Discovering Water on Enceledus with Carolyn “Madam Saturn” Porco & Neil deGrasse Tyson

How much has space imaging furthered our understanding of the Universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn the story of cameras on space probes like Voyager and Cassini and the exciting science of Saturn with planetary scientist Carolyn Porco.
Discover the saga that led to the taking of Voyager’s image Pale Blue Dot. What is the history of early space probes? We discuss the importance of space imaging and how close we were to not having pictures of the planets. How much funding did it take to get Pale Blue Dot? Find out about Carl Sagan’s appeal to NASA and Carolyns role in it all.
How did the Cassini mission aim to go beyond the abilities of Voyager? Carolyn shares with us her bucket list for the mission and the challenges of trying to recreate Pale Blue Dot. What creates the colors in Cassini’s images? What would Saturn look like with the naked eye? Learn about what Cassini learned about Enceladus and concerns about contaminating the Saturnian Moon. Can we keep commercial space companies abiding by planetary protection practices?
Could we someday livestream a flyby of the planets in real-time? Discover the video already taken by Cassini, available at: ciclops.org/th_clips.php.html. Carolyn gives her take on the increasing satellites populating the night’s sky. Learn how the rings of Saturn helped uncover the wave responsible for forming spiral galaxies. Plus, find out the mystery of the hexagon on Saturn’s south pole.
Thanks to our Patrons Collin Money, Jeffery K Ogren, José Luis Pizano Escalante, Micheal Yablon, Artemis ma, and Paul Scott ifor supporting us this week.
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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: Space Imaging
02:18 - Early Planetary Probes & Carl Sagan
06:17 - The Pale Blue Dot & Voyager
13:35 - The Day the Earth Smiled & Cassini
21:13 - Color Imaging
23:55 - Earthrise: Seeing the Globe for the First Time
25:47 - Finding the Oceans of Enceladus
29:38 - Planetary Protection & Commercial Space
32:40 - JWST Monitoring Enceladus
33:41 - Could We Live Stream Flybys of the Planets?
35:57 - The End of the Night’s Sky
40:47 - Carolyn Porco’s Most Interesting Discovery
44:28 - Saturn’s South Pole Hexagon

[@StarTalk]

Interested in Carolyn Porco's work? Pick up her book "The Art of Space" here: www.amazon.com/Books-Carolyn-Porco/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ACarolyn+Porco

[@FacesintheStone]

Citizens, all across North America are researching portable Rock Art. There’s a whole lot more than arrowheads out there, there’s a complicated multi facet style of art that has many different images on one stone. Back in the day they used to call them story stones. Archaeological departments are denying them despite the photo realistic portraits of the human being that you can see on my avatar

[@evanbrum6357]

I enjoy how passionate she is and also how unafraid she is to correct Neil 😅😅

[@jaimeestonactoc9693]

It’s because scientists speak in terms of facts, so if something is incorrect, the only logical thing to do it correct it immediately

[@jordanremington]

It made me cry when she said “look up and remember where they are”. I miss sitting in my convertible car in high school at night and just staring at the sky and wondering what my life had in store. I am struggling financially, I am depressed, and I am worried about my future and what I’m supposed to do, but the night sky gives me solace. I always wonder how many other people are doing and feeling what I’m feeling and I just always hold out hope things will work themselves out. Thank you both for this podcast, I love it and helps me get by.

[@beastmaster415]

Same boat bro, same boat🙏🏾💯💪🏾

[@travailier]

🙏🏽

[@jayfridayaq]

Keep pushing. I'm in a similar position. We've gotta keep pushing.

[@Palidine4M0O]

Carolyn is an interstellar gem, great guest, great attitude

[@a.j.infowars7582]

No, she had a bad attitude.

[@shawnsimmons1308]

My sons were 6 and 2 when this happened. I explained to my 6 year old, the best I could at his level of understanding, why we were in the backyard waving up to a blue sky. That image now hangs in his bedroom.

[@williamjones2713]

Neil and Chuck always have the most amazing guests. Can you image having science teachers who draw your kids in like they do?

[@detectivehowardb7]

my science teacher in high school did. very grateful for that as I consider

[@jennifergraves9511]

This is where online school could be streamlined. Imagine Neil and his amazing guests being America's science teachers.

