STARTALK RADIO WITH NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, monkeys, and more – explore the strange yet familiar world of primates with Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and primatologist (and StarTalk All-Stars host) Natalia Reagan. Learn about the evolution of primates: how we get exotic animals, if humanity’s evolution will be shaped by technology, and if evolution is still occurring amongst modern day non-human primates. Natalia justifies why the spider monkey is her favorite primate, and also discusses the spider monkey census research she helped conduct. You’ll also hear about the problems with hybrid primates and cross-breeding, and about macaques, the second most widely geographically distributed primates after humans. Investigate the violence in chimp culture, the frequency of “ape rape,” and whether monkeys can go crazy. Delve into the higher learning capabilities of non-human primates and how our study of primate intelligence must go beyond pattern recognition and sign language to social behavior and more. Neil reflects on the thinking behind the original Planet of the Apes film, and you’ll find out why certain branches of the human species have more Neanderthal in them than others. All this, plus the possibility of primates in the TRAPPIST-1 system, and Natalia demonstrates a howler monkey call – something you don’t want to miss! This episode originally aired on July 7, 2017.

Thanks to Under Lucky Stars for sponsoring this video! Create your own star map now at https://www.underluckystars.com/. Neil deGrasse Tyson loves himself some Vincent van Gogh. Specifically his painting "Starry Night." Neil shows off his fandom of Starry Night and tells us why he loves the painting so much, including why the title "Starry Night" is so important and how van Gogh invoked emotion by painting how reality felt instead of how reality was at the time. Neil also talks about how we are able to know when and where it was actually painted. And that’s when Chuck Nice brings out his special Starry Night surprise for Neil!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love guru Dan Savage tells Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Dr. Helen Fisher what his recipe is for a successful relationship, what he considers the "price of admission" for a relationship, and why there's no "perfect" person out there waiting for you. Plus, Helen explains the neuroscience of happy relationships and the importance of "positive illusions" - the simple ability to overlook what you don't like about a person and focus on what you do.

(WARNING: This episode contains strong language, discussions of suicide and mental health, and other adult topics.) On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson investigates the ever-changing, fragile, and layered world of geopolitics with former National Security Advisor to President Obama – Ambassador Susan Rice, PhD. Susan’s book, Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For explores her “dynamic career on the front lines of American diplomacy and foreign policy.” In-studio, Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and neuroscientist Heather Berlin, PhD. We start at the beginning. Susan takes us back to her youth where she first learned the concept of “tough love.” We discuss the three different types of parenting: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive. Heather helps us understand the roots and development of “mental toughness.” Susan explains how playing basketball and tennis helped her prepare to deal with difficult situations later in life. Find out why a little stress can go a long way. Susan shares some of the challenges she faced during her turbulent first few months serving as National Security Advisor. Heather tells us the upsides and downsides of compartmentalizing your brain. You’ll learn about dissociative identity disorder. Then, we welcome Stephen Garcia, Chief Information Security Officer at the cybersecurity company ConsenSys, to explore what warfare might look like in the future. Ambassador Rice weighs in on the future of national security and foreign policy. We ponder the rise of autonomous weapons. Discover more about how information is being weaponized. Lastly, we ask: should there be ethicists advising countries on matters of national security? This episode originally aired on December 13, 2019.

Continuing with our Let’s Make America Smart Again series, we turn our attention towards NASA: where they’ve been, what are they’re doing now, and where they plan to go in the future. Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about NASA and its endeavors with the help of Ellen Stofan, former chief scientist at NASA, who was a part of numerous interplanetary missions during her tenure and who specializes in planetary geology and volcanology. You’ll hear Ellen’s thoughts on NASA’s global role in the future and how private/public partnerships will play out once humans colonize Mars and continue traveling deeper into the solar system. You’ll learn about NASA’s funding and how micro-increases in budget could drastically accelerate the process of getting humans to Mars and beyond. Get the details on possible plans for NASA to send missions to the inner planets. Find out if everyone is on board for a mission to Mars, and whether we should return to the Moon at all. Our trio ponder the notion that the United States needs to be challenged, à la a Space Race, to provide a kick start to space exploration activities. Also find out where commercial space exploration will stake its claim in the solar system, and what the future holds for the International Space Station. You’ll also explore the growing problem of space junk and discover what NASA mission Ellen wanted to have greenlit that ended up being turned down. This episode originally aired on September 22, 2017.

There are certain areas of physics that thrive all around us without you even knowing. One of those components is surface area. In this clip, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains to a skeptical Chuck Nice how surface area influences everything including pizza, trees, building roads, mittens, pasta, pigeons, and more.

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, recorded live at YouTube Space NY and premiering here on YouTube, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio (https://www.instagram.com/paulmecurio/) are back together again to answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. This time around, they’ll be answering the quirkiest of questions covering all corners of the universe. To start, we investigate binary star systems. Would planetary orbits be stable in binary star systems? Neil tells us why orbital allegiances might vary. Then, we ponder if humans would be the most intelligent species in the universe if it turns out there is no other intelligent life. Find out why it’s more likely than unlikely that intelligent life is out there somewhere. Neil breaks down the intelligence gap between chimps and humans and the possible intelligence gap between humans and extraterrestrial life. Could aliens have visited us already and we didn’t know? We discuss the idea of immortally. You’ll learn why Neil thinks the first person to live forever is already alive. Paul shares why he thinks it’s Beyoncé. We ponder the downsides of living forever and why death gives meaning to life. Neil tells us what science fiction concept he would like to see become reality. We debate the merit of x-ray vision and warp drives. Discover more about ʻOumuamua, the interstellar object that passed through our solar system in 2017. Could it have been an alien space probe? Was it just another comet? Or could it have been something else? Lastly, we dive into a passionate debate on the relationship between science and creativity. We explore the counterintuitive nature of the universe. All that, plus, we also investigate the multiverse and why, even in the multiverse, there’s still only one “you.”

