Cosmic Queries - Cosmological Curiosities with Neil deGrasse Tyson

What is nothing? Does nothing exist? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore cosmological curiosities about the end of the universe, dark matter, and more!
What happens in an expanding universe where galaxies get too far away from each other? Is there a way to survive a Big Rip? If matter only takes up 5 percent of the universe, are we the anomaly? We discuss the Copernican principle and whether we are special. Could we be in a cycling universe that expands and collapses or is expansion just a one way trip?
Does dark matter interact with anything beside gravity? Could it be possible for humans to create a black hole in order to study it? How big would an Earth-mass black hole be? Why do galaxies in the universe form a sponge structure when everything else creates disks? Learn about the Coma Cluster and how it helped us discover dark matter.
What would someone looking at us from 65 million light years see? What is nothing? We discuss the definition of nothing and whether we can wrap our heads around the concept. And finally, we explore The Matrix and whether our robot overlords could use humans as energy.
Thanks to our Patrons Matej Dvonč, Robert Weaver, David Lindberg, Denis, Jesus Hernandez, and Jack Reeves for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can 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
00:00 - Introduction
0:50 - If Expansion Beats Gravity…
6:19 - If Most of the Universe is Dark Energy & Dark Matter, Are We the Anomaly?
11:00 - Could the Universe Implode and Form Another Universe?
14:45 - Gravity Interacting with Dark Matter
18:58 - More Big Rip
21:53 - Could We Make a Black Hole in Order to Study It?
24:37 - The Fascinating Structure of Galaxy Clusters
28:37 - Is it Possible to See Our Past by Looking into Deep Space?
31:17 - What is Nothing?
37:27 - Could AI Use Humans for Fuel Like in The Matrix?

[@StarTalk]

Would you want to be around to see the end of the universe?

[@vesawuoristo4162]

Yes

[@jujumusara3676]

Mmmm

[@jurisbogdanovs1]

No! Even if this claim was true and such moment would take place in unforeseeable future, it still would be way too far from us even to think about it. And I find it funny that you, Dr Tyson, only take questions from patreon. Basically, "show me the money" comes before curiousity and science. I would be happy to pay for each question separately, if I trusted you (or any science populizer foe that matter) would genuinely address them. But I know what would happen instead. I would ask a question about the problems with, let's say, Vacuum, and I would explain what exactly are the problems with facts, and you would simply reject aļl of that as delusion or misinformation and with simple declarations about how science looks at Vacuum today would finish the answer. So, I would have spent my money and have nothing. In a way, I would feel that the money was stolen from me as I already know the official answers of science. So, if there is no open discussion with challanges, and I have to pay to hear what I can read for free in any science book, then what is the point of all of this...

[@jurisbogdanovs1]

I would like you, Neil, to think about possibility that one day all those arguments and facts I keep bringing up might become the accepted theories. And science educators and scientists would be asked, why they didn't see and address those problems and solutions that were in front of our eyes? And then many scientists would realise that they have been bombarded with these questions for years but they ignored them because the person who asked them didn't pay for the answer... And, unfortunately, I even sent you some of my books, Neil!!! Yet, you remain ignorant to that. And problems with Redshift are explained in that book of mine too - WHERE DOES THE UNIVERSE AND LIFE COME FROM.

[@PronatorTendon]

No, I have difficulty maintaining interest hin hobbies for less than half a century, let alone a googol years

[@sarairicechannel]

Recently applied to go back to school at age 29 for astronomy & physics- all because of you 🎉

[@Dweeb212]

I'm sure its appreciated but I'm sure you had a lot to do with such a great move toward your goals as well : )

[@sarairicechannel]

@@Dweeb212 Yes, I found my desire for more again. Thank you 😌

[@lemongavine]

Congrats!!!!

[@mihirvora2010]

Neil & Chuck: The Classic StarTalk Duo. There can be nothing better!

[@MoahGentle]

Agree however some pods/vids with guests are amazing too!

