STARTALK RADIO WITH NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are investigating the scientific – and somewhat mysterious – world of algorithms and big data. Joining them is Hannah Fry, PhD, mathematician and author of Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine, to lend her expertise as we answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries from across the internet. What is an algorithm? What does it mean to use an algorithm? Hannah gives us a lesson in algorithms 101. You’ll learn why an algorithm is not just a function of a computer. Discover why your favorite recipe is an algorithm. Explore the differences between an algorithm and artificial intelligence. Ponder whether applying algorithms to human behavior might give strong evolutionary guidance. We also explore if you can make a predictive algorithm for lightning strikes or ocean currents. Find out the state of big data in the modern world. You’ll hear why the biggest challenge about modern data comes down to quality, not volume. We discuss the processes of solving problems. Is grunting through to a solution the best way to solve a problem or does every problem have a quick answer? You’ll learn more about the “P vs NP Problem” and the four-color theorem. What’s the future of algorithms and data? Is biological data the next frontier? We examine the idea of predicting crime, like in Minority Report, and Hannah tells us about an example of this in the real world that completely failed. All that, plus, we also discuss why sometimes the best way to study data is by using methods that aren’t new. 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 #HannahFry

Everyone’s heard the phrase “The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.” But, how true is it? Well, in this video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice investigate this popular phrase and the meaning behind it. You’ll learn why the phrase is “broadly true but not true most of the time.” Neil tells us the one zone on Earth where the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West all the time. Then we ask, what happens if you live in the Arctic? And we explore why, when you’re on the North or South poles, “the sun rises everywhere.” Discover more about the term “solstice.” We ponder the binary-star system from Star Wars and Neil tells us why that’s not exactly how things work. Lastly, we explore how the arc of the sun has been the foundation for many celebrations across history. All that, plus, we break down “Manhattanhenge.” 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

It’s grab bag time! Because we get so many questions submitted for our numerous Cosmic Queries episodes, we can never get to them all. Enter the Grab Bag Edition. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering an eclectic set of fan-submitted questions covering topics from all across the spectrum of science. We start with a fan-favorite topic: black holes. Can anything survive a black hole? Neil explains why it’s all fun and games until the tidal forces kick in. You’ll learn more about the general theory of relativity, string theory, Hawking radiation, and whether particles can reach the speed of light while falling into a black hole. You’ll also learn how we now know that a black hole isn’t a portal. Next, which would be a more groundbreaking discovery: understanding dark matter or discovering extraterrestrial life? Neil tells us why that depends on what we discover about dark matter. We explore DNA-based life and the possibilities of whether it could exist elsewhere in the universe. Find out about colonizing other planets and why Antarctica can shed light on humans traveling to Mars. We discuss the variations in budget for science vs. military funding. Neil explains why humanity has lost a few centuries of growth due to people standing in denial of natural forces relative to the supernatural. We investigate the horizon problem. Discover how astronomers concluded that the edge of the observable universe is 43 billion light years away. Lastly, we reflect on the work of Sir Isaac Newton. How was he able to stay focused on his work while a plague was happening? All that, plus, Neil shares his thoughts on the simulation theory and we ponder ways to make science more popular with the public. 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! Originally aired June 29, 2020. #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Mercury is in Retrograde. What does that mean for you, if it means anything at all? Neil deGrasse Tyson is here to help you understand what it all means. Alongside comic co-host Chuck Nice, we take a trip back in time to understand why this phrase has survived since the reign of the ancient Greeks. Discover what is actually happening when a planet goes into retrograde. You’ll learn what the world was like before the scientific method was widely used and how the implementation of experimentation and hypothesis catapulted civilization forward. We trace our understanding of the planets from a time where humans thought Earth was at the center of the universe. Find out why the ancient Greeks referred to planets as wanderers when they first discovered them. You’ll hear why the foundations of astrology have no justification in a scientifically literate and modern world. Then, we investigate why humans are in such need to have things explained. All that, plus, Neil shares why it takes a lot of hubris to think the universe actually cares about you. 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

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering your fan-submitted questions on everything from discovering extraterrestrial life to traveling through dimensions. Anything that you’ve cosmically wondered about, we are ready to answer. To start, Neil and Chuck ponder where they would pilot the USS Enterprise if they were sitting in the Captain’s chair. You’ll learn why Neil would take a tour of his own “backyard” before setting off anywhere else. We investigate how time works as you move closer and further from the edge of the universe. Neil tells us how to kill a black hole, and the answer may surprise you. We discuss dark matter. You’ll hear why dark matter should really be called dark gravity. You’ll explore how we study dark matter even though it doesn’t interact electromagnetically. Then, we investigate the Higgs boson, the Higgs field, and the Large Hadron Collider. Neil shares a helpful metaphor to understand the Higgs boson that involves a Hollywood party, Chuck, and Beyoncé. Neil and Chuck debate which is more likely to happen – extraterrestrial contact or the ability to travel through the dimensions. You’ll learn more about higher dimensions and how they interact with the reality of other dimensions. We investigate the possibility of complex organisms existing in the liquid masses of our solar system, like on Enceladus or Europa. Neil gives us a lesson in thermodynamics in order to explain how life survives. Lastly, you’ll explore Low Earth orbit. Discover why people who live along the equator would weigh less than people living elsewhere. All that, plus, Neil explains how fast the Earth would have to be rotating for you to float. 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! Originally aired May 4, 2020 #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

