Moonmoons, Gravitons, and More!

About This Episode

What if the solar system had two suns? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice give a sneak peek into our patron-only Q&As with questions about the three body problem, galaxy formation, the alpha centauri system, and more.

How does the expansion of the universe affect the space between our molecules? Learn about the Big Rip, accretion disks, and galaxy formation. How flat is our galaxy? Why does our universe form so many disks? What would an astronaut floating in space see if there was no matter?

Why are so many alien spacecraft disk-shaped in science fiction? Is there a best shape for a spaceship? Plus, can a moon have its own moon? We discuss the 3 body problem and figure out what a graviton is. What would Neil be doing in a parallel universe where he isn’t an astrophysicist?

Can life get a chance to evolve in a solar system with two suns? Find out about the Alpha Centauri System and how long it would take us to get there. Could we use light sails to travel the cosmos? All that, plus, is it ever too late to get into astrophysics?

Thanks to our Patrons Donald Jones, Mohammed Taha Faridi, Jon Barnett, Harmon Dhaliwal, and Sean Griffen for supporting us this week.

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