STARTALK RADIO WITH NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

Check out KiwiCo.com/StarTalk50 and get 50% off your first month of any subscription! All you have to do is let it sit and watch the science happen. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries with Arielle Johnson, PhD, science officer on Good Eats, food writer, and formerly the in-house R&D scientist at Noma, ranked the world’s best restaurant in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014. What is fermentation? You’ve heard of fermenting wine, beer, and cabbage, but how does it work? Arielle tells us how fermented foods made their way into our diets. You’ll learn how sugar plays a big part in the fermentation process. What’s the difference between fermented vs. pickled? Why doesn’t fermented food make you sick? Why can we eat moldy cheese and not eat moldy bread? We investigate the popularity of kombucha. You’ll learn how kombucha is made. We explore some of the health benefits of kombucha and if there’s any substance behind the claims. You’ll learn if NASA has ever dabbled in fermentation aboard the International Space Station. How common is fermentation in the wild? Do other mammals eat fermented fruits or vegetables? We also investigate why vinegar works as a natural preservative. Discover more about the importance of “water activity.” You’ll hear about mulled wine and rice wine. Lastly, we dive into sourdough bread, we ponder whether algae are the food of the future, and we ask Arielle if you can use fermentation to invent new foods. Thanks to our Patrons Ryan Bariteau, Dan Snider, Shelia Hutson, Sonya Loeffler, Vishu Kamble, Dusty Switala, Daniel E Puig, Dan McGowan, Sullivan S Paulson, and Nigel Adams for supporting us this week. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Get Surfshark VPN at https://Surfshark.deals/startalk and enter promo code STARTALK for 83% off and 3 extra months for free! How small is a molecule? In this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here to help you visualize a molecule’s actual size. To start, Neil gives his favorite thought experiment to help us understand the size of molecules. You’ll learn why this leads Chuck to say he’s never drinking water again. Discover more about “quantum construction” and building things on a molecular level. You’ll learn about Avogadro's number and measuring things in mole. We explore why it’s remarkable that we were even able to discover molecules at all. Neil explains how our five senses held us back from discovering things until we invented ways outside our senses to discover them. All that, plus, we discuss why there’s a philosophical issue in our own physiology when it comes to communicating things of extraordinary size in the universe. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About 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

Did your team's game-winning kick bounce in off the upright? You might have Earth's rotation to thank. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O'Reilly discuss the physics of field goals in today's #SportsSciQ with @Yahoo! Sports. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

You’ve fallen into a black hole! Quick, what do you do? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice investigate black holes with Janna Levin, PhD, astrophysicist and author of the new book Black Hole Survival Guide. Janna starts off by telling us about how her new book Black Hole Survival Guide is “dispelling misconceptions about black holes.” You’ll get a quick refresher from Neil and Janna about “spaghettification” and if there’s any way to prevent that from happening to you if you were to fall into a black hole. Janna gives us a detailed description of what happens when you fall into a black hole and why it’s “safer” to fall into a bigger black hole. Find out why you create a “storm” when you head into a black hole. Discover what it would be like to watch someone cross the event horizon from a distance. We discuss “time dilation.” You’ll learn what happens when there’s a “ring down” between two black holes. If the multiverse is true, can super massive black holes enter other universes? Can we jet between the multiverse using black hole portals? Can you stitch together a black hole and a white hole? You’ll find out what black holes have in common with Doctor Who’s TARDIS. We explore the Black hole information paradox, Hawking radiation, and whether black holes are actually an illusion made by quantum-entangled wormholes. Lastly, we discuss why we might have to look beyond general relativity to understand the singularity. We reflect on the Eddington experiment. All that, plus, we end by pondering the Big Rip. Thanks to our Patrons Ryan Bariteau, Dan Snider, Shelia Hutson, Austin Cope, Zachary Keirstead, Chris Goshorn, Cory Flanagin, Jacob Lackeym, Adam Albilya, and Russell Konicki for supporting us this week. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