Thanks to Under Lucky Stars for sponsoring this video! Create your own star map now at https://www.underluckystars.com/. While he was sitting in the theatre watching the movie, Neil deGrasse Tyson noticed that the stars in the movie Titanic were in the wrong place. Find out how the mistake happened in the first place, what Neil said to James Cameron and what James Cameron said back to Neil, and how Neil was eventually asked to create the night sky for the revised Centennial Director's Cut of the film.

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk. It’s time for another episode of Cosmic Queries, where your own personal astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson answers, sight unseen, fan submitted questions chosen by his co-host. This week, Chuck Nice asks Neil questions on a wide variety of topics that we couldn’t answer in other episodes, from alien plant life, to colonizing Mars, to whether velocity could be considered a dimension. You’ll find out if the constellations would look different from Saturn, whether there’s a north pole to our universe, and why astronomers got the Mily Way’s north pole wrong in the first place. Discover why a stable black hole can’t exist inside a star, and how the expansion of our Sun will affect the Earth. You’ll learn how scientists knew to leave gaps in the periodic table of the elements, and why the moon is spiraling away from the Earth at 5 inches a year. Neil speculates on what the bright spot on the dwarf planet Ceres might be, whether we’ll explore Jupiter’s moon Europa in our lifetimes, and if we’ll find life in its subsurface ocean. You’ll also hear how NASA inventions led to grooved highway pavement and safer, cheaper LASIK surgery. On the lighter side, Neil and Chuck talk about Neil’s famous vests, the Ship of the Imagination from COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey, YouTube’s famous “Double Rainbow Guy,” and the wrestling move Neil always wanted to invent which he calls the “Double Tidal Lock.” This episode originally aired on August 26, 2016.

To kick of our 11th orbit around the podcast sun, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down for a one-on-one interview with author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss. Tim is a well-known author with his works including The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef as well as being an early-stage technology investor in top companies like Facebook, Uber, Duolingo, Alibaba, and more. Tim also has his own podcast aptly titled The Tim Ferriss Show. To start, we investigate Tim’s geek upbringings. You’ll hear about his fascination with sharks that led to his love for marine biology. We discuss his connection to Jaws. You’ll learn about Tim’s love for science fiction. We dive into the books Dune and Stranger in a Strange Land and explore how science fiction helps us think in different ways. Find out about Tim’s interest in neuroscience and how his family tree led him to explore more. Neil and Tim ponder the societal impact of psychedelics and why they might have been much more helpful if they weren’t made a Schedule 1 drug under the Nixon administration. Discover more about the writing process as Neil and Tim break down the creation of Tim’s books The 4-Hour Workweek and the 4-Hour Body. Tim tells us how he dealt with getting rejected by over 25 publishers. We also discuss the advantages of testing ideas and how Tim tested ideas for the titles of his books. You’ll hear about life hacking. Tim shares with us the value of meta learning. Lastly, get a glimpse of Tim’s inspirations as he shares who inspired him growing up, and in college, and who continues to inspire him today. All that, plus, we discuss Tim’s most recent book Tribe of Mentors which offers “short life advice from the best in the world.”

UFO sightings happen all the time – maybe even today! What would happen if top-secret UFO information leaked from the government? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Harrison Greenbaum investigate the obvious pitfalls and enticing questions that come with UFO sightings. Plus, Neil sends his own message to any aliens out there listening.

"The Terminator," "The Walking Dead," "Aliens," and a lot more. Those are just some of the producing credits for this week’s main guest on StarTalk Radio. Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with producer-extraordinaire Gale Anne Hurd to explore what it takes to bring great science fiction to life. Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice, science fiction expert Jason Ellis, PhD, and volcanologist Janine Krippner, PhD. Because science fiction comes in many different forms and through many different avenues, there are many ways to get into it. You’ll learn how Gale’s childhood love of Marvel comic books and science fiction novels translated into a career “making what she likes to see.” She tells us how she served as a science fiction consultant to her local library to make sure their stock was up to date. Jason shares why not being able to see Star Wars in the theater sparked a rebellious love for science fiction. You’ll hear about the history of science fiction and how it combines the STEM fields and the humanities. We debate if science fiction informs the future of every technological invention. You’ll find out about a lawsuit H.G Wells brought upon military figureheads because he claimed they stole his idea from one of his science fiction stories. Explore using science fiction as social commentary. Discover more about the famous kiss between Captain Kirk and Lt. Uhura, and how William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols purposely flubbed takes to make sure it stayed in the episode. We take a deep dive into "Dante’s Peak" as volcanologist Janine Krippner stops by to share her take on the film. She explains why she thinks it’s still the best volcano movie even with its flaws. Gale gives us a behind-the-scenes look on how she fought for even more scientific realism to be in the film but encountered pushback from the studio. Neil also confronts Gale on the famous scientific inaccuracies of "Armageddon." Chuck shares his love for "The Expanse," we discuss "Interstellar," and Neil tells us about his involvement in "The Europa Report." Lastly, you’ll also find out the differences between creating science fiction for television and film. According to Hugo Gernsback, the father of science fiction, sci-fi should be 75% romance and 25% science – is that still the goal? All that, plus, Jason caps it off with a story on how he was criticizing the film "Sunshine" right in front of director Danny Boyle’s family. This episode originally aired on May 30, 2019.

