StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Until the End of Time, with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Brian Greene

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries with the help of theoretical physicist and author Brian Greene. Brian has been a frequent guest on StarTalk and always tends to blow our minds when he shows up – this time is no different. The topic for this episode is Until the End of Time, which also happens to be the name of Brian’s new book!

How far will we journey into the cosmos during our lifetime? Neil and Brian ponder this but they also debate how long humanity will last in general. Will we outlive the predicted length of existence we’ve seen from other species? Will we destroy ourselves? What happens if we send a crew into interstellar space and when they return everyone is gone? You’ll learn how long it takes just to get out of the Milky Way alone and what humans would be like if they grew up never knowing the Earth.

We explore free choice and free will. Brian tells us why he thinks we don’t have either. Discover more about time: is it made of something? You better believe we talk about string theory. Brian shares why spacetime itself could be stitched together by the threads of quantum entanglement. You’ll hear how dark energy could rip the fabric of spacetime – and why that might not be as catastrophic as it sounds. You’ll also learn why black holes shrink down if spacetime rips apart.

We dive into the meaning of life: Is there any? And, if there isn’t, what’s the point in living? Brian explains why he thinks physics should guide us and also set us free. Neil and Brian discuss the role of religion and if that would change if we were contacted by extraterrestrials. You’ll find out where the universe ends. Lastly, we investigate entropy in the universe. All that, plus, discover more about the simulation universe and if the human brain will ever figure out human consciousness.

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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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This episode originally aired March 9, 2020.

[aarongrooves]

Brian Greene!!!! When I was in college, after years of hating reading (because of a negative school experiences), Elegant Universe was the first book I ever read on purpose. It set me on a path to learning about string theory, learning to think critically, discovering Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Dawkins, Steven Hawkings, reading Einstein's papers on relativity, diving into quantum space theory, and so much more. Not that you'll ever see this, but thank you!

[raniamagdy]

The fact they deliver science in the context of 3 friends casually coming together and having fun is brilliant on so many level

[KuyVonBraun]

My favourite part of StarTalk is that 10% of the show is everyone just laughing at all the awesome. It makes me smile ✨💫

[kenza]

im like zero in mathematics and zero in physics. but this show is my favorite Ever. you make it too easy to understand. I love astronomy.
be safe. love from ALGERIA

[jlkad]

This was the most thought provoking Episode I've seen in awhile. Great show guys. Please get together again soon.

[monovaq]

I really gotta say this, thank you Neil for letting us all see the the world from the cosmic perspective. Your work has completely changed the way I perceive literally everything and helped me find something true and beautiful to hang on to. Instead of looking at the tips of my shoes, I now look up in the sky, and as the classic goes - said no more counting dollars, I'll be counting stars. Thanks a lot <3

[agnivash]

40:09 That moment was absolutely gold ❤️🤩

[TheDro]

I have a question; why do you guys always rush through answering questions when we will all sit here for hours learning from you?

[Prafullhiwale]

Marvel: Infinity War is the most ambitious crossover in history.
Brian Green: Hold my book.

[elFRCH]

Super interesting conversation with this guest.
He offers a broad perspective on all questions.
Do invite him more often

[machamochi]

My GOODNESS, I love how Brian Greene doesn't even bat an eye with some of these questions. It's INSANE

[anandalem]

Hey Neil, this is my favorite show. Could you please do more shows on physics around us. I really love the way you communicate science.

[YosoIosoY]

Before anyone comments about social distance....
This was recorded a little over two months ago.
Thank you for your attention ;)

[jorelnewsome]

CHUCK CAME THROUGH AT 40:08 FOR THE AVERAGE FOLK LIKE MYSELF! SO glad he's on the show 🙌🏾

[cadwizard]

You guys are a match made in heaven. Would love to see Brian on the show more often. And of course chuck ties it all together. This is my favorite startalk episode hands down

[mohak]

It always blows my mind how smart Brian really is

[adeliabarnwell]

What a joy! Make Mr Greene a permanent member of the team. The three of you rock. ❤❤❤❤

[Jinesh_]

27:53 thanks for answering my question Brian Greene ..huge fan ❤️. Also thanks to startalk for featuring it, love the show.

[prestonwestenbarger]

This has to be one of the best episodes of Startalk in recent memory. I love the chemistry you 3 have and would love to see Brian on the show more often.

[Brandon-pvkk]

Neil is just as curious as a child, and I love it