#919 - Neil deGrasse Tyson
NaN minutesEpisode #919
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, and science communicator.
Episodes with Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Episode Timestamps
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bert Kreischer Discuss Heads, Hats, and Health
- Neil and Bert joke about head sizes and hat fitting, highlighting the challenges of finding the right hat.
- Bert shares personal insights on his weight fluctuation and health, reminiscing about his past athleticism.
- The conversation touches on exercise routines and the struggle to balance time for fitness amidst busy schedules.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Sparks Controversy Over Celebrating Isaac Newton's Birthday
- Neil recalls a tweet celebrating Isaac Newton's birthday, which provoked strong reactions regarding historical inaccuracies.
- He explains the significance of December 25th in relation to both Newton and the adaptation of pagan celebrations into Christianity.
- The discussion shifts to flat earth beliefs, safety in free expression, and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping opinions.
Joe Rogan and the Cultural Fear of the Number 13
- Discusses the prevalence of buildings without a 13th floor due to triskaidekaphobia.
- Critiques the societal implications of design choices based on irrational fears.
- References the classic 'Twilight Zone' episodes to explore themes of fear and perception.
Joe Rogan Explores the Concept of Infinity in Mathematics and Astrophysics
- Clarifies the idea of different sizes of infinity using mathematical examples.
- Highlights an upcoming NASA announcement about exoplanets and their atmospheres.
- Discusses the implications of detecting biomarkers in distant planets to indicate potential life.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Explores the Importance of Oxygen and Exoplanets
- Neil deGrasse Tyson explains how life on Earth creates oxygen and its significance in detecting extraterrestrial life.
- He introduces the concept of a new generation of discovery—'generation exoplanet'—since the first exoplanet was discovered in 1995.
- Discussion on the need for engineering advancements to aid in astronomical discoveries such as exoplanets and the potential existence of 'Planet Nine' beyond the Kuiper belt.
The Hunt for Planet Nine: Caltech's Mike Brown and the Legacy of Pluto
- Tyson discusses Mike Brown's controversial role in the reclassification of Pluto and the search for Planet Nine.
- Brown's team uses Newton's laws of gravity to infer the existence of unseen planets affecting the orbits of Kuiper belt objects.
- The conversation highlights the historical context of planetary discovery, referencing how Neptune was found through similar methods.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Critiques 'Gravity' Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney for Scientific Inaccuracies
- Neil deGrasse Tyson notes the impossibility of space travel between the International Space Station and the Chinese Space Station.
- He reflects on how his tweets about the movie 'Gravity' gained traction, appearing on NBC segments and 'Saturday Night Live.'
- Tyson highlights specific scientific errors in the film, including the unrealistic portrayal of conversations in space and the behavior of candles in zero gravity.
Exploring Dimensions and the Concept of Four-Dimensional Portals Through Monsters, Inc.
- Tyson discusses the representation of four-dimensional portals in 'Monsters, Inc.' as a scientifically plausible concept.
- He explains how higher dimensions can allow for storing more information than our three-dimensional understanding.
- The conversation delves into quantum physics, string theory, and the challenges of defining the smallest and largest scales in the universe.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Quantum Physics and the Universe's Structure
- Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the structure of the atom and its similarities to the universe.
- He clarifies that the laws of physics differ significantly between subatomic particles and macroscopic objects.
- Tyson emphasizes the importance of chemistry in brain function, contrasting it with the physics governing the universe.
Misunderstanding the Observer Effect: Neil deGrasse Tyson Sets the Record Straight
- Tyson addresses the common misconceptions about the observer effect in quantum physics.
- He explains that measuring particles alters their state, which is not linked to consciousness.
- Through a simple analogy, he clarifies how visibility and measurement work at the atomic level.
Exploring Quantum Physics and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle with Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Tyson explains the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, illustrating how observation affects measurement in quantum physics.
- He criticizes misconceptions portrayed in media, particularly regarding native Caribbean reactions to European ships.
