Cosmic Queries – Cosmic Cauldron (Re-release)

About This Episode

What would Isaac Newton think of today’s science? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice answer a cosmic cauldron of Cosmic Queries. From dark matter, to what aliens look like, the size of the universe, we answer a multiverse of questions.

This episode originally aired July 27, 2020.

To start, we investigate whether there’s any hypotheses that connect dark matter and black holes. We dive into science fiction as Neil and Chuck discuss their favorite depictions of aliens in film and television. We explore the lack of aliens in 2001: A Space Odyssey and Contact, why Neil’s favorite movie alien is The Blob, and why Chuck loves Alien. And, Neil and Chuck debate what space-themed tattoo they would get if they ever got one.

Discover more about the possibility of a multiverse. We explore the “levels” of a multiverse. Then, we ponder if the universe is finite or infinite. Neil explains why the mash-up of quantum physics and general relativity can create exciting possibilities. You’ll learn about the influence space travel has on age. We also ponder if time travelers are hiding among us. Find out who Neil would want to meet if he could time travel. Then, we dive into the logistics of time travel and “causal loops.”

You’ll hear about the mechanisms at work that help assist with Earth’s gravity. Then we ask, “Does light ever stop moving?” Neil tells us how we can use high-speed cameras to see light interact with a medium. Lastly, we discuss what technology an advanced alien civilization might have at their will. All that, plus, Neil and Chuck share their thoughts on how you’d be received if you traveled back in time and showed the people of the past your smartphone.

Thanks to our Patrons Saawan Patel, Samantha Quinn, Anatoly Borodin, Brice Purdy, Forrest Shepard, Sarah Caroline Bell, Genesis Djafri, and Braden Thomas for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.