How much do you weigh in space? Well, as Neil deGrasse Tyson will tell you, weight is not what you think it is. On this StarTalk Explainer, Neil and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore what’s going on when you blast off. Neil tells us why we should be thinking about how much mass something contains instead of how much something weighs. You’ll learn why your weight in water is basically zero. Why are astronauts weightless in space? Neil explains how Sir Isaac Newton discovered orbits. Find out why most energy from a rocket launch is not used to get the rocket into space. All that, plus, we explore the science of Ad Astra, The Expanse, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.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/. FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Wanna talk to animals? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on interspecies communication with Diana Reiss, PhD, Cognitive Psychology Professor and Marine Mammal Scientist. Is it possible to talk to animals? We’re here to find out. Diana tells us about her recent work that looks to use new technologies to bridge the gap between communicating with other species. You’ll learn why the first step is defining what communication means. What makes something a language? Diana fills us in on her background researching dolphins, and we compare a dolphin’s brain to a human’s brain. We discuss the film The Cove and the importance of using science to raise awareness. Then, we dive into the film Arrival and how it demonstrates appropriate steps to establish communication with another species. Diana tells us why establishing a common knowledge is vital. Then, we ask, would atoms and molecules look the same to everyone in the universe? Explore why imitation can be a vital tool to help start communicating. Diana gives us insight into her first encounter with a dolphin mind. We discuss non-verbal forms of communication and how species communicate with themselves. Diana also tells us about the underwater keyboard and “touch” screen created for communicating with dolphins or, as Chuck calls it, the giant iPad for dolphins. We investigate if animals have different “dialects” based on their geographic location. Lastly, can math be used as a universal language? All that, plus, we ponder if we’ll ever be able to fully understand animal communication. Thanks to our Patrons Caralee Wahab, Tracy S. Skrabut, Ivan Perez, Joshua Torres, Garrett Jay, Leon Galante, Tyler Miller, and Pat Mallon for supporting us this week. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About 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

Why does ice float? Seems like a simple question. On this StarTalk explainer video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are, as usual, bringing complex answers to life’s simple questions. Neil explains why peculiar things happen to water when it changes state. We explore what happens when water freezes. Chuck gives a visual demonstration of why you usually see 10% of ice above water. You’ll learn why the arctic ice sheets float on the water. And, why the ice we need to worry about is the ice on land and the “runoff.” We discuss the power of freezing ice (which leads to bursting pipes). Find out more about the density of water. What if bodies of water froze from the bottom up? Neil tells us how a certain property of water protects aquatic life over the winter. All that, plus, Chuck can’t help but bring up the science behind spherical ice cubes used for scotch! About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

There’s science in everything, even when you don’t realize it. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with Grammy-award winning composer Eric Whitacre to explore the hidden science of music. Joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice and neuroscientist Heather Berlin, PhD, we’re investigating how science and mathematics can influence and shape music. To start, we discuss something a lot of people have dealt with: forced music lessons. Heather explains why learning music is like learning a language and how reading music can impact growth in other areas of the brain. You’ll find out how Eric became a musician even though he was on a path to be a scientist. Eric also tells us why he thinks NASA is a “crazy collection of artists.” Then, we welcome mathematician and concert pianist Eugenia Cheng to help us demystify math and music, and show us how they interact. And Neil poses the question: would all musicians be better if they had more knowledge in math? Lastly, we explore the patterns of music, how important novelty is to the brain, and why rebelling against patterns lead to the development of classical music. Thanks to our Patrons Julia Zeikowitz, Cory Ricci, Sridev Pawar, Mark Hachem, Michael Gessner, Roderic E Hairston, Chuck Betlach, and Riyam Al-Sammarraie for supporting us this week. About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

If you’re trying to get in shape you need to lose weight, right? Neil deGrasse Tyson says wrong. On this StarTalk explainer, Neil and comic co-host Chuck Nice are breaking down the differences between mass, weight, and density. To start, Neil tells us why when you want to get in shape, you need to lose mass. You’ll learn why a weight-loss book written by a physicist would just be one sentence. We explore the difference between mass and weight and why weight is all about forces. Then, we move on to density. Find out why heavy cream is lighter than skim milk. We explore how the hull of a ship keeps the ship buoyant. All that, plus, Neil explains why, if you want to lose weight quickly, just head to the Moon and hop on a scale. About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Albert Einstein is, well, Albert Einstein. But, was he right? It seems like a silly question, but, in fact, there’s some history behind it. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are investigating what it took to prove Einstein right, with Dr. Jim Gates, theoretical physicist and Professor and Center Director of the Brown University Theoretical Physics Center. Jim is also the co-author of Proving Einstein Right: The Daring Expeditions that Changed How We Look at the Universe. We start with some history. Jim tells us about Einstein’s discoveries about space and time in 1905. You’ll learn about the “happiest thought” of Einstein’s life. We discuss how he came to his theory of general relativity and theory of special relativity. You’ll also learn why, even though he first started working on the ideas in 1905, it took him over a decade to get them right. Find out what it takes to provide evidence for mathematical theories in the real world. We discuss Einstein’s exposure to the real world and how that informed his thought process. Jim explains why being a scientist involves swimming in a sea of information. We ponder if Einstein ever thought his theories were incorrect, and Jim tells us why math is magical. Then, we answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries! Is general relativity incompatible with quantum mechanics? If so, why? Is there a bigger idea that encompasses both ideas? We dive into String theory and how that might play into the equation. We investigate “gravitons” and how their existence would re-shape science. Are the strings in String theory made of something? We explore the cosmic microwave background and debate if a cosmic gravitational background could also exist. Lastly, you’ll hear why some stars in the night sky might be duplicated due to the bending of light. All that, plus, we answer the most important question of all – who has a better mustache? Neil deGrasse Tyson or Albert Einstein? Thanks to our Patrons Beverly Bellows, Christopher Mank, Darrell R. Scott, Eric Burgess, Pike Persons, AK Llyr, Nicholas Belsten, and Samuel D Fairchild for supporting us this week. About the prints that flank Neil in this video: “Black Swan” & “White Swan” limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit inuit.com. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