[@DownwithEA1]

The image of Earth from the shadow of Saturn has been my desktop at work for years. I am happy to tell people it is a picture of Earth & watch them think. So happy to share this amazing image.

[@Sharky053]

Loved this guest and the dynamic between you all. For future episodes that mention famous photos, it would be helpful to include them in the video so we could view them while listening along and to know we are looking at the correct photo. Thanks!

[@frankwestphal8532]

This is a great idea. Next level right there!

[@markrobinson1291]

Am I the only person who takes notes to research when I have time to dig a little deeper. A famous saying is: Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day, let them work out where to find the fish, and the tools required to catch them and he can eat for life....or something like that

[@AnalogX64]

I try looking for the images, but you find all sorts of fake CG images so you never know which one is the real images.

[@dominiqueandre7750]

Finally an upcoming live stand-up with real Science comedy 🍻

[@vickieysacoff4249]

The images of Saturn are hauntingly beautiful. Thank you, Carolyn for advocating for the image of earth. The world needs this perspective if we're ever going to value our planet and one another.

[@_Szerman_]

Im loving every episode ive seen so far which is around 100 (for now), trying to watch every signle one ever made and its nice seeing a fresh one. Waiting for more.

[@MrGelly70]

Dr Tyson one of my biggest day in my life was when I took my 15 yo son to see you in Chicago It was right after my son’s mom took him to the creationist “museum” in KY He needed a deprograming and your tour was the medicine he needed Thank you I wish you could meet him

[@luciojpfilho]

In addition to this amazing content, I use Startalk videos to keep my English up to date as I am not a native English speaker.

[@solartyrant9049]

Best podcast/science talk show

[@kakeyed7124]

I love Carolyn. I'm sure Carl Sagan would love what she is doing for the world too.

[@mattofalltradez]

I can't wait to see this special! You have come a long way and can sit with the the rest of us nerds and hold your own!

[@frankwestphal8532]

Yes, me too! Lord Nice... in the house.

[@Onestringpuppet]

Happy 54th Anniversary Neil, since the good old Neil and Buzz touched down on the moon for the first time 😊

[@brucethomas471]

I always love seeing Carolyn Porco! IMHO one of the best scientists of our generation. And yes, I told her that on Twitter! Chuck, love you too! 😁 Don't you go feeling left out now!

[@Vorador666]

This episode was really great.

[@tonniestarkstv4758]

Great to see new episodes 🎉

[@kingdemon26]

Just thinking of Carl Sagan brings a pang to my heart 😢what a loss the world took with his passing 😢 I will always remain eternally grateful to him for guiding my scientific literacy while growing up in an environment that viewed scientific literacy as “not cool “ and even “evil “

[@travailier]

🙏🏽

[@Dr.GreenD17]

Rip CS, The pioneer of space exploration. As long as humanity is in the dark, they never see the light. His sacrifice shedded light, now its dimming. He didn't let other's ignorance influenced stop his passion. " We're tadpoles stuck inside a pond." CS quote. Have a good day.

[@andrewscoppetta4944]

Chuck what are you going to wear for the special? Personally I vote for LORDLY attire 👑

[@michaelevans898]

I looked up on that day in Amsterdam, Netherlands! I later uploaded both the Saturn/Earth picture and the Earth/Moon photo from the orbiter around Mercury, since the latter camera was pointed at Amsterdam.

[@slewisgreen]

All I can say is "wow", wonderful discussion.

[@wescoleman6390]

Bob Fiete's book on "Formation of a digital image" gives some good explanations on comparing focal plane resolution limits to optical diffraction limits. I've met the author, and he has a great way of explaining how handheld photography techniques apply to space imaging.

[@iamhawkeye3162]

I saw Chuck in a commercial earlier and about freaked out! Glad to see him making moves

[@DamiMami]

How amazing would it be if NASA did that everytime an image was taken of Earth? It could totally be a big teaching moment like Carolyn wanted (and super fun)! I'd love to particate.

[@robertadams6606]

This and the other image taken looking back from Saturn are some of my favorite pics that I had on my desktop on my other computer. They are so beautiful to me.

[@user-wu3rn4oc1y]

Love maddam Saturn and I Love Star Talk. Thank you guys from my whole heart for this show. Not just the bottom ❤❤❤.

