A Stellar New Year with Neil deGrasse Tyson - Cosmic Queries

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What will first contact with aliens be like? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice say “Happy New Year!” by answering a grab bag of fan questions about aliens, string theory, moon landing skeptics, and more!
Will our first contact with aliens mean doom for us all? We explore why that might not be the case. Is it all just a projection of ourselves? Are we all just worms on a street? Is it true that string theory requires ten dimensions? Are particles points or strings? Learn about electrons, electricity, and matter in higher dimensions. What is a positron?
If we wanted to create a second moon how would we do it? We explore how much stuff it would take and the impact of gravity. Is it possible to make anything other than a sphere? We ask: Why is there so much skepticism about the moon landing? Is there any believable way it could’ve been faked? We break down moon landing deniers and why they’re right- just kidding, they’re completely wrong.
We explore plans to return to the moon and the commercialization of space travel. Are there any resources on the moon that we could use? Could we make Disneyland on the moon? Could people live there? At 1% of Earth’s mass, it’s a small world, after all. Discover NASA’s history with commercial industries and how exploration and research often pave the way for the industry. All that, plus, hear Neil’s reflections on the past year, and hopes for the new one.
Thanks to our Patrons Mahina Knuckles, Robert Slosser, Brandon Herbst, Joshua DeNoyer, Chazz Gencarelli, christopher manley, Michelle Foster, Lunavyx, Kenneth Freeman, and Andrew Staupe for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
0:00 - An announcement from Chuck
0:37 - Introduction
02:23 - What will be our first contact with alien life and how will it be received?
09:28 - Are particles point-like or string-like? And does string theory require 10 dimensions?
16:15 - What would it take for humans to create an object in space with a gravitational pull?
20:52 - Why is there so much skepticism around the moon-landing?
24:44 - Are plans to return to the moon relevant?
32:31 - NASA's role in the space community and the commercialization of space
36:09 - Neil's personal reflections
39:18 - Closing notes

[@wildmanjeff42]

Mr Tyson, you are hereby nominated for our spokesperson. I agree no politicians or gov heads. Thanks for the video

[@Android.Paranormal]

I agree no politicians, but I don’t vote for the scientist who discredits what US F18 pilots saw with their eyes & verified with instruments. I vote for Avi Loeb.

[@JaguarBST]

@@Android.Paranormal Eye whiteness testimonies are the lowest form of evidence. Also, “Verified with instruments” is bit of a stretch, specially when there are many contradictory explanations of the actual data itself. “Extraordinary claims requires extraordinary evidence” Carl Segan.

[@brynnharter1942]

You don't want black science guy to be the spokesman for the human race. He's a compulsive contrarian who thinks disagreeing with any popular concept, belief or idea makes him smart.

[@wildmanjeff42]

@@brynnharter1942 I have not seen this

[@IRosamelia]

Let's all pledge that if an alien wants us to take them to our leader we direct them to Neil 👽👾

[@andythrush3341]

Great program. Chuck and Neil need to take their act on the road. Neil using comedians to sell science is absolutely beautiful!

[@nilo70]

When Neil try’s comedy you get dad jokes !

[@erickm119]

The final thoughts from Mr. Tyson brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for all you and Chuck do for us.

[@patriciathomas8752]

FYI a friendly note, it’s Dr. Tyson. He is awesome 🤩 lifting us up simply a perfect combo I do hope you are okay with what I said • I don’t think I have a filter •

[@AndrewBerube41]

If only the world could hear and understand what this man says.

[@kingforaday8725]

Brought tears to my eyes too. Tears of laughter. In my opinion this guy is so full of himself. Can you tell me what original ideas or theory's this guy has come up with or does he just repeat work done by others?

[@bens3509]

@@kingforaday8725 guess what bud education is all about spreading information and teaching others.

[@raukoring]

@@kingforaday8725 miserable and pathetic

[@mr.aleximer]

Can't wait for many more content from James Webb telescope that is yet to come and all those new topics for Startalk.