What goes up, must come down…right? Neil deGrasse Tyson says not so fast. You’ve heard the phrase before but Neil and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here to provide an update to this classic phrase in the latest StarTalk explainer video. To start, we take a look at the science behind the phrase. You’ll learn about the forces of gravity working all around us. Then, Neil and Chuck discuss why it’s time to retire the phrase, or, make it a little more scientific. We explore escape velocity. Discover more about traveling to the Moon and Mars and why we don’t pack fuel to get to the final destination, we just pack fuel to get to a certain point along the way. All that, plus, Neil and Chuck provide an updated version of “what goes up, must come down.” About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

“It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball,” says Billy Bean in Moneyball. On the other hand, it’s easy to be scientific! On this episode of StarTalk Sports Edition, Neil deGrasse Tyson is exploring the physics of baseball with his old friend Bill Nye the Science Guy, co-host Gary O’Reilly, and DJ Price, assistant baseball coach at Barry University. We investigate the differences between using an aluminum bat and a wooden bat and Neil tells us why pitching is all about confusing a batter’s Newtonian expectations. Lastly, you’ll discover how much the air itself can impact the game, and why humid air is better for baseball. All that, plus, you’ll learn why baseball players are the smartest physicists that don’t know it. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About 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.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

Can black holes alter light speed? Is astrophysics the Meryl Streep of the Nobel Prize in Physics? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about black holes and the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics with the help of their guest, Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. Janna is also the Director of Sciences at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, NY and happens to be one of our former StarTalk All-Stars hosts. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About 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 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

Today, @NASA launches its most ambitious sample return mission since Apollo, OSIRIS-Rex, where they’ll collect an asteroid sample (after landing on it!) and bring it back to Earth. How will they collect the sample? Will it knock the asteroid off its course? Is there a risk for radiation exposure to affect the sample? What does OSIRIS-REx even mean? Lucy Lim, an Assistant Project Scientist on OSIRIS-REx and Research Scientist at @NASA Goddard's Solar System Exploration Division in Maryland, answers all of these questions and more in this week’s Explainer with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About 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 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