[@bdr420i]

My best day is after finishing my shift is watching Dr. NDT and Chuck Nice 🎉 thank you 🙏🏼 you're the best

[@Matt.Thompson.1976]

Continued thanks to Neil, Chuck and the Star Talk team. A new video is always a highlight of my day! Thank you for doing this amazing program. I love to learn and laugh with my personal astrophysicist, Lord Nice, and friends. I Promise to always look up. Love and respect from California.

[@StarTalk]

Thank you for your kind support!!

[@ARealPerson21]

There’s nothing like a new StarTalk to stimulate the mind the tell me all the interesting facts I never thought about but always wanted to know

[@tomking2613]

i couldn't agree more

[@dianacanales2526]

You two are the perfect blend of science + Love of learning! The person who said you "...luxuriate" too much is missing the point of the chemistry that makes this show such a huge success & why you have 2.4 Million subscribers & get thousands of views from appreciative fans every show -- We Love that you "luxuriate" with humor & conversation that effortlessly flows and makes learning from Dr. Tyson & Lord Nice so much FUN!!! Thanks & Love you Both!

[@Living1980s]

Welcome Back Lord Chuck ❤❤❤

[@tomking2613]

May the Chuck be with us.

[@user-xv9tj3dl2o]

Chuck is a comedic genius. (studies show that those who get dark humor have analytical and enquiring minds!😁) and I always love the cosmic queries editions. May Startalk continue to have an illustrious and enduring existence. thank you for all you do to inform in the guise of entertainment.

[@williamoverton7775]

I'd love to see the MC live at the planetarium. I hear some of those shows are great.

[@alexpascal5403]

You must be one of those guys that went to college and now think savant writing and eloquent pennmanshit trumps (2024) simple writing mechanics. Keep it simple, Larry.

[@Melancholy_Chill]

In other words, those who expirienced in dark humor are more likely to understand dark matter

[@eNigma011]

​@@Melancholy_Chill And remember Dark Humor Matters!

[@paulvamos7319]

If you like dark humor, check out Christopher Titus! 😂 He's like George Carlin but, fresher! Happy holidays! 🎉🎆🍻🎇🎊😎✌️🖖🤘🤟

[@dimitri1515]

I would love to see you two do a show on cosmetology.

[@eNigma011]

Don't you mean cosmology?

[@simplyrowen]

@@eNigma011He’s making a joke on what they said in the video opener. Neil joked about cosmetology, and indeed, it would be hilarious to witness 😂

[@FlushGorgon]

And one on comicology, with Chuck as the expert answering the questions.

[@dimitri1515]

@@simplyrowen Yes, and since they talk about all kids of topics, seriously, I'd love a 5-10 minute talk on cosmetology.

[@glowchet]

Please keep sharing these videos. In a world of chaos and fabricated nonsense, I come to videos from you both to neutralize and mindfully control my social intake . Thank you!!!! I appreciate all the science and the humor !!!!

[@tiago.alegria.315]

Indeed

[@joeleon5786]

Absolutely

[@Flying_Blind]

That went right over Dr. Tyson's head when Lord Knight said "I get ripped every day." around 5:40 or a little before.

[@YungJay0]

I love that KZbin does the autoplay thing. Now, I don't even need to click on the video to see if Chuck is on the episode. If Chuck ain't there I keep scrolling

[@HeUaKeia]

I absolutely love this podcast. It makes my day every time I listen. I always learn something new or start thinking about things in a new way.

[@criz6825]

Long time listener/viewer, please give us more of these. My favorite Cosmic Queries!. Especially with just Neil n Chuck.

[@grrmtthgrrmtth3000]

You are my personal astrophysicist. ❤ you're awesome I have all your books. Also 1st

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024!

[@topspacesource]

To imagine the Universe was always here, is just mind blowing...and we can never comprehend that. The marshmallow comment made me want to watch Ghostbusters from the 80s.

[@rumham7466]

And infinite space. It’s so interesting. And frightening. What is out there? What are we in? When you truly think about it it’s wild.

[@718Insomniac]

Lord Nice casually dropping fact bombs. Love it.

