NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

What does it take to be an astronaut? On this episode of StarTalk: Sports Edition, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice break down the physical effects of being in space and the results of the astronaut twins study with guests astronaut Scott Kelly and biophysicist Chris Mason. We dive into the training and tests astronauts have to go through for the selection process with Scott Kelly. How does your body feel when it's in space? What changes? How does it feel to be up there for a year? We explore the logistics of the astronaut twins study that compared Scott Kelly’s time in space with his twin brother Senator Mark Kelly’s identical time here on Earth. Discover how Scott’s genome changed in comparison to his brother’s and what he has in common with Japanese space worms. Next, we sit down with Chris Mason, the lead doctor on the study, to talk about what they discovered about how earth life reacts to being in zero gravity. What sort of damage happens to our chromosomes in space, if any? Are there downstream generation effects of trauma? How do you construct a study like this? What specifically were they looking for? Find out how much data was collected, the microbiome of the International Space Station, and how they did gene sequencing space. What were some of the results of the study? Could humans be engineered to be better equipped for long-term space travel? You’ll learn what COVID-19 patients have in common with astronauts returning to Earth and what effects returning to 1G has on the body. Will space travel ever be comfortable for humans? In 500 years are we going to look back on our discoveries from now as being a bit basic? All that, plus we discuss extinction and our duty as humans to combat it, the ethics of generational spaceships, and the concept of storing fertilized eggs on the moon. Check out Scott Kelly’s book Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery and Chris Mason’s book The Next 500 Years. Thanks to our Patrons Jamie Ferns, evan stegall, Payton Hawk, Farid El Nasire, Steve Lindauer, Austin Lawrence, Cory Farnum, Nathan Mills, Trumpet Wom', and Noah for supporting us this week. About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver: https://inuit.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

Why is the universe the way it is? How did life begin? And how might it end? Our next guest has spent his life in search of the answers. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author and popular science communicator. His new book, "Cosmic Queries," was co-authored with physicist James Trefil. Tyson joins our Walter Isaacson to discuss the book and what drives his thirst to explore the really big questions of the universe. Originally aired on March 23, 2021. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to the Amanpour and Company. channel here: https://bit.ly/2EMIkTJ Subscribe to our daily newsletter to find out who's on each night: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/newsletter/ For more from Amanpour and Company, including full episodes, click here: https://to.pbs.org/2NBFpjf Like Amanpour and Company on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2HNx3EF Follow Amanpour and Company on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2HLpjTI Watch Amanpour and Company weekdays on PBS (check local listings). Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City. #amanpourpbs

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a huge fan of NASA's new Mars rover, in particular the helicopter and the many cameras and microphones that allow everyone to participate as space explorers. Learn what else America's favorite astrophysicist is thinking about in his new book, "Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going." #Colbert #CosmicQueries #NeildeGrasseTyson Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/ColbertYouTube For more content from "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", click HERE: http://bit.ly/1AKISnR Watch full episodes of "The Late Show" HERE: http://bit.ly/1Puei40 Like "The Late Show" on Facebook HERE: http://on.fb.me/1df139Y Follow "The Late Show" on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1dMzZzG Follow "The Late Show" on Google+ HERE: http://bit.ly/1JlGgzw Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram HERE: http://bit.ly/29wfREj Follow "The Late Show" on Tumblr HERE: http://bit.ly/29DVvtR Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS. Get the CBS app for iPhone & iPad! Click HERE: http://bit.ly/12rLxge Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream live TV, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! http://bit.ly/1OQA29B --- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