[@yellowlightingbolt]

Indeed, if the Hubble blew our minds what are we going to see now, exciting times.

[@sandal_thong8631]

They say James Webb won't find oxygen atmospheres. So, next please.

[@smallz9468]

I think a great idea for a short episode would be neil and chuck going through some of their favorite science words and why! It would strike some rather interesting conversations I presume. I love the show neil and chuck! Thank you guys for everything and I hope you will consider!! From Canada MB

[@Nitelifebuzz]

21:23 - Chuck goes off to die from laughter & Neil keeps ploughing through with information. LOVE IT 🤣

[@okratio]

My fav moment of this episode

[@maxwilliams6093]

Thanks for everything you do!! Happy new year to Neil, Chuck, and the team!

[@dezaraydunigan8028]

I love this channel and all it's videos! So informative and I always get a good laugh or smile. I Appreciate all the hardwork you guys do! Happy new year to you all. Wishing loads of good health and happiness! 💕💕

[@ythaks267]

Actually 🔥💯

[@StarTalk]

Same to you!

[@dezaraydunigan8028]

@@StarTalk thank you! ☺️🌟

[@djangokinley4284]

@@StarTalk yo wassup Neil

[@joemaddoxrx7]

We never landed on the moon Neil, or we could with the great technology... no space bearing nation can, nasa all in was only able to repeat the last apollo/soyuz mission. Marco Durante, GSI, cosmic radiation showstopper. We cannot, we did not, we know why we cannot and fail trying. We will when we can, no private companies or governments can. China and Russia have space stations, America never has, it is trying while distracting with fake moon landings.

[@izzhakeem9208]

When Brandon said that he read The Universe in a Nutshell by Neil deGrasse Tyson, I genuinely felt like I was in parallel universe where that book is written by Stephen Hawking😂. Anyway, to be confused with the legend Stephen Hawking is surely an honour😌

[@stephanienirenberg7426]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. MY SON AND I ARE SO HAPPY BECAUSE OF A NEW ONE.THIS EPISODE IS EXCELLENT!

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Your son maybe able to show you how to toggle the caps lock button

[@JohnDoe_1237]

@@unnamedchannel1237 i hope so

[@JohnDoe_1237]

stop yelling at me D:

[@StarTalk]

We're happy to make you happy :)

[@stephanienirenberg7426]

I adore you guys so much. Learning Science from you guys has made many a horrible day become beautiful and thought provoking. I couldn't be more thankful to you

[@jonathanganira8846]

If Chuck is on, it's a must watch.

[@justinzaff]

The laughs they have together are so good ! We should all laugh more . Best medicine as they say .

[@pantherdddjvdgx]

Yes. If I didn’t know better, I would think they smoked something before the show.

[@justinzaff]

@@pantherdddjvdgx haha good point maybe they are baked on thc laced cookies

[@austinricky]

Pretty Impossible to not laugh along with their laughs lol

[@RadiantHealer]

I love you Neil and Chuck!!

[@IfYouKnowYouKnow.]

Such a great team

[@Tom-dt4ic]

As great as Neil is, and he is GREAT, none of this works without CHUCK!

[@sandrataylor2323]

Chuck, you are our personal Comic!

[@kellyrico4401]

Happy New Year Stellar family. Hope this year is better than the last 2. Now let’s get to bussiness!! Chuck saying “they speak octopus” got me so weak 😹😹. ROFL

[@MrDelishes]

It would be great to have that signed book, but I'm glad they are trying to expand how and what they like to explain about the cosmos. Love it.

[@sbybill3271]

Happy 2022 to both of you. As usual, another excellent informative video.

[@Pervatory]

Happy new year Neil and Chuck! Thank you for your content. Keep looking up!

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I nominate Neil to be the ambassador of Earth on first contact.

[@ciscoguerrero5336]

I know how Neil Degrasse Tyson feels about role models, but it does not stop me from looking up to him.

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Are you short ?