[@BRIDGETTWC]

Thanks guys, great show❤

[@charlesvattimo4674]

Who else went to Google images to look up pale blue dot to look at the photo in question as Neil read Sagan’s quote? It really is a gorgeous photo, definitely gonna keep it in my gallery.

[@cmrn6396]

true colors. Great song!

[@frankwestphal8532]

Oh that is a good one!

[@nyc220guy]

Alright! This is what we need to happen more often. Love it! So interesting.

[@willmpet]

“You’d think we’d never stop dancing” Lewis Thomas We’re so fortunate to be alive!

[@thirtysixjuniper8667]

Chuck bring your show to Philly and I'm there. :)

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

Go Chuck!! Im in Cali so ill be awaiting the recording!

[@owenb3979]

Congrats Chuck!!! Science themes comedy is such a fun idea i love it

[@jamiboothe]

If you are an amateur astrophotographer, it is good to know diffraction limits for your gear, among many, many other factors that can cause issues with your imaging from Earth. I love Carolyn`s understanding of taking images, outside of our precious planets atmosphere and gravitational influence.

[@kkonvicka25]

I like "Mother Mimas". Thank you, Carolyn.

[@SolarAsylum]

I ❤ Chuck

[@davidhummer1195]

Dr. Tyson, I need you to do a video of you reading all of Pale Blue Dot. Please and thank you.

[@emilyshotwellboivin26]

Best idea

[@slowly-but-eventually]

You should show the images while they talk about it. We'd love the visual support!

[@gregthurman8108]

Love this episode and topic. Carolyn is awesome!

[@emefcue]

Wow she is amazing! More from her please!!

[@jerry6721]

Let's go Chuck!!! Good luck in Manhattan!! I wish I could I could be there.

[@nalsminator]

Hope can see that special on streaming, greetings from Bolivia

[@associatedblacksheepandmisfits]

My all time favourite mental picture ,comes from one of Douglas Adams' awesome hitchhikers guide series where an entire attacking space fleet were swallowed by a dog !😊 All a manner of perspective 😊😊

[@MichaelJordan-yg3nc]

Excellent episode 🎉 cheers Neil, Chuck, and Carolyn 😊

[@DiamondRidgeMusic]

They are letting Chuck use the platform for such a great positive advertisement on his endeavors! 🎉🎉

[@KaleOrton]

Incredible lady. Beautiful in every way.

[@kwal559]

Direction could cut the eating on camera and also display the pictures being described for a higher impact.

[@immunitycorrupts3641]

@Chuck for those of us who wouldn't be able to make a trip like that. will there be an option to view this say on the patreon channel?

[@mecthegreat92]

I need these tickets!

[@alexprieto8277]

I should read some Sagan.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024

[@BjarkiHugrakkr]

She’s so passionate I love it

[@laurafortier9295]

Chuck! Where can we see your stand up if we are not in NY? Can we buy the video of one of your shows?

[@zeusfitter007]

Cornelius Would Be Proud.🙌🏻

[@stageiii1]

Got Ciclops... it is awesome !!

[@springpan]

Love your show, but I was screaming at the screen, "SHOW THE PHOTOS!".

[@user-im6ms1me4y]

One of my fave duos of all tiiiiime🤩 and I’ll keep sayin it!😤🤣 (everytime people do a double what on that and I’m like uh yeah)

[@Neobert5240]

Go Chuck!!!$$$❤❤❤❤😊

[@IndikaRatnayake]

Please do an episode with Dr. Becky. :)

[@IndikaRatnayake]

www.youtube.com/@DrBecky

[@maxrupo]

What about quantum computing to skyrocket the amount of data from probes? I'm sure somebody has already thinked of that. Love "Madam Saturn", love u guys.

[@whipple29wrath-inc.58]

What determines the deflation limit of a camera or telescope?

[@ginnyjollykidd]

Looks like we need a planetary custodial system to recycle all the metal we put in space. Considering titanium is probably part of that (I know gold is!) as well as other precious metals and even steel iron as well, it could be pretty lucrative. "Any old iron! Any old iron! Any any any old iron!"