Neil deGrasse Tyson talks to Stephen about how the world will end and why the idea of "The Big Rip" keeps him awake at night. Unlock more mysteries of the universe in his new book, "Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going." #Colbert #CosmicQueries #NeildeGrasseTyson Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/ColbertYouTube For more content from "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", click HERE: http://bit.ly/1AKISnR Watch full episodes of "The Late Show" HERE: http://bit.ly/1Puei40 Like "The Late Show" on Facebook HERE: http://on.fb.me/1df139Y Follow "The Late Show" on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1dMzZzG Follow "The Late Show" on Google+ HERE: http://bit.ly/1JlGgzw Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram HERE: http://bit.ly/29wfREj Follow "The Late Show" on Tumblr HERE: http://bit.ly/29DVvtR Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS. Get the CBS app for iPhone & iPad! Click HERE: http://bit.ly/12rLxge Get new episodes of shows you love across devices the next day, stream live TV, and watch full seasons of CBS fan favorites anytime, anywhere with CBS All Access. Try it free! http://bit.ly/1OQA29B --- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

This week the Mars Perseverance rover will attempt to land on the Martian surface. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore NASA’s latest rover and its red planet mission with NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green. Why send another rover to Mars? You’ll learn how previous rover missions inform the next. Jim tells us about the necessary redundancies that are in place when building a rover. Discover why “enabling the future” is an important aspect of the Perseverance mission.  You’ll learn how Perseverance will land on the surface of Mars and how rover landing procedures have evolved over time. Jim gives details on the robotic helicopter, Mars Helicopter Ingenuity, attached to the Perseverance rover. Then, it’s time to dive into some fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Were there any instruments Jim wanted on the rover that didn’t make it? Find out how Perseverance’s microphones will make us able to listen to Mars for the first time. Will there be any live footage of Perseverance? What will we see on camera? Jim explains Perseverance’s sampling mission and why we might be able to find signs of past life in the rocks beneath the surface.  Lastly, we explore how NASA picks a landing spot for each rover. And, what happens to all the other rovers on Mars? Is Perseverance one of the first steps toward humans terraforming Mars? All that, plus, we discuss the expanding collection of rovers being launched from all over the globe and what Martian exploration will look like going forward.  Thanks to our Patrons Nina Barton, Yancey L Sanford, Tyrel Carson, Peter Jacobs, Laura Inger, Samuel Watts, Joshua Allen, Tom Hegedosh, Connor Haberland, and Abhay Joshi for supporting us this week. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

How can quantum physics spoil food? You know how food usually spoils, but quantum physics?! On this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here to fill you in on the physics of what’s going on in your fridge. First, we need to know how most food commonly spoils. Neil tells us about the “normal” way food goes bad which involves microbes, bacteria, and temperature. We explore unpasteurized milk vs. pasteurized milk. Then, Neil explains how quantum physics can spoil your food (after a really long time). We discuss “quantum tunneling.” You’ll learn about the behavior of molecules and their continual quest to be “happy.” All that, plus, find out if there’s anything you can do to stop this quantum phenomena. Absolute Zero Explainer: https://youtu.be/aYBEcFvI8o8 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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 Background Image Credit: NASA Goddard/ESA/ Hubble About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/.

Virtual StarTalk Live sponsored by PocketLab We're excited to announce our first ever virtual StarTalk Live, and, best of all, it's free! As part of this year's Climate Week, StarTalk and PocketLab are putting on a digital live show at 7:30pm ET on 9/23. The show will be simulcast on our YouTube and Facebook channels, Neil will be the host, Chuck Nice will be the co-host, and there will be no charge to attend. Guests will include climate scientists Professor Katharine Hayhoe (@Global Weirding with Katharine Hayhoe) and Professor Peter Mahaffy. In celebration of this event, StarTalk and ScIC presented by PocketLab have a very unique gift for teachers who register in advance. Neil and Chuck are co-teaching two science lessons in Notebook by PocketLab and it's free for teachers! These two free astrophysics lessons will be exclusive to PocketLab Notebook, free remote learning software with an optional upgrade to Notebook Pro for classroom use. PocketLab Notebook is an interactive, portable and live-streaming replacement for a traditional lab notebook. A companion app to PocketLab sensors, you can sync real-time, high quality data from PocketLab Air, PocketLab Voyager, PocketLab Weather, and PocketLab Thermo. Teachers register here: https://info.thepocketlab.com/startalklive #StarTalkLive #NeildeGrasseTyson #ClimateWeek