[@ciscoguerrero5336]

@@unnamedchannel1237 actually yes , compared to him lol

[@rebeckamiller5158]

You guys make science fun and love listening to you and learning new things

[@christianharriot1578]

Lord Chuck, Please do not sell yourself short. You bring lots to the table. You and Neil work well together and your absence is notable. The guests that have been in your stead have done well but pale in comparison to the relationship and banter you bring. Keep being you. You are important.

[@darrellwaggerby]

Filled out the survey before watching the vid. I love Startalk ❤

[@dudedude7650]

My new favorite KZbin channel. Thank you Neil and Chuck and the rest of the crew that all make StarTalk possible. I’m looking forward to another year of the channel and Cosmic Queries!

[@hannahhodgkins2654]

….and also mine!!

[@enbyletti]

Hey friends :) Thank you for answering my question! Sorry it was a lot. Chuck, you did pronounce my name correctly 💕💕 You can also call me Letti if you would like. I love hawaii but I want to be a theoretical physicist one day (also, I am photosensitive therefore going outside can be painful). I was inspired to change my major from biochemistry to physics by Dr Tyson, Brian Greene and Lord Nice :) It is a dream of mine to one day be on your show or invite you to mine. I just finished your book, astrophysics for people in a hurry, and i loved it! I watch every episode of the show :) I love u both

[@somendrasaini7807]

Sunglasses and Surfboards..

[@enbyletti]

@@somendrasaini7807 what

[@somendrasaini7807]

@@enbyletti I meant to say if you have photosensitivity, can't you use sunglasses for that?

[@denzelardis8368]

My daughter and I love watching your videos. We both learn something new everyday. Thank you Mr. Tyson and Mr. Chuck!!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Dr. Tyson, your statement at the end, regarding humans coming together, was quite beautiful.

[@PaulVillapiano]

I like how electrons are somewhat similar to muons in most characteristics and how electrons were observed and studied by chemistry and physics scientists of recent yore before they became a subject of quantum inquiry.

[@patriciathomas8752]

Thank You Dr. Tyson for the pure Joy of knowledge you share with us on Startalk. I’m glad to be an amateur astronomy nerd(advanced nerd) thx in part to your easy to digest talkies and to Carl Sagan who inspired me many moons ago. On your thoughts/reflections of the last couple years I just want you to know I agree + appreciate your words, very encouraging. Chuck I thank you for keeping it real and really funny 😂 together you guys are total beautiful magical awesomeness !!!!!!!

[@skebess]

Is Chuck using a filter? I mean his face is too perfect :-)

[@colinmeyer1307]

After viewing StarTalk for well over a year now, I must say, I look forward to every episode featuring the Magnificent Chuck Nice!

[@Parisneo]

After more then 12 years of following Dr Tison on social media, reading his books, watching his podcasts, seeing basically every thing he has on Internet, I thought I've got it, No more surprises, I've got no more to learn, It'll be just stuff I already know. And yet there still be something new I can learn each time I watch this show!!! At least I get to laugh for a while. By the Way, Lord Chuck, you're amazing. I love what you do here guys. Keep the good work.

[@gregorycampbell1857]

Filled the form 👍 Thanks for the show. I love putting it on for the family to listen too.

[@ycart_tech6726]

My mom who overhears while I listen thinks these suck in a part of my soul, in the native American sense...

[@marks7192]

Chuck: "lets be honest here when do you ever give a negative answer" Pluto: "Well, there was that one time." Love the show you guys! we can only hope to have a better year and learn more about this space we're living in

[@Cacique_Quique]

👏🏽 Happy New Year Kings!

[@Makujah_]

With peace and love, I like how Chuck can dish out a chuckle to hearing the moon restaurant joke for a thousandth time :D

[@PaletteBegonia]

had too throw this on whilst being treated too a view of a sunset with blue , pink & purple clouds . Nature , what a spectacle. Happy4Grab2Bag0 ma dudes🔥

[@Leftyotism]

PLEASE bring back cosmic perspectives! :O

[@AndyDavis007]

Man, Chuck got far out with some deltatrons this episode. Go Lord Nice 🤣

[@Leftyotism]

Hello Chuck Nice, everybody here!