[@davidtarvin8858]

I don't know why I watch this damn show. It only stirs up my death anxiety. Probably because Chuck is so damn funny. Neil, you're alright too.

[@kevinbennett532]

I for one cant wait for the sweet bliss of the heat death of the universe.

[@davidtarvin8858]

@@kevinbennett532 I'm stocking up on coats.

[@lymanmj]

I need a Startalk on addiction. I'm addicted to these videos 💙

[@therivernile.]

Not an explainer, but chuck is back :)

[@el.blanco8961]

I'm excited for the next-generation cosmic queries we are going to have, we've had a lot of technical breakthroughs advancements of technologies the bring up the discoveries and also bring up more questions to a way deeper understanding of the universe that we know now.

[@ToneX-hj6ki]

Thank you Chuck for giving Neil balance.

[@TooshanSrivastava]

10:26 - 10:55...thank you so much Dr T and Lord Nice; gonna implement this in my work!! 🤩

[@kellymcdaniel6272]

Man do I love the friend chemistry💜It makes the wonderfully rich science that much better!

[@Shanngab]

Just discovered this. Super enjoyed it! Thanks for making it fun

[@ShadoeHaze]

Chuck's French impression is FIRE! LOL

[@PinheadFTW]

24:00, the reactions of Chuck is literally me everytime I learn something new about space... and Neil explains it perfectly.

[@andypeiffer5]

Good to know Neil still has an office

[@simplyrowen]

I need you guys to do a segment where you review movies and cover the science in them. Because every time I watch one of those movies, I always have questions. For instance, I just watched Moonfall. That went sideways pretty quickly, but I’m still curious about some aspects that appear feasible.

[@ravishankarthakur7189]

I appreciate your suggestion. But there are lots of movies review channel but nobody can decipher like the OG's, So I would love to watch the review and explaining the mystery behind movie like "Moonfall" (I really love that movie there concept cinematography etc) Love from India

[@simplyrowen]

@@ravishankarthakur7189 Yeah, those are traditional movie review channels though; and that’s definitely NOT what I mean. I haven’t seen a dedicated channel to reviewing the accuracy of science in film. Wired (and some others) does bring in experts (lawyers, forensic experts, doctors, historians, astrophysicists, etc.) to dissect the accuracy portrayed on screen 👈🏼 I’d love for StarTalk to just make this into a permanent segment in regards to science (or even other fields like Wired does it and bring experts). Because I always walk away with questions, and I want to learn what’s accurate. Thanks for the comment. Greetings from Miami 👋🏼

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

Love that idea

[@johntumpkin3924]

This is an intriguing and thought-provoking discussion, with helpful consideration of alternative proposals and theories.

[@Sahil___]

The satisfaction on Sir Tyson's face after hearing "we gotta be eating" is reliving.

[@robertkaminski9315]

i LOVE your Show , NEIL. You're awesome Chuck. PLEASE KEEP THE EDUCATION COMING, me and my kids LOVE SCIENCE & LOVE LEARNING from STARTALK....

[@sheldorleconcher8870]

Very informative, very funny. Thanks, guys!

[@Eugeneovens]

“Comb Over Galaxy” - pure ad-lib comedy gold from Chuck. 👏😂

[@brianjones6500]

Gotta love the plum analogy as it relates to the earth and a basement black hole project, then a follow-up by Neil exclaiming how the Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you. [Cajun "Kee-Yaa"] moment of laughter!

[@dmd7472]

I’m such a child. I laughed every time he said ripped. 😂

[@anthonyhyde3357]

So does gravity have just an exponential decay period and decays into dark energy?

[@leaf_xcvi]

interesting question...

[@shakesrear7850]

Loved the black hole explanation.

[@gloatinglizard1]

I had an astronomy book as a child in the late 80's early 90's, and I remember with a fair amount of clarity the presentation of both an ever expanding universe and what they called the Big Bang and Big Crunch cycle.

[@souverain1er]

Chuck is hilarious. Combover galaxy😂

[@LightDiodeNeal]

*10 stars*, ridiculously entertaining. I want these on DVD to watch if I do get stuck on a ship to Mars.! 🙂 One great duo!