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer Cosmic Queries about colonizing Mars, promoting science, stimulating curiosity, stargazing, and more for a remote audience of thousands of science teachers. Recorded live at ScIC3 in collaboration with PocketLab. We start by exploring how curiosity can be stimulated and maintained in the classroom. Find out the importance of keeping curiosity alive especially during difficult times. Neil explains how curiosity and creativity go hand in hand. With anti-science movements present in our society, how do we make sure the importance of science isn’t overlooked? We discuss advertising science through public service announcements. Find out why Neil thinks part of the teaching curriculum should involve “querying nature” in order for students to discover how and why science works. Will we colonize the Moon or Mars any time soon? Neil shares his thoughts on why we won’t, and it’s not because we won’t have the capabilities. You’ll learn about some space-related activities that can help young children spark their interest in the universe. Neil also gives his recommendations on how to get started in stargazing. And, he tells us what astrophysics concepts are most important for everyone to know. Find out where in space Neil would take a field trip. We talk about how to bring science into other classrooms. For our last segment, PocketLab co-founder Dave Bakker joins Neil and Chuck to ask some final questions. We discuss the importance of being scientifically literate. All that, plus, Neil gives his final reflections on the importance of having influential teachers. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. https://inuit.com/ 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

What is grit? Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and psychologist, author, and world-renowned expert on grit Angela Duckworth, PhD, answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on the science of grit. Angela is the author of the best-selling book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She is also the founder and CEO of Character Lab. Character Lab is a “nonprofit organization that connects researchers with educators to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people throughout the country.” To start, we investigate why sometimes stories help us learn and understand things better than statistics and hard data. Find out how the science of grit relates to the cosmic perspective. Angela tells us about the Stanford marshmallow experiment. We discuss procrastination. Angela also explains why she likes to keep death relevant in her conversations and thoughts. We delve into the work of K. Anders Ericsson, PhD, who was the world expert on experts and expertise. His research also uncovered the “10,000 hours to be great” methodology. You’ll discover more about perseverance. Are there times where you should quit? Angela explains why the answer is yes. We also discuss why comparing yourself to other people is not as helpful as comparing you to yourself. Explore the differences between self-esteem vs self-efficacy. What does science say about grit in different generations? Lastly, we discuss the importance of learning to strive. All that, plus, we ponder whether you need grit if you love what you do. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. https://inuit.com/ 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

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are back together to answer a cosmic cauldron of Cosmic Queries. From dark matter, to 2001: A Space Odyssey, to the size of the universe, we are answering as many fan-submitted questions as we can. To start, we investigate whether there’s any hypotheses that connect dark matter and black holes. We dive into science fiction as Neil and Chuck discuss their favorite depictions of aliens in film and television. We explore the lack of aliens in 2001: A Space Odyssey and Contact, why Neil’s favorite movie alien is The Blob, and why Chuck loves Alien. And, Neil and Chuck debate what space-themed tattoo they would get if they ever got one. Discover more about the possibility of a multiverse. We explore the “levels” of a multiverse. Then, we ponder if the universe is finite or infinite. Neil explains why the mash-up of quantum physics and general relativity can create exciting possibilities. You’ll learn about the influence space travel has on age. We also ponder if time travelers are hiding among us. Find out who Neil would want to meet if he could time travel. Then, we dive into the logistics of time travel and “causal loops.” You’ll hear about the mechanisms at work that help assist with Earth’s gravity. Then we ask, “Does light ever stop moving?” Neil tells us how we can use high-speed cameras to see light interact with a medium. Lastly, we discuss what technology an advanced alien civilization might have at their will. All that, plus, Neil and Chuck share their thoughts on how you’d be received if you traveled back in time and showed the people of the past your smartphone. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/ 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

First time comic co-host Iliza Shlesinger reaches into our Galactic Grab Bag to ask host Neil deGrasse Tyson questions from our fans about everything from black holes and the speed of light to Neil’s favorite type of music. You’ll learn whether space “smells” and why it’s impossible to remain completely still, even at absolute zero. Neil explains what antimatter is, how we can use lasers to power lightsail spacecraft to Alpha Centauri in 15 years, and what the most dangerous aspect of faster-than-light travel would be. Find out what pulsars, quasars, magnetars, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and black holes have in common – and what Neil would write on our Sun’s tombstone. Explore whether SETI is asking for trouble, or if the real danger comes from old episodes of The Honeymooners. You’ll also hear about nuclear weapons testing, bouncing on the moon, peeing on Pluto, Neil’s porn name, intelligent dinosaurs, and how the honeymoon got its name. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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 This episode originally aired May 20, 2016.