[@sidneycarthell945]

Started watching and listening to StarTalk a couple months ago after listening to Welcome to the Universe on audible and we love it! My 7 year old ASKS to watch or listen to an episode EVERY day!! Thank you so much for being Starlights during these times!

[@Daveyk021]

You guys are a fantastic pair. Chuck is the smartest comedian out there.

[@thomasheiligenmann6470]

Happy 2022 !

[@viniviper2973]

You Too .

[@tmarkk99]

Listened to this on the startalk podcast already. It’s even better on youtube watching the boys go at it.

[@samogufonianrockstar7510]

I love hanging out with you guys ..where else can you learn alongside with sharp humour ..Thanks Chuck & Dr Tyson

[@thesoccerdude09]

I like Chucks additions to the questions. Very interesting

[@AsdfgZAsdfg]

Very informative, thank you for the hard work. Completed the survey

[@IRosamelia]

Let's all pledge that if an alien wants us to take them to our leader we direct them to Neil 👽👾👽

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Love Dr de Grasse Tyson's optimism as well as Lord Nice's pessimism.

[@NielvanSteenderen]

Chuck! You are my personal joke and question conductor! I love your work man.

[@missymarquez621]

I got the book today and I am so excited to read it!!!! yay!!

[@hector5810]

I rarely answer surveys much less a 10-minute one but I had to show my support to Chuck Nice. He's the reason why I subscribed to this channel

[@user-im6ms1me4y]

Mr. Tyson should be “our leader” for sure. Idk who’d do a better job tbh.

[@kimdugger3771]

Loving Chucks "Ponytail" plant

[@oilerfreak]

Who could have known what would happen only mere weeks after this airs. Mankind was yet again reminded we are our own worst enemy. Peace Doc.

[@hey.goldfish]

Neil and Chuck already have a video on "nothing IS something". 🤔 With that being said, Chuck is our Personal Comedian Extraordinaire!! ❤️

[@tylercarlson4571]

I like Chuck's questions, let him ask all of them

[@big4740]

I absolutely love their chemistry!

[@christianolivera8019]

Great video! Thank you!!

[@markbudier1077]

Always great to hear From Dr. Tyson and Lord Nice. I learn so much! BTW, when Chick said "Bentonville, Arizona, he most likely was referring to Bentonville Arkansas (where Wal-Mart's headquarters are located). Chuck probably saw this "Bentonville, AR".

[@BIGREDDOG09]

no known size for an electron? Chuck I'm with you on that one - fascinating!

[@franksmalls218]

I'm learning so much .thanks dr tyson your and chuck a really awesome duo

[@NielvanSteenderen]

I truly appreciate Neil's human point of view. We are the same species, we should work together.

[@martinusamsterdam7667]

Another Epic one.... All the best in 2022,,, Greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands

[@captborges]

I love Chucks Black Ring sweater

[@BangumP]

He is one of the persons who i would like to meet in my lifetime...he seems to have a logical answer for everything. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@caparicap]

i Think it would be impossible to win the survey but just want to say that the questions were very good. Keep looking Up

[@michaelflores451]

MC Chuck Nice! He's the Master of Ceremonies! The Duke of Humor! You, my friend, are so much more than you realize.

[@tiago2012]

Happy new year! love your show! watching from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@skipodap1]

These videos mean so much to me. Thanks for making them.

[@HeaDzmold]

Let's get back on the map!

[@tatifur1472]

Greetings earthling.... live long and prosper!!

[@clivedesouza8787]

Wow and WTH ? I absolutely love deGrasse Tyson (You too Chuck).....and I like hearing his discussions....but curiously what stood out for me was the Reeses/M&M conversation. His retort about sugar dependence and diabetes was priceless. This man is aware and educated on everything. I continue to be amazed !

[@matthewjordison]

Filled the survey! Great work gents!

