Hubble Trouble with Hakeem Oluseyi

About This Episode

Is “now” just an illusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Paul Mecurio answer questions on the Higgs Field, dark energy, and the feasibility of Dyson spheres with astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

We discuss Hakeem’s role as CEO of the Astronomical Society, and his work on NASA’s IMAP satellite, designed to study the boundary of our solar system. He shares his vision for making astronomy more accessible, the difference between nerds and geeks, and why he doesn’t wear gold.

Then, we tackle the growing mystery of the universe’s expansion. Is the Hubble tension a sign of undiscovered physics? Could our cosmological models need tweaking? We explore the role of dark energy, the Higgs field, and the unanswered questions that keep physicists awake at night.

Next, we turn our sights to exoplanets. How do scientists detect distant atmospheres? What can JWST reveal? And when it comes to dark matter—could it be defying our understanding of physics itself? We break down theories, alternative gravity models, and the possibility that new technology may finally uncover what’s been eluding us.

Plus, we tackle gravitational waves and time itself—what would happen if we were hit by one? Is “now” just an illusion? We break down the Andromeda Paradox and also touch on black holes, information loss, and the search for Dyson spheres. Could an advanced civilization really build one, or is it just sci-fi fantasy? All this, plus a look at the biggest roadblock in STEM education, the history of mathematical knowledge, and how we can get more people looking up.

Thanks to our Patrons Omar Video, Dan Carson, Joy Jack, Christine Bryant, Andrea Andrade, mahmoud hassan, Kyal Murray, Mercedes Dominguez, Christopher Rogalski, Eric De Bruin, Telmore, Gabe Ramshaw, James Edward Humphrey, Laurel Herbert, AJ Chambers, Bill WInn, Mayson Howell, Julianne Markow, Manthan Patel, Sonya Ponds, Depression Rawr, David Leys, Garon Devine, Vishal Ayeppun, BIIZZxGaming, Kurt Clark, Max Goldberg, Beth McDaniel, Shelby Staudenmaier, Kinnick Sutton, Jane von Schilling, Joanne karl, Walter Kinslow, and Eric Johnston for supporting us this week.

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