In this StarTalk video, we’re talking about nothing. Not in the Seinfeldian sense, but in the science sense. What is nothing? Neil explains how our usual definition of something being “nothing” is dictated by our senses. What if you wanted to get all the way down to true nothing? Well, even when there’s nothing, there’s air molecules, and a lot of them. So, what happens when you take out the air molecules? Find out just how much air molecules permeate in our environment, in our solar system, in interstellar space, and intergalactic space. Then, just when you think you truly have nothing, you’ll hear how quantum physics comes into play. Discover more about virtual particles and why the best “nothing” you could have is filled with virtual particles. All that, plus, we debate if being able to describe something that is nothing makes it something. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

The video version of “Reflections on the Color of My Skin” by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Original text: https://www.facebook.com/notes/neil-degrasse-tyson/reflections-on-the-color-of-my-skin/10158481422496613 Video Credits: Illustration of Neil deGrasse Tyson made by Armando Veve. All data graphs and charts by mappingpoliceviolence.org. Rodney King video stills, March 3, 1991 – Video Recorded by George Holliday.

Watch live as Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries in celebration of our channel surpassing 1 million subscribers! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalk... Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

Continuing with our Let’s Make America Smart Again series, Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and astronomer David Helfand are here to sift through the data and help you stay scientifically literate in the misinformation age. David discusses the “absent curation” of daily data and how the creation of search engines was helpful but also created more intricate problems. You’ll hear about science browsers and filters, why science might be too successful, and David’s his top three tools you can use to sift through misinformation. David describes teaching at Quest University Canada, where he allowed students to “construct knowledge” instead of feeding them a constant stream of information. Discover more about the “reproducibility crisis” in the science community. Learn about the role that scientists play in the age of misinformation and about the many biases scientists can be exposed to – and persuaded by – during their research. Explore why the democratization of information is good overall but comes with baggage and responsibility. Dive into David’s book, A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age: Scientific Habits of Mind. All that, plus, Neil and company answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about a variety of topics including the Dark Ages, dark matter, a global space agency, the correct definition of a fact, dealing with the anti-science culture, and using social media to confront alternative facts. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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 This episode originally aired May 19, 2017

To celebrate this Mother’s Day, Neil deGrasse Tyson is conducting a very special interview with a very, very special guest: his mom, Sunchita “Toni” Feliciano Tyson! What was Neil like as a child? Were his science experiments tearing down the house? Toni is here to dish, and, to share details about her own incredible life. You’ll hear Toni tell her story about growing up in New York City during the 1930s. She tells us how she learned English by listening to the radio. And, why she calls New York City the “learning laboratory.” You’ll hear how she went back to school and got her Masters in gerontology, study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging. Discover what Neil was like growing up. They explore Neil’s early interest in science like making his Saturn-shaped lamp, creating a dark room in the family bathroom, and his early visits to the Hayden Planetarium. And, you’ll hear the story about Neil getting his first telescope! Neil and Toni also answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Lastly, you’ll learn how Toni dealt with Neil becoming skeptical of religion from an early age. All that, plus Toni shares why Neil’s books are her favorite parts of his large body of work. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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 #MothersDay