- Tyson emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy to avoid falling for pseudoscientific claims circulating on platforms like YouTube.
Debating Flat Earth Beliefs: Neil deGrasse Tyson on Evidence and Skepticism
- Tyson recounts a debate with a skeptical friend about the moon landing, demonstrating the challenge of convincing people with firm beliefs.
- He discusses the prevalence of flat Earth theories and the evidence contradicting them, such as satellite images and astronaut experiences.
- Tyson highlights the importance of critical thinking and asks how to effectively engage with those holding scientifically inaccurate views.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Discusses Physics vs. Astrological Beliefs
- Neil deGrasse Tyson emphasizes the importance of physics in understanding the universe.
- He debunks myths about the visibility of Manhattan due to Earth's curvature through scientific explanation.
- Tyson highlights misconceptions about physics held by public figures and discusses the impact of astrology on decision-making.
The Science of Dark Matter: Neil deGrasse Tyson's Insights
- Tyson critiques the term 'dark matter', arguing for a more accurate description based on its characteristics.
- He explains how gravity measurements lead to misconceptions about dark matter as actual matter.
- Tyson encourages critical thinking about terminology and its implications on scientific understanding.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Critiques Astrology and Cognitive Bias in Science
- Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the limitations of astrology and the psychological concept of confirmation bias.
- He emphasizes the importance of the scientific method in avoiding self-deception regarding beliefs.
- Tyson advocates for a curriculum that teaches cognitive biases and critical thinking from an early age.
The Importance of Education Reform: Teaching Science and Philosophy
- Tyson stresses the need for education systems to evolve and encompass philosophy and critical analysis.
- He highlights the failure of traditional education in preparing students to turn facts into insights.
- The discussion touches on misconceptions propagated by popular media regarding science and space.
Dissolved Gases and Stanley Kubrick's Physics in '2001: A Space Odyssey'
- Discussion of dissolved gases in the body and the dangers of vacuum in space.
- Reference to Stanley Kubrick's attention to detail in '2001: A Space Odyssey' and some failed physics in the film.
- Analysis of the rotation rates of the fictional space station and artistic license in movie-making.
Commander Chris Hadfield and the Real-Life Effects of Zero Gravity
- Commander Chris Hadfield shares personal experiences readjusting to Earth's gravity after extended time in space.
- Introduction of a fictional Mars-born child facing challenges due to Martian gravity in 'The Space Between Us'.
- Discussion of the risks and challenges of space travel, including the dangers of space debris.
China's 2003 Satellite Destruction: The Kinetic Kill Explained
- Discussion of China's 2003 destruction of its satellite through a kinetic kill method.
- Explanation of kinetic energy in impacts, surpassing traditional explosive energy.
- Analysis of the craters on the moon and their misattribution to volcanic activity instead of asteroid impacts.
Eugene Shoemaker's Impact Crater Discovery and Dinosaur Extinction Event
- Eugene Shoemaker's identification of an Arizona impact crater, previously thought to be volcanic.
- Examination of the catastrophic asteroid impact that caused the dinosaur extinction, estimating the impact's depth.
- Conclusions about the vaporization of the meteorite upon impact due to high-speed collision energy.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Discusses Meteor Crater and the Risks of Asteroid Impacts
- Neil deGrasse Tyson describes the awe-inspiring experience of visiting Meteor Crater in Arizona.
- Discussion includes the history of meteor impacts on Earth, dating back 50,000 years.
- The conversation shifts to the potential risks posed by asteroids, underscoring how a 20-yard wide object could cause significant damage.
Stephen Hawking's Warning: The Perils of Alien Contact
- Tyson analyzes Stephen Hawking's concerns about advanced alien civilizations potentially enslaving humanity.
- He references historical examples of advanced societies dominating primitive cultures.
- The chapter concludes with a philosophical exploration of human expansion, technology, and the future of artificial intelligence.