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In this episode of Startalk Radio, titled “Cosmic Queries – Cosmic Cauldron,” co-hosted by Chuck Nice and Neil deGrasse Tyson, they delve into various cosmic questions and explore intriguing topics such as dark matter, aliens in movies, time travel, and more. Listeners get to hear Neil’s insights and opinions on these subjects, providing a fascinating and educational experience.
During the podcast, a Patreon question from David Hemsath asks about any interaction between dark matter and black holes. Neil deGrasse Tyson explains that there is currently no known connection between these two cosmic phenomena. Dark matter is a mysterious substance that does not interact with light, while black holes are regions of spacetime with extremely strong gravitational forces. Their relationship remains a topic of ongoing research and exploration.
When discussing the best all-time depiction of aliens in movies or on TV, Neil deGrasse Tyson names The Blob (1958) as his favorite. He appreciates this portrayal because the creature lacks human-like features, which is unlikely for a being from another planet. The Blob is a unique representation of an alien, with no spinal column, color, or limitations in passing through objects. Neil also mentions other movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Contact, where aliens are not directly shown but their handiwork is manifested. On the other hand, he criticizes the lack of imagination in the design of the Predator alien, which closely resembles a human-sized creature with typical body features.
Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the concept of the multiverse, which is supported by theoretical grounds combining quantum physics and general relativity. The universe may be infinite or finite, but the exact nature is still unknown. Neil explains the observable universe, which is the portion of the universe within our horizon, and how scientists can estimate its size and the duration of our presence within it. To learn more about the universe, he suggests the need to explore other places within it at a faster pace. The idea of the multiverse opens up possibilities for different configurations of atoms, energy, and even different laws of physics in other universes.
The podcast delves into the intriguing topic of time travel. Neil discusses the prime directive of time travel, which is to avoid upsetting the timeline or revealing the existence of time travel. He mentions a placard from a science march that humorously states the desire for a time machine, regardless of when it becomes available. Neil and Chuck share their personal choices for going back in time, with one person wanting to talk to Isaac Newton about unsolved problems. The concept of time travel raises paradoxes, such as the creation and destruction of objects and the potential existence of closed loops where knowledge is passed down through time.
Neil explores the behavior of light in different mediums, discussing how photons slow down when they pass through transparent substances. He highlights the slowing down of light in various transitions, such as from vacuum to air, air to water, water to glass, and glass to diamond. Diamonds, with their high index of refraction, have the ability to bend light and create a radiant appearance, making them valuable in jewelry. The podcast also touches on the potential existence of advanced alien technology, which surpasses our current understanding. Neil emphasizes how our technology has already exceeded what was once imagined in science fiction films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, and speculates on the possibilities of alien technology, such as work drives.
The “Cosmic Queries – Cosmic Cauldron” episode of Startalk Radio provides an engaging and informative exploration of various cosmic topics. Listeners gain insights into the relationship between dark matter and black holes, the depiction of aliens in movies and TV, the concept of the multiverse, the intriguing possibilities and paradoxes of time travel, and the behavior of light in different mediums. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s expertise and Chuck Nice’s co-hosting make for an entertaining and educational experience, leaving listeners with a greater appreciation for the mysteries and wonders of the cosmos.
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