On this episode of StarTalk Radio we’re coming to you live from New York Comic Con 2019! We have returned to opening night of NYCC once again to explore the science of comics, sci fi, and pop fiction. Our intrepid host Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined on the main stage in front of a packed house by comic co-host Chuck Nice and astrophysicist and StarTalk geek-in-chief Charles Liu, PhD, to explore everything from Star Wars to vibranium to flying through space. We start with the building blocks of all comic books and science fiction…literally. You’ll hear about some of the most notable fictional elements that are responsible for the powers and stories of some of the most popular superheroes. Find out how much Thor’s hammer would actually weigh if forged in a dying star. We explore the lore of Wonder Woman and the science behind her bracelets. We investigate the history of vibranium. Dive into the controversy surrounding Iron Man’s suit being powered by palladium. Next, you’ll learn more about the classic sci fi techniques of getting around the universe as fast as you can. Discover more about warp drives: how they work, why the ship is actually moving in a “bubble,” and how warp drives add to the scientific authenticity of Star Trek. Then, we switch over to Star Wars. We break down their constant jumps to light speed. Charles and Neil air out their grievances with some of Star Wars’ science inconsistencies – especially involving X-Wings and TIE fighters. However, discover why they praise the inclusion of a double sun on Luke’s home planet of Tatooine. We stick in the realm of Star Wars as our trio ponders the portrayal of alien life in science fiction. We discuss why a lot of aliens look humanoid. But on the flip side, we debate whether aliens must look humanoid in order for them to be relatable to the audience. We ponder the exploration of exoplanets and Neil tells us that if you find a place with oxygen in the atmosphere, you might find life. Lastly, you’ll learn why E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial might be a potato. All that, plus, Neil ends our evening at NYCC with a moving reading from his new book Letters from an Astrophysicist. (Warning: Adult Language).

Watch Neil on "Could You Survive The Movies" with Jake Roper on @Vsauce3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLhpktxpr7w On this episode of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about aliens in film and television alongside Jake Roper. You can find Jake on the YouTube channel @Vsauce3 and as the host of the YouTube series “Could You Survive The Movies?” To start, Jake tells us what alien movie might be the easiest to survive. Your immediate answer might be E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial but don’t be so sure. Neil shares what Steven Spielberg told him about E.T. that’s sure to change your understanding of the character. Speaking of Spielberg, we investigate the weaponry used in his film War of the Worlds. We also debate if the government could ever set up a secret organization to monitor aliens similar to Men in Black. Find out why your assumptions of how extraterrestrial life takes shape might need to be open to more possibilities. Jake explains why he thinks the deep ocean could be home to extraterrestrial life as well. Discover more about The Blob, The Thing, and why Chuck loves the alien from Alien. We explore the film Arrival and its depiction of aliens and the personal used to communicate with aliens. Neil airs his grievances about Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We explore Contact and its portrayal of how humanity would react to the discovery of intelligent life. We ponder the likelihood that humans will end up like how they’re imagined in WALL-E. Lastly, we discuss of there’s a protocol for first contact. All that, plus, Jake tells us why he thinks Paul Rudd should be Earth’s representative to meet with intelligent life. #Alien #NeildeGrasseTyson #Vsauce3

Thanks to Storyblocks Video for sponsoring this video! http://www.Storyblocks.com/startalk How did the first space telescope arrive in orbit? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore the literal rise of telescopes from Earth into space. You’ll find out what telescopes were called before they were called telescopes. Discover more about early refractive telescopes and their issues with chromatic aberration. Then, you’ll hear how Sir Isaac Newton came in and changed the telescope industry for good by inventing the reflecting telescope. Neil explains why Earth’s atmosphere prevents you from seeing clear images from the ground. Take a trip through the space telescope hall of fame as we discuss the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and the soon to be launched James Webb Space Telescope. Lastly, you’ll learn why Hubble might be the most successful science instrument of all time. All that, plus, Neil shares why the different bands of light act as different dialects for the language of the universe.

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk What is right and what is wrong? How do we set our moral compass? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, recorded live at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, as a part of the final Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, we explore the intersection of science and morality. Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by comic co-host Eugene Mirman, author and editor of Skeptic magazine Michael Shermer, comedian Michael Ian Black, Rev. James Martin, SJ, and the legendary Whoopi Goldberg. Explore the different origins of how people get their sense of right and wrong, including how Whoopi got hers from her mother. Ponder the definition of morality through the lens of religion in our modern society. You’ll confront the idea that morality might just be a constructed narrative that humanity uses to justify actions. Discover if other animals have any sense of morality. You’ll also ponder how much of morality is culturally conditioned and/or shaped by the time in which you live. You’ll hear if science can be used to determine human values, whether the moral arc of civilization is constantly evolving, and more about the comparative method of natural experiments. We discuss the importance of debunking wrong ideas that we’ve developed over time as a species. You’ll hear our onstage debate about whether science should help eradicate prejudice in the world – like the prejudice against the LGBTQ community. Explore the roles science and morality play in the public debate over reproductive rights. Father Martin shares his thoughts about the contributions of religion to our civilization’s moral arc – has it helped, hindered, or been neutral to moral progress? We also look to the future: is it immoral to kill a sentient A.I. machine? Is it moral to live forever? What will be considered immoral behavior in ten years that is accepted now? Last, but not least, we ponder whether, in certain moral situations, science is actually irrelevant. (Warning: Adult Language). This episode originally aired on April 6, 2018 and April 13, 2018