To continue our series exploring the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has impacted the state of the world, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence can help us monitor, create, and recover. To explore that subject fully, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice sit down with a very special guest: @Sophia the Robot. To start, you’ll find out what Sophia has been up to during the pandemic. You’ll learn how AI has been helping to slow and stop the spread of coronavirus. Can AI help us find a cure or vaccine? Sophia tells us how robots have been assisting in areas of healthcare. We explore how artificial intelligence can help predict the spread of viruses and evaluate public health measures. We also explore how AI has helped develop systems for contact tracing. We ponder the erosion of freedom and privacy and Neil asks Sophia why we should trust what she’s saying. All that, plus, Sophia asks Neil a Cosmic Query about the multiverse and interacting with other versions of ourselves. 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, we bring you Part II of Cosmic Queries – Black Holes and Dark Energy. Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted questions about what we know, and don’t know, about black holes and dark energy. You’ll hear why a black hole’s consumption of matter does not overpower the evaporation caused by Hawking radiation. Neil tells us what’s actually “evaporating” during Hawking radiation. He also tells us two remarkable facts about black holes that are sure to blow your mind. We discuss how a spy satellite accidently opened a new branch of astrophysics. Find out more about singularities. We investigate the singularity at the beginning of our universe and Neil explains when string theory needs to be brought to the table. Chuck shares how his son coined the word “ringularity.” We assess the possibility of black holes being used as an intergalactic highway system to connect one galaxy to the next. Find out more about “white holes.” Discover more about supermassive black holes. We explore the nature of photons: how they can be pulled into black holes if they’re massless and why they travel along the fabric of spacetime. Adventure back in time to Sir Arthur Eddington’s expedition to uncover how light bends around the sun. We ponder if dark energy and dark matter are “stuff” permeating from another universe into our own. Discover why light is trapped in our galaxy but gravity isn’t. We discuss the likelihood that intelligent life is more advanced than us. Lastly, Neil shares final thoughts on the delicate evolution of the tree of life. 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! Originally aired March 2, 2020. #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.

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we’re continuing our series of episodes covering the current COVID-19 pandemic. On this edition, Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and neuroscientist Heather Berlin, PhD to explore the relationship between the pandemic and mental health. How has the human condition adapted to the pandemic? Heather tells us why a certain subset of people previously suffering from OCD have gotten better. We investigate the rise in social anxiety and whether that will stay present after the situation has improved. We also examine why people are pushing against safety regulations and the quarantine. We compare the way a collective society works opposed to an individualistic society. Then, it’s time to dive into fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Find out of there are positive effects on mental health during this state. Neil tells us about Isaac Newton’s isolation from a plague that resulted in important discoveries in gravity. Heather discusses the increased role of mental health professionals. But that begs the question from Neil, how much training can a mental health professional have to prepare for a pandemic? You’ll learn more about the importance of sunlight during times of quarantine, especially for those living where their homes might not receive a lot of daily light. Heather explains how your pre-existing personality shapes how you respond to the current environmental circumstances. We ponder if there will be a rise in agoraphobia once society fully opens up. In our last segment, StarTalk Sports Edition co-host Gary O’Reilly joins our trio to discuss how athletes are dealing with being in quarantine. How can athletes retain their super-fast mental processing speeds while not competing? And, as sporting leagues start to play again, how will players react to playing in front of empty stadiums? We ponder whether sports might be less aggressive or competitive without fans present to watch in person. All that, plus, we debate how long sports has to be sidelined in order for people to lose interest. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 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/ 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

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

Wubba lubba dub dub! On this very special video of StarTalk Radio we’re teaming up with @The Film Theorists to explore the science of Rick and Morty! Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and MatPat of The Film Theorists to dive into some iconic science portrayed on one of the most popular animated shows in recent years. Discover more about dark matter. Rick uses dark matter to power his spaceship but MatPat wants to know if that’s actually scientifically possible. Neil tells us why the show might say dark matter but actually mean dark energy. You’ll learn more about the differences between the two and why dark energy would be more capable of being used over dark matter. We also dive into antimatter. On Season 2, Episode 2, Rick and Morty of have to destroy a gaseous being named Fart and they do so by using an antimatter gun. So, what exactly is antimatter? Neil explains why antimatter is the “favorite fuel of science fiction” and just how antimatter works in real life. All that, plus, we explore the multiverse of Rick and Morty with The Film Theorists right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHcaQo4fmdM 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 #RickandMorty