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with Anthony Daniels, the man behind one of the most iconic characters in film history – C-3PO. Anthony (as C-3PO) is the only person to appear in all nine Star Wars films spanning multiple decades and you’ll hear about his time involved in the biggest movie franchise on Earth. In-studio, Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and robot ethicist Kate Darling, PhD, to explore C-3PO’s cultural impact and the rise of robotics in our society. Kate investigates “human-robot interaction from a social, legal, and ethical perspective” so she is just the person we want for this conversation. We start with a simple question – what makes C-3PO so likeable? Find out why C-3PO’s appeal stems directly from his humanity. Anthony tells us why he wasn’t really a fan of science fiction before he took the part of C-3PO. You’ll learn about the development of C-3PO and why his subtle asymmetrical design brings his “humanity” to the forefront. We explore how robots have evolved since the beginning of robotics. We breakdown the differences between androids and robots. Find out more about the “uncanny valley.” We ponder the concept of the “soul.” Kate enlightens us to what our interactions with robots tell us about our personalities. Can you create strong bonds with a robot? Should our laws protect robots? We investigate how film’s portrayal of artificial intelligence has created unnecessary fear of robotic advancements. We also explore the flaws still found in today’s cutting edge technology. Lastly, we ponder how robots will be introduced into more shared spaces like grocery stores, cafes, etc. All that, plus, Kate tells us what the biggest dilemma will be as robotics continue to advance. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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 #StarWars This episode originally aired March 23, 2020.

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Neil deGrasse Tyson is here to help you answer that question alongside comic co-host Chuck Nice. And, you’re about to find out why the answer is easy to understand, but not that simple. You’ll learn how the white light from the sun interacts with the atmosphere through a process called “Rayleigh scattering” that makes the sky blue. Neil tells us why the sky turns different shades as the day goes on, and why the sunset changes from blue to amber. Discover why the reason we have a blue sky is the same reason you can’t see stars during the daytime. And, how this lead to the discovery of the operational definition of where the atmosphere ends and space begins. Neil explains why he thinks space should be defined by gravity and not by the circumstances of our atmosphere. Lastly, Neil gives us a lesson on the frailty of our atmosphere and our delicate place among the stars. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are ready to get morbid. We’ve gathered your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries that explore all things death, from the death of humanity to the death of the universe. To start, we explore what reality would be like in an apocalypse. Neil tells us what skills he thinks would be necessary to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. We discuss the importance of having the right weapon in a post-apocalyptic world. This leads Neil to air his grievances with the lightsabers found in Star Wars. You’ll find out how a meteor strike would disrupt civilization as we know it. We also explore The Walking Dead and its emphasis on the true danger of a zombie apocalypse: human relationships. Discover more about the death of humanity. Will we outlive the Earth? How long will humanity survive? Are artificially intelligent computers secretly waiting to take over the world? We break down the inverse relationship between intelligence and survival. Neil describes how the universe will end not with a bang, but with a whimper. Find out how Neil and Chuck want to die! We investigate the 2005 film War of the Worlds and how it differs from the original story by H.G. Wells. Neil recites the final narration from the film and from the original story. Then, we dive headfirst into black holes. We ponder if the universe could be victim to a collective hyper-massive black hole. You’ll also hear about Hawking radiation. You’ll learn the difference between disintegrating and decomposing. Lastly, we debate if human contact is necessary for your own survival. All that, plus, you’ll find out who might have been the loneliest person in history. This episode originally aired as a podcast on December 27, 2019. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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

Happy Earth Day! Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here to help you celebrate Earth Day 2020 by giving you a cosmic perspective. How did we come to have a cosmic perspective about humanity’s place in the universe? According to Neil, a lot of this new way of thinking can be traced back to one iconic photo – Earthrise. Neil shares why, before 1962, we weren’t really thinking about Earth as a whole. You’ll learn about the importance of Silent Spring, an environmental science book by Rachel Carson that alerted us to the adverse effects caused by pesticides. Then, we reminisce on the iconic photo “Earthrise” taken by astronauts aboard Apollo 8 that showed “Earth for the first time.” Find out why, even though 1968 was a year of great loss, it sparked a great amount of environmental change. We discuss the establishment of NOAA, the EPA, and Doctors Without Borders. We also discuss our new awareness about pollution. Lastly, Neil shares why this global way of thinking has been entrenched in our society during this coronavirus pandemic. =================================== About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, https://inuit.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ 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