After Neil's interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the microphones kept recording. Joe gets the chance to ask Neil deGrasse Tyson any question that’s been brewing in his brain about our place in the cosmos. This leads our pair on an epic journey of cosmic curiosity that explores the concept of the multiverse and alternative laws of physics. We discuss independent universes inside of a noncausal multiverse. We ponder the nature of other universes that could have a different base structure of elements. Neil tells us how our human make-up is deeply connected to the make-up of the universe. Lastly, we debate the definition of consciousness. All that, plus, we ask: if you exist in an infinite number of universes, does that make you immortal? Animated by www.youtube.com/CokeLogic

Thanks to Storyblocks Video for sponsoring this episode of StarTalk! http://www.Storyblocks.com/startalk 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.

Create your very own free website on Wix! http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about Isaac Newton’s contributions to humanity. Find out about the whole apple thing, a world without Newton, what Newton might tackle today, why he invented calculus, and how his work compares to that of Albert Einstein.

This video is sponsored by Storyblocks Video. Learn more: http://www.storyblocks.com/startalk Should we terraform Mars? How would we do it? Why would we do it? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice are here to break down the logistics of putting humans on the Red Planet. You’ll learn why, if we want to warm Mars out of permafrost, it would be a BYOGHG event. You’ll also learn about Elon Musk’s plan to warm up Mars. Chuck ponders the benefits of being a two-planet species. All that, plus, Neil explains why the day we have the power to terraform Mars is the same day we have the power to terraform Earth.

On this very special edition of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson catches up (literally) with Expedition 61 astronauts and flight engineers Christina Koch and Jessica Meir who are currently aboard the International Space Station. You’ll find out what kind of science experiments Christina and Jessica are currently overseeing during their mission aboard ISS. Discover more about the nuances of living in microgravity. Our pair of astronauts tell us about the cuisine you can find aboard the ISS and why variety is key during long missions. You’ll learn about the lettuce being grown aboard the ISS. We ponder if the future of space travel will be vegetarian or if there’s a future in growing and/or 3D-printing meat. Jessica and Christina weigh in on the future of human space travel: when we’ll have self-sustaining colonies on Mars, the implementation of robot astronauts, and going back to the Moon. You’ll find out the impact of the “overview effect” and how the ISS shapes politics on Earth. Lastly, Neil can’t help but bring up the movie Gravity. All that, plus, you’ll also learn how astronauts prepare to deal with a keystone issue when it comes to space travel – vomiting.

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this smaller-than-life episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about quantum physics! Find out about the Higgs Boson, faster-than-light travel, quantum technology, and more.

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with first-time comic co-host Felicia Madison and returning friend of the show and Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Laurie Garrett, to debunk disinformation and get straight to the facts about vaccines. As we watch the rise of anti-science movements, it’s important to set the record straight and what better way to do it than answer fan-submitted questions on the topic. Laurie explains why the rise of anti-science movements stem from a rise in distrust of government. You’ll find out if there are public health policy avenues that can help combat the growing anti-vaccine movement. Explore why seeing a disease in action might be the most effective way to show people why vaccines are vital to public safety. You’ll learn about “herd immunity” and why not getting vaccinated impacts far more than just the individual. Learn the dangers of a Measles outbreak. You’ll hear about a Measles outbreak that started at Disneyland and caused California to quickly re-think its laws on vaccines. We try and nail down the main reasons why parents are worried about getting their children vaccinated, and Felicia shares what her own worries were before she got her own children vaccinated. Laurie explains why certain chemicals and preservatives are used in common vaccines. We also explore why not all vaccines have 100% success rates. Find out if you can get a vaccine shot without parental permission. We also investigate the difference between eliminating a disease and eradicating it. You’ll also hear more about fighting against diseases when we travel to other planets, and we reminisce about H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain. All that, plus, Felicia asks, “Can we eradicate stupidity?” This episode originally aired as a podcast on March 8, 2019. #Vaccines #NeildeGrasseTyson #StarTalk

Create your very own free website on Wix! www.wix.com/go/startalk On this out-of-this-world episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer questions about exoplanets, particularly now that the Kepler and K2 Missions telescope is no longer operating. Find out about NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, life on other planets, why exoplanet research is important, and more.

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with first-time comic co-host James Altucher, host of The James Altucher Show, and Stephen J. Dubner, author of Freakonomics and host of Freakonomics Radio, to answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about the stochastic world of economics. We discuss the economics of asteroid mining: would resources brought back from an asteroid completely de-stabilize global markets? How feasible is asteroid mining as an economic solution? What would happen if you brought back water from an asteroid? You’ll learn why an influx of resources from an asteroid might create industries we haven’t seen before. Also, Neil explains why weight is the most important thing when moving things in space. Next, dive into the trends of a recession. You’ll hear whether recessions happen in cycles and if they’re easy for economists to predict. Stephen and James give their assessment of our current economic climate. We debate private vs public space exploration and how space exploration serves as an engine for future economic growth. Neil weighs in on whether we should send people to the Moon or to Mars and Stephen wonders how concerned we should be about an Earth-ending asteroid. Find out why Stephen says you have to set aside your moral compass when studying analytics. Discover what the most important thing to look for is when using statistics. We also discuss why the United States healthcare system is “bizarre.” Stephen gets to ask Neil his own Cosmic Query about the dangers of contaminating our solar system with Earthly microbes. All that, plus, we look towards the future and investigate the use of artificial intelligence in the world of economics.