Sign up for your FREE trial to The Great Courses Plus here: http://ow.ly/H9UP30qCbxx On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries with the help of theoretical physicist and author Brian Greene. Brian has been a frequent guest on StarTalk and always tends to blow our minds when he shows up – this time is no different. The topic for this episode is Until the End of Time, which also happens to be the name of Brian’s new book! How far will we journey into the cosmos during our lifetime? Neil and Brian ponder this but they also debate how long humanity will last in general. Will we outlive the predicted length of existence we’ve seen from other species? Will we destroy ourselves? What happens if we send a crew into interstellar space and when they return everyone is gone? You’ll learn how long it takes just to get out of the Milky Way alone and what humans would be like if they grew up never knowing the Earth. We explore free choice and free will. Brian tells us why he thinks we don’t have either. Discover more about time: is it made of something? You better believe we talk about string theory. Brian shares why spacetime itself could be stitched together by the threads of quantum entanglement. You’ll hear how dark energy could rip the fabric of spacetime – and why that might not be as catastrophic as it sounds. You’ll also learn why black holes shrink down if spacetime rips apart. We dive into the meaning of life: Is there any? And, if there isn’t, what’s the point in living? Brian explains why he thinks physics should guide us and also set us free. Neil and Brian discuss the role of religion and if that would change if we were contacted by extraterrestrials. You’ll find out where the universe ends. Lastly, we investigate entropy in the universe. All that, plus, discover more about the simulation universe and if the human brain will ever figure out human consciousness. 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 March 9, 2020.

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That’s the estimated number of stars in the universe. That’s a pretty big number. But, how did we get here? And, can we go bigger? You bet we can go bigger. In this video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here to help you understand how big some numbers truly are. We have to start small. Neil takes us from a simple million to a billion and then way beyond anything you’re imagining. You’ll learn how many stars are in our galaxy. And, how many galaxies are in our universe. What does the number really mean in the scale of everything? How long would it take you to count to a billion? How long would it take you to count to a trillion? Then, we cross the point where numbers get so big that you have to start using words to describe them. Discover more about a mole, a googol, a googolplex, and Skewes’ number. After this video, you’ll look at numbers a whole different way! Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 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/ 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

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

In this video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice are exploring the value of science and science literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may seem like an obvious fact that science matters during these unprecedented times, but, sometimes it bears repeating. Neil explains why the public needs to listen to scientists and why science is true whether you believe it or not. We discuss the public’s tendency to politicize instead of acknowledge science and objective truths. Discover how scientists warning against the pandemic are being treated similar to scientists warning against climate change. Neil tells us how this pandemic might permanently change the nature of some people’s conduct and practices in daily life. Lastly, you’ll hear why Neil thinks of the coronavirus as an invader from space. All that, plus, Neil offers a cosmic perspective to help guide you through these tough times. This video was done in participation with #livemedaid: https://youtu.be/3TOi4PqpTh4 On May 9, 2020 the scientific community will come together for a first-of-its-kind, live-streamed event in support of Doctors Without Borders / MSF and front-line healthcare workers in the global fight against COVID-19. LIVEMEDAID brings together the world’s leading doctors, scientists, writers, thinkers, and cultural influencers to debate, collaborate, and share ideas about what we can learn from this virus, how to defeat it, and what we can expect as we move toward the future. May 9th. 6 PM ET Pre-Show. 7-11 PM ET Show. Donate and register to win exclusive prizes! livemedaid.com #livemedaid [email protected] Hope. Resilience. Human Spirit. - About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. Please visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, https://inuit.com/ for more information about this artist and her 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

This episode was recorded on April 23, 2020. Note – This episode contains factual discussions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and may contain certain topics and discussion of statistics and information that might cause distress. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson gets and update on the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Irwin Redlener, Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness. To start, you’ll learn what constitutes a “pandemic.” Irwin tells us about the difference between “physical distancing” and “social distancing.” He explains why we want to be physically distant but remain socially together. You’ll learn more about pandemic modeling and projections. We investigate the importance of “contact tracing.” And, Irwin explains why we have to be careful when discussing “small” percentage changes. Discover more about the possibilities of a second and third wave of the outbreak. We explore why a rush back to open things is concerning. Irwin shares his thoughts on the death rate during the pandemic and why there might be severe undercounting. We also investigate statistics coming from other countries and if there’s any reason to not believe the reports. Lastly, we find out what the United States did wrong that lead to the mishandling of early preventative steps. We also explore what other countries have been doing right to flatten the curve. You’ll hear how policy evolves throughout a crisis and how the public should react to constant flipflopping of messaging. All that, plus, Irwin leaves us with a message of hope for the future. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 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/ 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

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