[@mariakasstan]

Some excellent humor today. Thank you for making me laugh when I really need it.

[@Ariel_Waters]

A Futurama episode covered the battery issue with the Matrix. Even though the show used the "humans as batteries" idea, they admitted people make *terrible* batteries. 😂

[@KeyElement-bl4tu]

Classic..

[@TheAngryIntellect-]

I want to know what kind of energy takes up 95% of Neil... Does it come in pill form? 🤔

[@Graycy808]

trust me, you wouldnt be able to get a prescription for it from any doctor !! LOL

[@charlestredway8253]

Chuck ! You are awesomely funny and healthy for the show! Thanks for your humor!

[@LouAtlanta]

This is awesome. We are living at the best time. We can still see loads out there.

[@danielmartin5440]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the latest thinking on dark matter is that it might actually weakly interact with itself. Weakly enough that it could have formed "dark stars" in the early universe that accounts for what appear to be galaxies before galaxies should have formed but not strongly enough to clump together in the less dense conditions of the universe today.

[@shawnsnow1882]

It was that Eastern European fella Antov(?) I heard that from as welll

[@CrashingThunder]

Regarding the Matrix, the whole "humans = batteries" plot could have been made so much better if humans were used as the computational aspect of the matrix, at least in part. It would mean Neo is able to change "reality" by altering the computation in real time...because he's hooked up to the matrix and it's using his brain (among everyone else's) to run the simulation. It gives an actual functional reason as to why he's able to do what he does.

[@TheNickjhaight]

I believe - but I'm not positive - that that was the original story but, from what I've been told, the writer (or studio or whatever) didn't think audiences would be able to grasp human beings being used for computational power rather than electrical power.

[@deekay2497]

Still Marking that date on the calendar. All heil the court of knowledge! Thanks again for answering my question! :D

[@MerlinsDrAgon]

Neil & Chuck >>> Rick & Morty

[@JaworekPlay]

Hi Dr. Tyson and Lord Chuck 🙂Absolutely love the show! I have a silly question 😅 what would happen to black holes when big rip would get to them? Since singularity is an infinite mass in space how would that rip divide infinity? Would they maybe create an anchor, slowing down expansion in that region? Or would they just explode as the sheer force dark energy would overcome infinite density? Thank you

[@tyroneallen7857]

Your question is imaginary because you said space. Science rebukes imagination. Read more nonfiction. For example, time equals energy and energy equals mass times the speed of light squared, no space. Space is science-fiction based on human imagination. Neil deGrasse Tyson is a pseudo scientist. The most perfect example of how time works is the sun. we are our star. For example, the sun is day. How old are you?

[@anthonyhyde3357]

If space really is a fabric, wouldn't there be ripples that hit us first if the rip occurred on the other side of the universe?

[@Ali-Maher812]

Good Point..🤔

[@ZacharykyleNecan-eq5cq]

The idea of the rip is everything becomes so small it co-resides within the next iteration of expansion meaning what we’re detecting as dark matter is the remnant of the previous universal expansion implying if it has ripped we are accelerating into the places where it needs to be filled causing the cycle of entropic annihilation

[@blueeyeadonishawke2020]

I love these two, and this was a great episode, but Chuck needs to turn up his mic. The sound was off

[@jasonknowledge8824]

I love Neil so much! I'd love to just sit down an have the most mind bending conversation. But I think that he would love equally love that conversation too! Just a suspicion.

[@BrendansMomFitnessOfficial]

I wonder if we will ever learn more about dark energy. It constantly goes further and further out of our reach. The mysterious key to life.

[@tyroneallen7857]

What pseudo scientist called dark energy is time. The theory of everything is time. Time is everything and everything is time. For example time equals energy and energy equals mass times the speed of light squared, no space. Space is science fiction based on human imagination. Read more non-fiction. This video is pseudoscience. For example Neil deGrasse Tyson promotes space. Read more non-fiction. For example, we are our star. The sun is day. How old are you?