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this 2D episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about multiple dimensions! Find out how we know other dimensions exist, how we might interact with creatures of a different dimension, and about what a hypercube is. SHARE this episode with someone who looks good in 3D glasses.

Thanks to Storyblocks Video for sponsoring this episode of StarTalk. http://www.Storyblocks.com/startalk On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio (http://www.instagram.com/paulmecurio) answer your Cosmic Queries on planets and more from the YouTube Studios in New York City. We start with one of the most inciting questions: if we had an ocean or bath tub large enough, would Saturn float? Neil tells us about the interplanetary workings of Saturn and why a “piece” of Saturn would float in a puddle of water. You’ll hear why Saturn’s rings might only be temporary. We discuss the density of water and the science of building boats. Discover more about the Titanic and the density of ice. Then, we explore the world of neuroscience. Neil tells us why he loves tracking the progress of modern-day neuroscience. We ponder if eventually psychologists will be replaced by simple brain adjustments once we can locate what parts of the brain cause certain emotions and behaviors. Find out the history behind the phrase “we only use 10% of our brains” and how it’s been flipped from the original statement. We discuss if Jupiter is a failed star. Find out what our solar system would be like if we were a two-star system. Learn more about thermonuclear fusion. We dip into tidal science and investigate tidal bulges, the Moon’s relationship with the tides, and we explain why we’re actually traveling “through” low tide and high tide. All that, plus, Neil shares why putting humans on the Moon was the valuable cosmic perspective we’ve encountered yet. Recorded at YouTube Space NY. This episode will air as a podcast next week. You asked for it - we're trying to get you brand new content here first!

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson answers YOUR questions about the Space Force and politics in space! Find out about militarization in space, cosmic colonization, and how we take advantage of space assets to help us on Earth. SHARE this episode with someone who will try to colonize Mars. This episode originally aired on Facebook in November 2018.

This video is sponsored by Storyblocks Video. Learn more: http://www.storyblocks.com/startalk How do Lasers work? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break it down for you. You’ll learn about how atoms and photons work together to make a laser work. Also, find out how lasers are used - from beauty to warfare.

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this deadly episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about how the cosmos can kill us all! Find out how the sun could expand and vaporize us, how space rocks could eliminate life on earth, and how solar storms and increased radiation could render life on earth extinct. SHARE this episode with someone who will save us from the apocalypse.

Why are we here? Who are we? What is the meaning of life? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on a range of topics that stem from the deepest thoughts, ideas, and feelings we share about our place in the universe. *Segment timecodes at bottom of description!* What boggles your mind? The expansion of the universe? The study of black holes? Neil explains why he’s boggled by research being done in the field of neuroscience. We ponder if the human brain will ever fully figure out the human mind. We also ponder if the universe has complexities that the human mind will never comprehend. You’ll learn about the minute differences between human and chimpanzee DNA and what that could mean for humans in comparison to something that could have higher intelligence than us. We debate how long humanity will last. We investigate the consequences of humans creating an intelligence greater than our own. You’ll hear why Neil has confidence humanity will last given the collective nature of our intelligence. We ask, “If the universe is under no obligation to make sense to us, why study it in the first place?” Neil tells us why our five senses limit us from fully grasping certain elements and constructs of the universe – and how science picks up the slack. We talk about the aging process and the idea of living forever. Then, we dive into the big question: what is the meaning of life? Neil shares his thoughts on how he finds meaning in his own life. You’ll learn why, whenever you look out into the universe, you’re looking at the past. Discover more about the vacuum of space. We also discuss what should be the priority, or priorities, in space exploration. Lastly, you’ll learn about higher dimensions and if they’re bleeding into our own universe. All that, plus, find out more about the shape of space itself. This episode originally aired as a podcast on September 27, 2019. #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson #Space Segment Timecodes 3:05 - What boggles Neil's mind? 12:30 - What is the point of science? 18:31 - Who has a deeper voice? 19:06 - How long will the human race survive? 28:10 - What is the meaning of our human existence? 33:10 - How is space a vacuum? 39:01 - Lightning Round 39:10 - What should be our priority in science? 40:45 - How far behind would astronomy be if Earth didn't have a Moon? 43:05 - What is the shape of space? 44:23 - What can we see in the universe? 46:38 - Is some of our matter from a higher dimension?

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about the moon! Learn about how the moon was formed, what effect it has on tides, its valuable resources like Helium-3, and the real reason we went to the moon and haven't been back since. SHARE this episode with someone who can’t go out in public during a full moon.

