StarTalk Podcast: Quirky Cosmic Queries

To start, we investigate binary star systems. Would planetary orbits be stable in binary star systems? Neil tells us why orbital allegiances might vary. Then, we ponder if humans would be the most intelligent species in the universe if it turns out there is no other intelligent life. Find out why it’s more likely than unlikely that intelligent life is out there somewhere. Neil breaks down the intelligence gap between chimps and humans and the possible intelligence gap between humans and extraterrestrial life. Could aliens have visited us already and we didn’t know?

We discuss the idea of immortally. You’ll learn why Neil thinks the first person to live forever is already alive. Paul shares why he thinks it’s Beyoncé. We ponder the downsides of living forever and why death gives meaning to life.

Neil tells us what science fiction concept he would like to see become reality. We debate the merit of x-ray vision and warp drives. Discover more about ʻOumuamua, the interstellar object that passed through our solar system in 2017. Could it have been an alien space probe? Was it just another comet? Or could it have been something else?

Lastly, we dive into a passionate debate on the relationship between science and creativity. We explore the counterintuitive nature of the universe. All that, plus, we also investigate the multiverse and why, even in the multiverse, there’s still only one “you.”

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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

[gloriamitchell]

I would love to have Neil at a dinner party of introverts. Non stop entertainment. So much love for him.

[paranoxxxx]

Dr. DeGrass Tyson I thank you. I don't disparage any of the inspirational teachers I've had in my educational life at all but I have to count you as the greatest. I listen or watch you and I take notes on what you teach so that I can get the books and learn even more later. Teachers give their students the ideas that further their own ability to learn on their own after the teacher is done speaking and you do that for me everytime. It is the greatest gift. I can not express how much joy its given me over the years that you've spent your time sharing your vast and brilliant mind with the world. Or how much I've learned in direct response to the things you've made me aware of. There is no real way to thank you for it so I'll tell you a little truth. Ever since I was 12 years old my person motto has been 'Just look up' and it made me smile to find out years later that one of the greatest science educators on out fair planet had one so similar. I look up to you.

[UncleTD]

So pleasing that our personal astrophysicist is also a brilliant philosopher.

[Esssentialss]

36:12 Non-existence upon death: Something I already agreed with, but hearing it explained this way is terrifying, yet motivating. Why the hell did I watch this before bed 🤦🏾‍♂️

[OverPoweredLIVE]

If only we all had a professor like NDT, learning physics would've been awesome!

[Cepheid_]

I love the dynamic of having comics as co-hosts on a science talk show. I would love to see casual, raw, uncensored conversation between Neil and Bill Burr.

[MrZed_]

I also want to give Neil his roses while he is here:


Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and conveying it in a way that a simpleton, such as myself, can understand. I love your work!

[jerrydeanswanson]

Hearing "Who's Your Daddy" in an explanation of planetary gravity is too funny!

[chrislilly]

“8 planets” <Neil looks meaningfully at the camera> I saw that look Neil! (Me wearing my “Never forget Pluto” shirt.). Just coincidence, but amusing to me.

[skydivekrazy]

The friendship and chemistry between you two is awesome.

[GMVTV]

Such a wonderful show. I've just subscribed yesterday, but now got hooked on so hard, been marathoning, and just wish that we will never ran out of this shows. Damn good show

[TwinsenR]

Just in time to wind down the last hour of my day at work, thank you Neil and Chu...Paul!

[nazianafis]

The difference between artistic creativity and scientific creativity was spot on. I second it!

[paulvamos]

Neil, you need to write an Astrophysics for Dummies because you get me to understand what baffled me when others tried to teach me! You are my favorite teacher because you are funny, understandable and you connect with us on so many levels! You get us!

[saulloweryproductions]

Every time I watch a talk of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, I feel like I unlock a new path of thought.

[ActionJackson]

Paul Mecurio is an acceptable backup for Chuck. But he definitely a bench player when Chuck is back because he is the G.O.A.T.. Can't start over the G.O.A.T. but thank you to Paul for filling in and doing a swell job we appreciate it

[heraldkris]

We need a show with just Chuck and Paul trying to answer questions!

[a.gazelle]

This is the most informative video watched since the beginning of YouTube. Thanks 🙏

[youtubesnoopy]

@ 28:25 : The comic makes a good point. A star-hopping civilization could certainly master remote real-time interaction, a Bose-Einstein joystick.

@30:59 : How much energy would have been required to impel the course change that Oumuamua underwent? Has any comet ever exhibited that much 'jet caused momentum change'? What explanation credibly explains why its' change in course occurred shortly after passing earth? Does any one alternate explanation answer those questions satisfactorily?

Great show again. Surprisingly intimate in a slightly brutal way. The comic really warmed up to making good insights later in the show.

[-_-]

I like this cat. He's getting it, and he's putting things accurately into simple phrases.