[@KeyElement-bl4tu]

#Brainfood

[@solartyrant9049]

I wonder, if dark matter particles are attracted to each other gravitationally but instead of colliding they pass through and just keep bouncing back and forth towards a gravitational center if that would create some sort of gravitational resonance that would be detectable with LIGO or maybe a more sensitive gravitational wave instrument like the one planned for space

[@Ajaykrishna97_]

Video clarity is great today

[@elizondorj]

If Chuck is on the show, the show is good 😉

[@jupok2377]

❤ STAR 🌟 TALK always 😂😊 🌌🛰🚀🛸🌞🌛🪐 Neil & Chuck

[@ronhutcherson9845]

I remember in The Matrix they added the phrase, “combined with some kind of fusion.” So, the heat from people plus some magical fusion powered the machines.

[@Maeely]

From what I heard, the whole story is that the original script said that the matrix used human brains for their processing power as microchips. But the execs vetoed that saying that the public wouldnt understant it... It made no sense physically so the W tried their best by adding that line. Worst : it didn't make ANY sense storywise. The whole point of the Matrix is to be a product of the human mind with its imagination, dreams and delusions...

[@edsc86]

The original story had the machines use the humans brain for computing power not as batteries, but the idea got scrapped as someone decided it would be to difficult for the regular viewers to understand, plus we wouldn't have the cool scene were Morpheus holds a battery!

[@KeyElement-bl4tu]

That's funny,

[@ronhutcherson9845]

@@edsc86 That’s like in The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It was really creepy how they used human brains for their own processing.

[@Druidofthemarsh]

Omg the take on kids and learning and ambitions! YESSS!!!!!

[@michaelnichols5023]

Love this show.

[@carlossoares712]

I like dark gravity term much more than dark matter, it is way more precise

[@markl3893]

Hey Neil! I was in the "accelerated" class in school. In 2nd grade a Cuban woman came in and taught us basic Spanish and in 3rd grade a Spanish woman taught us formal Castilian Spanish. Sixth grade is a little late to get started in languages.

[@bimgorling2036]

Neil's laughter is candy to my soul! 🤩

[@johnherron3961]

Excellent one Guys!!! TY.

[@englewoodmusic]

What about the mysterious 95% of my girlfriend?

[@thetruthspeaker1978]

I'm still doing...umm the research but on my good name I promise to let you know as soon as I ah figure her out 😂 jk

[@ChrisGuthrie]

Lol ^

[@Tocinos]

🧐🧐

[@malikapollard3618]

Like he said. Don't interact don't care😂

[@kariannecrysler640]

🤭 are you sure you aren’t underestimating that which you don’t know? jk

[@TheNewsDepot]

Is it possible that Dark Matter is gravity being bled over from other universes in a multiverse? That would explain why there is so much of it, why it doesn't interact other than through gravity (as gravity can bled through higher dimensions) and why it doesn't interact with other bits of Dark Matter.

[@tyroneallen7857]

Dark matter is time. The theory of everything is time. Time is everything and everything is time. For example, time equals energy and energy equals mass times the speed of light squared, no space. Space is human imagination. Science fiction. Read more non-fiction. For example, we are our star. The sun is day. How old are you?

[@tyroneallen7857]

The multi-verse is not a hypothesis. The multi-verse is human imagination. Multi-verse is an oxymoron. The universe is one. Time is the fabric of the universe. Time is one. Read more non-fiction. For example, we are our star.

[@Kelticfury]

I love you guys. never change lol

[@michellemarie3806]

Love chuck! You both are awesome

[@atchthenoble8389]

And theeeennnnn......

[@Therealtriz]

First

[@rheffner3]

You two are the best. Very enjoyable.

[@oendj]

Missed you Chuck!

[@freyafox2037]

I appreciate the response about patreon and questions however your look was more than enough. If I had extra money I would be there asking profound questions.

[@Stisse12]

Love this Guy explaining stuff, it’s so interesting and funny at the same time

[@seramiseryfang52]

I heard somewhere the original concept was that the Humans in the Matrix was used to give processing power to a super computer by their combined brains , but some producer and investor said that no one will understand that ( Computers where just coming out around that time) so just say they are "batteries" so people won't be confused from the story ...