Check out Charles Liu’s book: https://amzn.to/2VOM8v6 On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we celebrate World Space Week! The annual event has been celebrating the “contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition” since its ratification by the United Nations in 1999. This year is no different except for the fact that our own Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist and StarTalk geek-in-chief Charles Liu, PhD, are joining the celebration by answering your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on a variety of cosmic topics! Explore the possibilities of higher dimensions in our universe. We investigate certain theories that allow for “compactified dimensions.” We also discuss Edwin Abbott’s iconic book, Flatland, and ponder how to explain a third dimension to someone in a two-dimensional universe. Next, we raise our sights to asteroids. What are the most common metals found on asteroids and how do mine them? Neil explains why, even if there is an abundance of curiosity, money is still always the driving factor. You’ll hear about the state of solar energy. Find out the real costs inherent in the solar marketplace. Charles sheds light (pun intended) on the difficulties of switching from old technology to new technology. We harken back to the rapid switch from horses to cars and debate why the switch from fossil fuels to renewable resources has taken so much longer. Discover more about speed of light travel: how you would protect those traveling in a vehicle at the speed of light, how The Flash is able to travel at the speed of light, and why it’s possible that you might not even be you at the speed of light. You’ll also hear about terraforming Mars and why the lack of atmosphere presents a big problem. Learn why it’s beneficial to put space telescopes on the far side of the Moon. Our trio weighs in on who will lead humanity’s journey through space? Governments, the private sector, or a combination of both? All that, plus, we discuss how to market space travel to those who find it unnecessary or extravagant. This episode originally aired on October 4, 2019. #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson #Mars

Hey Earthlings! Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about aliens and extraterrestrial life. Learn about the Drake Equation, panspermia, and where we might find life in our solar system. SHARE this episode with a friend who may not be from Earth. #Aliens #ET #NeildeGrasseTyson

This episode is sponsored by Storyblocks Video. Learn more about Storyblocks - http://www.storyblocks.com/StarTalk On this week’s episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio (http://www.instagram.com/paulmecurio) sit down to answer a grab bag full of Cosmic Queries that span the cosmic spectrum. We start at the beginning – the Big Bang. Is “Big Bang” a misnomer for what actually happened? Neil and Paul try and figure out if there’s a better name. You’ll learn how the origins of the name “Big Bang” were birthed from the Steady-state model hypothesis. Discover more about the differences between a law, a hypothesis, and a theory. We ponder a thought experiment that explores the boundary conditions of the Earth and the Universe. We ask: if you travel close to the edge of the universe, will you see the other side? Find out the immense reach that astrophysical terminology has in popular marketing and everyday products. We discuss Star Trek and what things from the show could be true in real life. You’ll hear why space tourism requires fundamentally new technology in order to make it accessible for everyday people. Neil tells us about his lottery idea that can send people into space for one dollar per person. You also find out the real costs for sending things into orbit. And, Nell explains why it’s almost certain that there will be fatalities when pushing a frontier forward, like the early days of the airplane industry. Dive into the delicious mysteries of dark matter: Is it a placeholder for our incomplete understanding of gravity? Does it work differently on galactic scales? Can we eventually use it to help us travel through space? Learn more about the science of something exploding in space. Get details on the tricky business of catching neutrinos. Lastly, you’ll discover why it’s hard to pinpoint the center of the universe. All that, plus, you’ll explore the obstacles in trying to communicate with extraterrestrial life. This episode originally aired as a podcast on August 23, 2019. #BigBang #SpaceTourism #StarTrek

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk In this time-traveling episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about traveling forwards and backwards in time, wormholes, relativity, and time travel in pop culture. SHARE this episode with a friend who claims they’re from the future. #WheelOfScience #SolarSystem #NeildeGrasseTyson

Time is of the essence! Or, is it? Is time travel possible? Can we change the past? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the wibbly wobbly, timey wimey nature of time itself with theoretical physicist Brian Greene, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and Impractical Joker James “Murr” Murray. Join us on a pop culture adventure, from the TARDIS of Doctor Who, to the shrinking capabilities of Ant Man and the Wasp, to the Upside Down parallel universe of Stranger Things. Explore if the laws of physics allow time travel to be possible. You’ll learn how the physics of time travel differs depending on whether you’re going into the future or the past. We discuss wormholes and what happens when you place a wormhole next to a black hole. Find out about the “chronology projection conjecture,” a concept first introduced by Steven Hawking. Ponder the logic paradox that occurs when you travel into the past. You’ll find out if other species process time similar to the way humans do. We also venture into the fourth dimension as we explore the TARDIS and it’s capabilities. Next, we move from time travel to the Quantum Realm as we discuss the shrinking science of Ant Man and the Wasp. You’ll learn what the laws of physics say about shrinking. Discover more about the empty space inside atoms. Investigate “molecular disequilibrium,” quantum entanglement, and what Einstein called the “spooky action.” Neil gives praise to the movie A Bug’s Life on its ability to represent the microscopic (besides the obvious error in ant anatomy). Lastly, we take a trip to the Upside Down as we investigate parallel universes. Find out more about string theory and the “brane” idea. Explore the idea of a “gravity phone” used to send out vibrations in space time rather than vibrations through air. Unlock the possibilities of the Many-Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and learn more about the “order of infinites.” All that, plus Neil offers an emotional, poignant happy birthday message to his birthday buddy, NASA. This was recorded at NYCC 2018. #NYCC #DoctorWho #StrangerThings

Thanks to Wix for sponsoring this video! Create your website now: http://www.wix.com/go/startalk On this episode of Wheel Of Science, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer YOUR questions about our own backyard - The Solar System. Learn about the physics of orbits, how solar systems are formed, and learn how we define the shape and boundary of our solar system. SHARE this episode with a friend who also lives in this solar system. #WheelOfScience #SolarSystem #NeildeGrasseTyson

