Solar Storms & Super Hurricanes with Richard Spinrad

About This Episode

How do we predict our planet’s most powerful forces? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about extreme weather, hurricanes, coronal mass ejections, and preparing for space storms hurtling our way with NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad.

From the potential of Category 6 hurricanes to the most intense solar storms in decades, we’re exploring how NOAA’s models are helping humanity navigate a rapidly changing climate—and its far-reaching impacts. Learn about the effects of latent heat on hurricane intensity, massive ocean-topography shifts, and how warming waters and wetter storms affect storm severity. 

Hear about NOAA’s essential work in tracking extreme weather events like Hurricane Harvey and Helene, and why rapid intensification matters more than ever. And for our future beyond Earth, find out how NOAA is developing models to anticipate intense solar activity, like coronal mass ejections, which can disrupt everything from satellites to electrical grids.

We discuss space weather, climate refugees, and the Argo robot fleets exploring ocean depths for answers. Learn about the Galveston hurricane in 1900 and how technological advancements prevent us from such deadly impacts. Plus, hear about the airplanes and drones that NOAA flies into hurricanes to collect data. 

Thanks to our Patrons Dwight N Keown, Nathan Veatch, CURTIS J ESSEN, John Havranek, Vanessa Harding, Aiden Chauvette, Matthew Stork, SpaceTimePete, larry hughes, Anselmo Garcia, Nessa Nova, Tanya Henry, Neil Livingston, oliver stanton, Regis, Micheal Stewart, DP337, Rob Butler, Beth, and Caton Smith for supporting us this week.

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