StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Lunar Geology

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about lunar geology alongside planetary scientist Raquel Nuno. And as Raquel says, she’s here to change your mind about the Moon!

As it turns out, we don’t know very much about the Moon. Raquel explains how the Moon has been a celestial witness to everything Earth has experienced. Learn about some surprising discoveries we’ve made from moon rocks and other samples. You’ll hear how our views on the Moon changed from it being a piece of primordial dust and rock to a place with an incredible geologic history. We also discuss why we currently can’t go back to the Moon.

Next, we explore the Moon’s craters and why Earth has far fewer craters. What would we find if we extracted a core sample from the Moon? Raquel tells us about finding Moon samples on astronaut space suits. Are there still bacteria alive on the Moon left from the Apollo missions? We explore where the ice on the Moon comes from, and Raquel gives us details on creating “water out of thin space.”

You’ll learn more about Theia and the “giant-impact” hypothesis. Explore the Moon’s magma ocean of the past. Uncover the “truth” about the dark side of the Moon. Ponder what would happen if the Moon broke apart. Lastly, we discuss the true color of the Moon, and, whether we can terraform the lunar surface. All that, plus, we ask, can a moon have a moon?

Thanks to our Patrons David Frederick, Jennifer Aiken, Jamie Boneleye, Kyle Walker, Evan Blackburn, Jon Mack, Wyatt Smith, Cole Smart for supporting us this week.

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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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[johndunlavey]

Chuck adds a splash of levity that makes this pod cast flow.

[HeaDzmold]

How fortunate we are, to have all of these amazing StarTalk episodes already.

[albertdiano]

I actually met Neil a long time ago at a grocery store near my old house an I went up to him an said I was a big fan an he said thanks then told me to always take the time to just look at the stars

[terrywbreedlove]

Bring this incredible woman back ASAP as much as possible please

[ammazingbllack]

can't wait to have Raquel Nuno back on startalk, but this time as a moon doctor

[professorproton]

I’m a middle school science teacher, and I’ve been known to tell students over the years, that a mirror was left by astronauts in July 1969 that is used to measure the distance from Earth to the Moon, and I have learned some great “ new” information from this talk; thank you! Stephen.. Florida

[deadlyshizzno]

She's so genuinely excited to be a geologist and I'm here for it

[JC_Musician]

Every day is a great day for StarTalk!

[GuilleVQ]

It's amazing when the guests are so educative and eloquent, but also have the ability to apply the right amount of humor and entertainment to their answers. I think Raquel was a great example of that! Excellent episode altogether.

[Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

I LOVE moons but I've fallen in love with Earth's moon again. Thank you.

[georgejones]

I really enjoyed that. Raquel Nuno is very enthusiastic about her subject and is so beautiful.

[nqinadlamini]

I would have never thought I would Learn so much about the moon.
Thank you Dr Raquel Nuno.

[Michael_Brownley]

Raquel was one of my favorite guest on the show thus far. This was a great

[KingAwesomeEricThe]

Would definitely love to hear more geology from Raquel in the future on StarTalk.

[Lauramagic]

I am just so happy and satisfied with life when I get to watch StarTalk. finally, something to entertain my brain. I get so weary watching disturbing junk. Thank YOU all!

[OuterSpaceDogs]

She's smart, talented, beautiful, and eloquently well spoken.

[julianhart]

I always slightly hesitate when watching these videos because I wonder if I’m really interested in what the topic is. I’m always happy when I end up just watching though. 😌

[stephanienirenberg]

Love every episode with a passion. These men make life great.

[LerrinB]

I had my doubts when I read the title to this video. How can lunar geology POSSIBLY be interesting??


I’m man enough to admit I was wrong. Great video!! 🌙

[alabanzadedios]

*No importa quién seas: Si lees esto, te quiero mucho, eres un ser súper valioso, hermoso y eres capaz de hacer todo lo que te propongas.*