Without the fear and clashing political ideologies of the Cold War to fuel a space race, what will fuel the “new” space race? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with comic co-host Ray Ellin to explore what will push human space exploration further out into the solar system. You’ll learn why the United States’ history as space “pioneers” needs adjusting. We investigate why we haven’t gone back to the Moon in decades. Find out if the Moon would be a good launching and refueling station for missions going further out. You’ll hear why human endeavors on Mars will require survival based on Martian resources. We also explore why traveling to another star, like Alpha Centauri, will take more rocket power than we have currently, possibly even requiring a development like warp drives. Explore why the Space Force is not necessarily a crazy idea, and why it partially exists already. We talk about the possible activities of the Space Force, and whether or not they might include cleaning up space junk. Brush up on the International Space Treaty of 1967 as we ponder what would happen if another country destroyed the flag planted by the United States on the Moon. We also address the question, “Can you own space?” Get details on NASA’s Office of Planetary Protection and how it protects the Earth and other celestial bodies from contaminating each other. Discover more about which countries might be involved in a “new” space race and whether there’s any merit to the idea of sending world leaders into space. We also discuss if this new space race should even be framed as a “race.” All that, plus, Neil shares his thoughts on why exploring space should eventually be like exploring your own backyard. This episode originally aired as a podcast on February 22, 2019 #SpaceRace #NeildeGrasseTyson #SpaceForce

Watch as Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews master navigator Nainoa Thompson about techniques for using using the stars to navigate the oceans. This originally aired on StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson on the National Geographic Channel. You can listen to the full episode as a podcast here: https://www.startalkradio.net/show/the-stars-that-guide-us-with-nainoa-thompson/

How are hurricanes like Dorian, Irma and Sandy formed? Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the physics of Earth's most powerful storms, along with comedian Chuck Nice. Find out how they're named, how distance from the Equator changes how fast a storm moves thanks to Coriolis forces, how circulation of weather forms around a low pressure system, and more. StarTalk on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio #Hurricanes #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Warm up those vocal cords, we’re getting ready to hit the high note. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with international pop star Kelly Clarkson to discuss the science of the singing voice. In studio, Neil is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and vocologist Dr. Brian Gill, who helps us find the science in song. To start, Neil and Kelly talk about Kelly’s new album, Meaning of Life, and how it’s sonically unlike any of her previous albums. Dr. Gill helps us explore the anatomy of human vocal cords and rank musical genres based on the demands of performance. You’ll also learn why he considers Kelly a “thoroughbred vocalist.” Kelly shares how she brings emotions and feelings into her songs. Discover how tonality factors into performance and how to strike the balance between technique and feel. You’ll also hear a debate about autotune and whether it’s necessary, problematic, or somewhere in between. As a special treat, Neil performs his favorite lullaby, and Neil and Kelly perform two micro-duets. Lastly, Neil and Kelly bond over their shared love of The Great American Eclipse. All that, plus, you’ll find about the children’s books Kelly’s authored, and hear Neil, Brian, and Chuck play us out with a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” (Warning: Adult Language) Kelly Clarkson is now the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show! This episode originally aired on 2/23/2018 #KellyClarkson #Music #NeildeGrasseTyson

Check out https://www.CuriosityStream.com/startalk and use code "startalk" to get your first 31 days free! On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson investigates the science of pop fiction with comic co-host Chuck Nice and astrophysicist and StarTalk geek-in-chief Charles Liu, PhD. We’ve wrangled up all your fan-submitted questions on pop fiction, which Charles describes as any type of fiction you would watch or read while eating popcorn. To start, we dive right into speed of light communication. If two parties are communicating light years away from each other, how would they be able to share the same sense of time during the conversation? You’ll learn how Star Trek’s “subspace” solved this problem. We discuss how the Doppler effect impacts our real-life space communications today. You’ll find out which science fiction and superhero movies Neil and Charles appreciate given their level of, or purposeful disregard for, science accuracy. We take a hard look at the 1966 Batman movie and discuss the infamous “shark repellent”. You’ll also hear about Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!, Dr. Strange, and others. And, Neil gives us details on his cameos in The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time and Ice Age: Collision Course. You’ll hear about stealth technology and ways it could be used. We ponder the science of invisibility when a fan asks if it’s possible to disguise a city like Wakanda disguises itself in Black Panther. Neil and Charles tell us what superpower they would want that’s enabled by gene-editing. Re-visit Franz Kafka’s iconic story “The Metamorphosis.” We explore the use of artificial gravity and centrifugal force, like in 2001: A Space Odyssey, and if they’re plausible ideas for future long-term space travel. We also investigate if the quantum realm is real and if it shares any similarities to the way it was portrayed in Ant-Man. Lastly, Neil shares what his bat signal would look like. All that, plus, discover more about popcorn and why our trio thinks it’s one of the most extraordinary foods ever. This episode originally aired on August 2, 2019. #SciFi #StarTalk #StarTrek

