Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Why Science Is Hard

Neil deGrasse Tyson has spent his whole career trying to convince people that science is worth pursuing and understanding. So, why, in this video, is he saying science is hard? Well, according to Neil, science is hard in a way you might not fully appreciate.

On this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are exploring why science can be hard. Neil paints a historical tapestry that explores the discovery of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, to demonstrate the difficulties that can come along during scientific study.

First, you’ll hear about William Herschel and his discovery of the planet Uranus. Find out why William had to fight against his pre-conceived notions of comets in order to accept his discovery. You’ll learn why the planet was originally named George. Then, we investigate the discovery of Neptune, Pluto, and the almost discoveries of Planet Vulcan and Planet X. Lastly, Neil and Chuck explore why science is a journey, not a destination.

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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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[tonyhorn]

Isaac Asimov once said "The greatest phrase in science is not Eureka (I've found it) but rather "Hmm, that's strange" Part of science is providing answers to problems. The other part of science is discovering the next problem that requires solution.

[anastasisparastatidis]

"Science is a journey, not a destination"
Chuck Nice

[toroj]

This is probably the most interesting science video that I've ever watched. It explains how science and discovery actually works and how long it takes. Most people I run into get confused as to why science keeps changing its mind when in reality they don't realize there's a process. School never showed me this and I had to think by myself and make my own discovery but I could never explain how it works but I knew. Thank you for this video.

[mmgibson]

The perpetual college student in me is now very happy. I always did love it when history and science team up together.

[ghostbarb]

If every Science teacher were just like Neil, Science would be easy

[justinzaff]

Honestly i love these guys.
I get educated, get a few laughs and have my faith in humanity partly restored due to them .

[atoz]

I like the fact Neil breaks it down without using big words. Keeps it simple but entertaining. Chuck adds to it as well. Great show guys.

[jonathanclark]

What I love about this is how recent these discoveries are. I remember being in grade school in the late 1980s and our teacher talking about a possible 10th planet--that was our edge of discovery back then! How far we've come now with the discovery of dwarf planets, demoting Pluto, etc.

[rezank]

"You can be historically correct, without being historically complete"

[LiftPizzas]

Because it requires actual humility, as well as the ability to say "I don't know."

[Skjoldborg]

Just loving these guys so much! So gifted in storytelling and making science accessible for everybody. Thank you so much guys!

[sherlockholmes]

This could be titled "Why science is SO cool."

[hamiltonshamilton]

Bought my daughter a globe and a model of outer space to light up her room in the evening time. She’s ecstatic! Feeding her curiosity with all the wonders of the universe 🌟😊

My little Neil Degrasse Tyson 2.0 lol 😂

[poulay]

a science teacher i had once said in his first lesson : "see that book? it's possible that one day you can throw it in the bin because it'll be wrong"

[qgdertyuiojh]

This is truly one of my favourite NDT explainers. The man clearly knows his craft through and through and manages to captivate the minds and hearts of all people aged twelve and up who will listen to him. The world is blessed to know him.

[iliketrainspwned]

According to William Herschel:

"Uranus isn't fuzzy"

[yardyNation]

From now on, I'm calling Uranus "George"

[gonderage]

I got a Neil DeGrasse Tyson ad on this Neil DeGrasse Tyson video on Neil Degrasse Tyson's channel.

[hoarder]

I could hang out with these guys forever amd never get tired of it

[d-day]

Neil Degrasse Tyson could discover the secret to light speed travel, or cold fusion and he will still be remembered as the man who killed Pluto. Seriously, you’re a great teacher . Thanks