StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Between Planets and Stars, with Jackie Faherty

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson is exploring the worlds found in the space between stars. These spaces are known to be home to some of the most fascinating celestial objects in the universe – brown dwarfs. Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and astrophysicist and brown dwarf expert Jackie Faherty, PhD, to help answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about brown dwarfs and a lot more.

What is a brown dwarf? If you don’t know, don’t worry. Jackie gets us up to speed on what they are, how they work, and how they’re formed. Do brown dwarfs have surfaces? You’ll learn that and a lot more about their structure. Find out why brown dwarfs are at the center of one of the biggest discussions in modern astronomy. You’ll hear how the tools used to study brown dwarfs can also be used to study exoplanets.

Jackie tells us about her favorite star system, Eta Carinae. Is the Sun the biggest star in our galaxy? You’ll find out. We ponder the Planet 9 hypothesis and whether Jupiter is a “failed star.” We also discuss HR 8799 – which Jackie describes as the “Brad Pitt of Planetary Systems” – and explore how stars interact with each other.

Learn more about ʻOumuamua, the interstellar object that passed through our solar system not long ago. You’ll find out if interacting with our solar system altered its path through the universe. We also try and put a number on how many stars are in the universe. Jackie comes up with a great tagline to describe what astronomers do for a living. Lastly, our trio tackle the pseudoscience of zodiac signs. All that, plus, we investigate the Nemesis star hypothesis and what it means for the past, present, and future safety of Earth.

This episode originally aired on November 22, 2019.

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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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[helsiclife]

My favorite episodes are with Chuck Nice! I love his energy. He seems genuinely interested in learning about the topics. Some other comedians just make jokes and often feels like making fun of the person or the topic, but Chuck is funny and has a nice vibe without being disrespectful.

[paulramirez]

I'd like to start a petition to make Jackie a permanent member of Star Talk. She's very engaging and explains facts clearly and is just fun to watch.

[calapsesathir]

Really wish the show had more time for Dr. Faherty. Her answers and where she lead them were some of the coolest stuff I've heard in a while.

[calapsesathir]

Just finished hearing the entire episode. Please host Dr. Faherty for a 2hr+ podcast !!

[midoribishithegamer]

The best episodes of this show are with Chuck Nice, his genuine respect for the topic and hunger to learn about them is refreshing compared to other comedians that come on the show. Chuck is legit funny yet incredibly smart and hungers to learn. I love learning, too. Have a great day everyone!

[HiddenPalm]

Jackie should be part of the Star Talk cast. Wordem up.

[joapps]

Help push the "Give Chuck a raise" movement 👊😎

[Ridicolosamente]

LOVE this episode. Listened twice to have it all sink in! Please have Dr. Faherty on waaaay more regularly!

[citabria]

Star Talk needs to do shows that do not have a time limit. The banter that they have with each other is priceless!

[ajiboladaniel]

Best podcast on the planet. I particularly love this episode. Great topic, great professionals, great show. Highly educational and entertaining.

[smiliebakri]

Jackie being a true "maester" by wearing the maester chains

[barbaralachance]

I miss these Neil's office episodes!! Please bring the people face to face back 😁

[goodgame]

Awesomely knowledgeable, brilliant, and engaging guest Neil and Chuck. She balances you guys out nicely. Please have her on more!

[dailyshadow]

One of the few people to teach Neil more than a few things in a single episode. What a smart person. Keep them coming!

[jorath]

wow Faherty is awesome - i like her bluntness and she seems to be on topic by her reaction speed.

[ryanrutledge]

Jackie faherty is a great communicator and it is a privilege to hear her speak . ❤❤❤

[yuuisland]

"part of the problem is we give these things emotions"
"this is the earth's nemesis"

[free]

Neal please do more star talk with Jackie and Chuck. Y'all three together r the best. I love watching y'all three.

[RDTRNT]

"Jupiter is not a failed star, it's an achieving planet" - ahaha

[rgtitan]

Great episode! Loved Jackie's input on interstellar flybys and brown dwarfs