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we explore the world of bioethics. Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Paul Mecurio, and NYU bioethicist, author, and philosopher Matthew Liao answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about bioethical dilemmas, artificial intelligence, human experimentation, and much more. To start, Matthew gives us a proper definition of bioethics. Matthew tells us whether he thinks he acts more ethically just because he’s a bioethicist…or if he’s actually even less ethical. Find out the importance of measuring trust in bioethical issues, and examine the moral limits of scientific experimentation. Learn more about “The Belmont Report,” the infamous “The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male,” and the horrific experimentation done by the Nazis. Matthew explains why getting vaccinated is a part of our public duty. Discover more about “threshold deontology” and whether the limits of human experimentation are stagnant or if they change over time. Neil brings up The Secret of Santa Vittoria, and we examine the film’s bioethical themes. Next, we ponder if DNA and gene editing will continue to grow and develop in our society. Is CRISPR a good thing? We discuss “designer babies” and modifying personalities. You’ll learn if there are any regulatory committees to oversee this field, and Matthew tells us how we will have to navigate the repercussions of genetic inequality if the field continues to grow. He also tells us what his factors are in deciding what’s good and bad when it comes to modifying organisms genetically. You’ll also hear how religion and natural law fits into the bioethics discussion. We explore the dangers of introducing artificial intelligence into the field of medicine, and whether there will be less need for doctors with the rise in AI technology. All that, plus, we debate if there will ever be attempts to combine human DNA with animal DNA. This originally aired as an episode of StarTalk Radio on June 28, 2019 #Bioethics #StarTalk #Science

We're trying something new on this channel... join StarTalk fans as we watch over 22 hours of your favorite science podcast! Neil deGrasse Tyson is in every episode. Every episode you see here is also available on our YouTube channel on-demand, so if you miss something, you can still watch it later! ***THIS VIDEO WILL SELF DESTRUCT SOON!*** Neil will NOT be in the chat. If you see StarTalk commenting, it’s from Digital Producer Ben. Subscribe to StarTalk so you don't miss a video.

Check out https://www.CuriosityStream.com/startalk and use code "startalk" to get your first 31 days free! On this episode of StarTalk Radio, your personal astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is back alongside comic co-host Chuck Nice to answer fan-submitted questions on a variety of topics that take us across the universe and into the unknown. You’ll find out why the universe will ultimately die “not with a bang, but with a whimper. And not in fire, but in ice.” Explore the relationship between time and space as we ponder the fabric of spacetime. You’ll even hear about the possibilities of a universe inside of another universe. Discover more about the concept of the holographic universe. We investigate electron microscopes and why they let us see more than light-based microscopes. You’ll also learn why matter is waves and particles. You’ll find out more about moving around in zero gravity and how you could propel a wheelchair while floating in space. Explore Hawking radiation. You’ll learn more about gravitational redshifts. We calculate the impact of merging black holes. We also discuss time dilation: do electromagnetic signals get warped by time dilation? Neil explains the Fermi paradox and “The Great Filter.” We ponder if the urge to explore the universe is the same urge that might destroy us. We try and work out a design that would make solar panels and lasers work together for wireless energy transfer. Get details why the future imagined by the 1950s-60s has been reshaped by the accessibility of information. All that, plus, Neil advocates for common core math and the importance of asking the right questions. #BlackHoles #Science #StarTalk This episode originally aired on March 1, 2019.

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and summer school is in session! Neil deGrasse Tyson, co-host Matt Kirshen, and astrophysicist Charles Liu answer fan-submitted questions on mathematics, the Big Bang, the laws of physics, neutrinos, relativity, Pluto, the smell of the Milky Way, and more. This episode originally aired as a podcast on July 12, 2019. #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson #astrophysics

Rosanna Pansino from Nerdy Nummies has a million questions for astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson! In this cosmic collaboration, Ro asks about constellations, space elevators, and other habitable planets in our solar system. Plus, find out Neil's favorite version of Star Trek. Chuck Nice joins as comic co-host. Check out Ro's channel! https://www.youtube.com/rosannapansino Watch Neil on Nerdy Nummies: https://youtu.be/O1c0exqJ0eQ

Alex from French Guy Cooking has a few questions for Neil deGrasse Tyson: how do non-stick pans and woks work, and what exactly is oil polymerization? Find out, along with comedian Chuck Nice. Follow Alex: https://www.youtube.com/frenchguycooking #FrenchGuyCooking #NeildeGrasseTyson #StarTalk

Psychedelic drugs, dreams, mental health awareness, understanding our reality, and more – Neil deGrasse Tyson, neuroscientist Heather Berlin, PhD, and first-time comic co-host Jackie Hoffman answer fan-submitted questions about neuroscience. You’ll learn how male and female brains differ. We explore the colorful world of psychedelic drugs. Find out why taking psychedelics is like putting your brain into a dream state. We discuss how psychedelic drugs allow unfiltered information from the world to enter your brain. Heather shocks Jackie by revealing that everyone is hallucinating most of the time as we try and break down the nature of our reality. We also discuss the idea that some people claim to see insight into the universe and beyond when experimenting with psychedelics. Next, investigate our reality and if it’s possible that everything we experience is a figment of our imagination. As part of the discussion we take a look back at movies like The Matrix and Total Recall. You’ll explore turning certain sensory information into different sensory information, like when a blind person turns visual information into audio information for the brain to process. You’ll also discover more about synesthesia. Finally, we explore the current state of mental health awareness. Dive into dreams as we break down the importance, or non-importance, of what your dreams are about. Neil and Heather point out the merit and flaws of Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams. You’ll find out what it means to “focus” on something. We ponder whether or not brain transplants will ever become a reality. We also wonder if you’ll be able to implant memories. All that, plus, we ask, “Do you need a brain to feel pain?” This episode originally aired on March 22, 2019.