He’s Dwight from The Office, he’s a climate activist, and he’s definitely a nerd. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with actor Rainn Wilson. Rainn is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office but he’s always busy. To start things off, Neil and Rainn discuss Rainn’s podcast Metaphysical Milkshake, his climate series An Idiot’s Guide to Climate Change, his media company @SoulPancake, and why it’s important to produce uplifting content. Rainn fills us in on his trip to make An Idiot’s Guide to Climate Change and why it’s important to reach out to young people when it comes to climate science. You’ll hear about Rainn’s new show, Utopia on @Amazon Prime Video, in which he plays a virologist. We discuss why the show’s release has had serendipitous parallels with the current COVID-19 pandemic. And, you’ll find out if Rainn retains any science knowledge when portraying a scientist. Then, Rainn answers some fan-submitted Cosmic Queries! You’ll find out his favorite comic book character. We dive into his love of science fiction. Neil and Rainn share the nerdiest things they’ve ever done. Rainn also tells about his time on set making Sahara and the deep conversations he shared with Penélope Cruz. Lastly, Rainn gets to ask Neil some Cosmic Queries. We investigate “spooky action at a distance.” Neil tells us about the birth of electromagnetism and field theory. We investigate quantum entanglement. All that, plus, Rainn asks Neil about the most transcendent experience he’s ever had studying the universe. Thanks to our Patrons Jennifer Sell-Knapp, Chris Reynolds, Nancy Umanzor, Daniel Rolandelli, Raymond Mang, Saad Algwaizani, Tyler Causey, and Christopher Lowther for supporting us this week. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Thanks to Salesforce for sponsoring a portion of this video. https://www.salesforce.com/startalk Have you ever wondered why stars twinkle? Do you know why astronomers hate twinkling stars? On this StarTalk explainer video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are going to give you the answers. In order to understand twinkling stars we need to understand how far away the stars are from us. You’ll learn just how big and empty space can be. Neil gives some examples to put the distance between celestial objects into perspective. Find out about convection and mirages. Neil explains how the same scientific processes are causing stars to twinkle in the night. We discuss how the starlight is refracting its way through the atmosphere one pocket of air at a time. You’ll learn how astronomers figured out how to compensate for the refraction and how that led to the creation of "adaptive optics." All that, plus, you’ll find out why the first star you see tonight might, in fact, be a planet. #SMB #smallbiz #startups #SalesforceEssentials @essentials Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Do black holes evaporate? What’s really happening at SpaceX? What is dark gravity? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries covering topics all across the universe. To kick things off, Neil and Chuck investigate dark gravity and dark energy. Could dark energy be leftover energy from an evaporated black hole? We explore how black holes eventually disappear. Neil enlightens us about the “five ages of the universe.” We ponder if dark matter or dark energy could predate the universe itself. Neil tells us why galaxies are found where dark matter has collected them. You’ll hear why radio waves are the preferred contact method to chat with aliens. We dive into conspiracy theories and why humans are susceptible to believing in them. Discover more about “dark-sky ordinances” and how light pollution impacts telescopes. Neil shares an example of a city and observatory working together to create less light pollution. Are the sizes of planets proportional to the distance between planets? We discuss the gravitational influences of planets on each other. We also discuss how many light years you would have to travel in order to see the Roman battles taking place on Earth. If time is a coordinate, why can’t we move back and forth in time? We take a look at predeterminism. Lastly, we explore the science of Superman. What would happen if something made the Earth rotate in the opposite direction like in Superman. Neil reminisces on his star-turn in a Superman comic. All that, plus, you’ll learn how Neil found an actual home for Krypton. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Thanks to our Patrons Jennifer Sell-Knapp, Chris Reynolds, Adam Cook, Taylor Brandt, Carlene Goodbody, Kayla Moon, Daniel Sindi, and David Lankshear for supporting us this week. Thumbnail Image Credit: ESA/Hubble_NASA_J Kali 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 Audio Version: https://www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-cosmic-grab-bag/ FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

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

Is a COVID-19 vaccine likely in the near future? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio answer your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about vaccines for COVID-19 with the help of their guest, Dr. Paul Offit, MD, Director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We start with the big question: What happened? How did an outbreak like this occur in modern times? Paul sheds light on how, if we would’ve known about the outbreak sooner, we could’ve gotten ahead of the virus. We discuss how to navigate dealing with anti-vaxxers and those who don’t want to wear masks. Paul shares his thoughts on the hardest part of vaccine education. For a quick refresher on Vaccines 101, Dr. Offit tells us how vaccines work. You’ll learn about the “typical” procedure used to create and distribute a new vaccine and why a vaccine for COVID-19 can be extremely accelerated. We also ponder whether a vaccine might reduce the number of anti-vaxxers? Dr. Paul explains the difference between being a vaccine skeptic vs. being a vaccine cynic. Once a vaccine exists, who will get vaccinated first? We discuss strategies in place for when the day comes. We also discuss if COVID-19 will linger around like the flu or if we can remove it from the face of the Earth. You’ll also find out the role young people play with spreading the virus. We investigate possible timelines for a COVID-19 vaccine. Paul shares his thoughts on what makes something a “bad” side effect. All that, plus, Neil wonders why medicinal procedures have yet to capitalize on computer simulations to test vaccines on human physiology. Thanks to our Patrons Jennifer Sell-Knapp, Chris Reynolds, Rusty Faircloth, Jaclyn Mishak, Jeremy Scott, Alejandra Salinas, Tom Bock, and Marcus Richardson for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. 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

Neil deGrasse Tyson has spent his whole career trying to convince people that science is worth pursuing and understanding. So, why, in this video, is he saying science is hard? Well, according to Neil, science is hard in a way you might not fully appreciate. On this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are exploring why science can be hard. Neil paints a historical tapestry that explores the discovery of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, to demonstrate the difficulties that can come along during scientific study. First, you’ll hear about William Herschel and his discovery of the planet Uranus. Find out why William had to fight against his pre-conceived notions of comets in order to accept his discovery. You’ll learn why the planet was originally named George. Then, we investigate the discovery of Neptune, Pluto, and the almost discoveries of Planet Vulcan and Planet X. Lastly, Neil and Chuck explore why science is a journey, not a destination. 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