[@StaticBlaster]

Chuck Nice is our personal astronomical comedian.

[@stephenherring9771]

Man yeah. Love you guys. Peace and love. Infinitely.

[@kasrasharifan]

Happy 2022! "Let's bring humans back on the map!" Neil and Chuck, keep being awesome and educating the world.

[@ixlikexpiex420x5]

I have a very specific request I want you to keep doing whatever y'all two doing I love this channel

[@tastygold]

I love this show. Neil deGrasse Tyson is absolutely fantastic, and Chuck is the cherry on top

[@marekcabrera1]

The Cosmic and the Comic... love it!!

[@garystevenson3627]

Positivity is awesome!

[@josesalisi6054]

I hope all humans are thinking like Dr.Neil dagrasse Tyson to make this world a better place,hope he will become a U.S. President someday!!!!

[@jamesszymonski5449]

Thank you kindly Sir Neil De Gras Tyson

[@edwinknoblauch8618]

I don't think that aliens would come that far to serve humans!

[@jmanj9379]

I'm a toolroom tech. SpaceX posted jobs for toolroom techs. So I want to aim for something ambitious. Started as a temporary floor operator 10 years ago. Made it to the toolroom 4 yrs ago. I don't want to stop expanding my knowledge and skills. I wish to work at SpaceX and have a hand in a pioneering field. Something significant. Watching this channel and others like it help me keep my mind open and learning. Thank you for the education and entertainment yall bring to my life. It keeps reminding me to keep taking the next step forward.

[@andreilengyel]

Wishes for 2022 - Bring back Bill Nye, at least once in a while, either as a host or a guest. Would love to see that happening. Love NDT, but Bill Nye is funny and awesome, too.

[@droidnick]

Bill Nye is not even a scientist.

[@Chick4Biden2024]

Yes, I concur with your sentiments Dr. Tyson. No politicians with the aliens.

[@Trifvas]

Happy 2022 to everyone

[@michaelbraum77]

"Stupifies?" Did Neil just call me stoopid???

[@Just2Julz]

Chuck nice with the ultra fresh Steve Harvey 2012 lineup! ✊🏾🤣

[@ninachand2075]

Chuck is our Personal Lehman's Terms Translator.....thank you for your contribution Chuck, for asking the questions and making comments the rest of the class isn't brave enough to blurt out!

[@JustStand4Justice]

NEIL I just bought your book, I am so excited to read it all tonight! You may contest this next statement, but you are a Godsend ❤️ - ps We love you Chuck

[@JustStand4Justice]

I made this comment before knowing that you were giving away a book 😂😂😂😂 but I hope someone wins ❤️

[@frogz]

@@JustStand4Justice pretty bad contest if no one wins..

[@SettaXY]

Can I please buy a book signed by Neil and chuck please. Give me the information. I been watching for years. Supporting for years. Learn so much , enjoy everything and think a lot more because bof you two. I Seriously respect both of you. Thank you for y'all gifts

[@Tieaga]

Niel dishing out the most respectable insults of the year so far. I like it

[@gabrielhersey5546]

Chuck Nice is everyone’s spirit animal

[@aikidragon9762]

A former teacher once said that, the earth is one of the smoothest objects we know of.

[@RoscoeDaMule]

neil and this show and everyone is just so amazing. positive spin to everything... great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RoscoeDaMule]

MUCH SWAG!!!!!!!!!!

[@prettysmile6869]

Greetings to you fellow stardust travellers, viewing this Podcast from a multiverse bubble. Very entertaining to watch my President talking on a show with a man that i know as the only man who landed on the moon twice. Oh by the way i filled in the anounymous survey on your website. After i had to use my Google account credentials to get in. All went well. Great show guys ❤️🇳🇱

[@sq8540]

Steven Hawking's book was "The Universe in a Nutshell". I would consider that mistake a great compliment.

[@anthonyvmonaco]

I appreciate Chuck as "the comedian" references watching the end of humanity as not a terrible thing and is also wearing a Death Lantern t-shirt. Depth and consistency.