVE TO SEE a probe STUDY and photograph TRITON. I LOVE moons that have geological activity.

[glamourandgloom]

Love these talks, where can one submit questions for the show

[heatherdumas]

I remember back in 2011 or so seeing Neil deGrasse Tyson at our Phi Theta Kappa convention in Seattle. I was so impressed by his speech and presentation, just as I am by StarTalk. I'm glad I found this on YT. And I'm glad I found a brilliant mind like Mr. Tyson, who loves to question the Universe as much as the rest of us! Keep it up, Neil 🤗

[leswhitehouse]

Great show guys! The issue of finding less intelligent life is often addressed in Star Trek - hence the "prime directive" which says humans must not interfere with the development of species less advanced than ourselves