[@ryanatkins5736]

I wanna see you two at the barber shop fielding cosmetology questions to old-school barbers while getting edged up and perfect.

[@krishnabhutada3983]

Interesting talk!!

[@rickbecler7268]

Hi Dr. Tyson,MPA(my personal astrophysicists). I haven't watched this video yet because I was actually watching Dr. Becky and was thinking about when you guys will do a video together. She is great but she wears me out and can talk for a half an hour without taking a breath. Cheers!

[@dmd7472]

Good shout

[@joshroberts5619]

I would love to see a collab between Neil and Dr. Becky.

[@shaunr4953]

they deserve a movie

[@loranelizabeth9148]

You guys are always a real treat! Thanks!~~~

[@ra2186]

Chuck is back baby!

[@danielngozika]

I just love Chuck! 😂

[@kipcianmelgar1622]

perfect combination of scientific knowledge of the cosmos and comedy..

[@gavcliss3052]

On The Matrix and using humans as batteries: the writers originally intended for humans to be used as a computer network interface but Warner bros didn’t like that concept because they didn’t think moviegoers would understand it

[@Synathidy]

Long live Lord Chuck. Cosmic Queries... favorite type of episode. Nothing is better in science than posing fascinating question after question about things we don't yet understand. It stimulates the imagination. Gets you thinking about what's possible. My favorite question to ponder now is the question of whether our universe is a simulation. I find that question to be perhaps the most important question of all, and also perhaps the hardest question to answer. All we see and feel... it could all be a fabrication. There is no proof that anything is "real." I hope we think of how to test this.

[@KeyElement-bl4tu]

What does the word "real" mean really ? Everyone has their own meaning. Usually personal.

[@SecurityADV1632]

Can neil do Euclid space telescope explainer ❤

[@glynnphillips9703]

We love you Dr Tyson

[@SteveC38]

Nice One, Fellas 👍

[@Potarrello]

I love listening to you two. I laugh and laugh

[@willchase1952]

I have been wondering recently about time. As I understand it, time moves more slowly the closer you get to mass. Pertaining to expansion in the early universe, at the point that the energy started to condense into matter the areas with more matter would start to slow spacetime down while areas with less would have faster moving spacetime. Given this difference, over time, wouldn't the empty areas be "further ahead" in time than the comparitively filled areas? Would that account for the expansion in any way? Perhaps space doesn't move faster than light it has just had more time to expand? Could the difference in spacetime relative speed be the source of the dark energy? Would the particles in those areas be so much older that they have turned to dark matter?

[@foreverfendy6709]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the black hole sounds?

[@troybrown2802]

8pm Melbourne, Australia 18 Aug 2023. Happy Friday. Could you explain the course directions of Voyager 1 & 2 relative to the direction of the sun around the Milky Way. Are they heading in front of us, towards the middle of the galaxy, outwards, or upwards(northerly) or downwards(southerly), or behind us. And what stars might they likely visit? Thank you.

[@Anthony-el2jt]

Still fantastic. 🌙✨🌌

[@callmevoid9407]

Are we concluding that the universe is expanding solely based on the red shift of remote galaxies? Why not consider that the photons just lose energy while traveling to us, and become “redder” the farther they travel?

[@ronaldkemp3952]

That doesn't work to explain the red and blueshift occurring to the light coming from the stars in the andromeda galaxy. One side the stars produce a redshift while the other side the stars produce a blueshift. Thus indicating the shift in their light is due to our relative motion to theirs. The same logic has to apply to the stars in distant galaxies. Their overall shift in the length of the light wave has to be produced by our relative motion because the speed of light is always a constant. There is no tired light.

[@JoshYellowLedbetter]

Neil and Chuck i love you guys. You can take thst to the bank. I can tell you whats between the pixels and can confirm the inevitability of the big rip. Just enjoy the ride, it may take awhile. ;)

[@stevescott5390]

This podcast is hilarious man! You guys are such jokesters!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