[@waynejones1054]

Supurb. Thank you👍👍

[@tyronholloway1079]

Will chucks show be streamed or something too?

[@nyc220guy]

Obviously not. Go buy tickets if you'll be in the area at that time.

[@nadelius1]

Amazing how the "lord" moniker has stuck. I think Caroline even almost laughed at it. 😂

[@sneckim]

I was all settled in for an hour of scintillating and funny discussion of beautiful, historical space images. The discussion is great, so far. I’m half way through the video and so far you haven’t shown a single photograph. What gives? Was it a question of copyright costs? I have been under the impression that these well known pictures, like The Pale Blue Dot, the amazing geysers on Enceladus, The Pillars of Creation, etc., we’re all free, public domain images. Am I wrong?

[@jillcrowe2626]

If you want to see the pictures, fire up your Google and look for it. I'm watching the talk on my tablet while looking at the photos on my computer.

[@sneckim]

@@jillcrowe2626Thanks. I’m quite aware of the fact that these photos are easily available. That’s why I was surprised they weren’t presented in the video, to make it a more fully immersive presentation. Ever hear of post-production?

[@R0bobb1e]

Keep looking up and watch the traffic.

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

31:05 this lady is smart

[@MoahGentle]

[@tejshah4080]

24:26 NDG and chuck getting schooled by the teacher.😂

[@JBizl_Productions]

JBizl in da house

[@lightwingg27wel89]

Is space hostile? If we had a means for space travel what would happen if you get to close to our sun or Jupiter? If you traveled outside our solar system or galaxy, how far would we get?

[@abdulsalamodofin5522]

❤❤❤

[@fitz3466]

i'm sure people said the same thing about planes destroying the sky of everyone...... i'm concerned about space junk preventing us from further space travel not from ruining the night skys viewing.. this is the sacrifice needed to make space more attainable for all of man.

[@IsaacRC]

Confusing hype with Saturn's hexagon it's a common shape in nature, an interesting subject of visual science: natural geometry

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

I need help with my new years resolution. I've figured out how to change the stars. My idea for changing the stars includes Orion and Pleiades (Subaru). I figure it's time to put something up there that's relevant to us, don't you think? Take Orion's belt and Betelgeuse becomes the head with a baseball hat. Below the belt are two legs bending at the knee. The feet aligning perfectly under the bent knees. The 3 stars of Orion's belt align perfectly as the 3 fat belt loops on a baseball uniform. The spear pointing at "Subaru" is the bat being swung and "Pleiades" is the baseball flying away after being hit. Put it all together and you get, "THE ALL-STAR." In my case, I see a left-handed batter and I imagine a "7" on the jersey. Which makes him, "Mickey." (As it should be ;-) But you can put any number you want, making, "THE ALL-STAR," any player you want. It'd be wrong of me to not, at least, try. This is me, trying. Pass it on, please and thank you. Don't worry, where I come from, crazy is a compliment. ;-P

[@orangejuicetv1004]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@bored9260]

Sounds like the government was barely chucking funds into the scientific discovery of space exploration when imaging cams became an issue lol. I only notice this as it’s so hard to set up my Astronomy set because I’m lacking in the digital aspect of controlling my telescope. 👀 really badly… I have a headache because of windows, software compatibility backwards compatibility and user friendly… 🤷‍♂️

[@AlinOrza93]

When are you coming to Europe?

[@user-im6ms1me4y]

Neil’s FLIPPIN face🤣 Then she talks about disturbing things on why commercial space(I forgot what it’s called but I call it that lol ) isn’t good and why in the most beautiful way❤️🥹🤣

[@mrfilipelaureanoaguiar]

Looking at the sun and the other stars must be much different than from here, it's dark and far but the other stars need to light the other side no? At some point if we can see those stars from here, always here for astrology, it can't be that dark unless the sun, reflects on some matter around making us think, it's full of stars but at a distance, it's almost nothing. Interesting video, I enjoyed per pixel or half rendering.

[@justinstuder1649]

"Don't disrespect microbes!" Okay, but I believe we call those people "vertically challenged" so who's in the wrong now? 😂😂😂 jk great interview, thank you!

[@leatherelf2078]

It is just an amazing feeling to think that like depicted by George Lucas, moons can be places where life can happen. And as we look for planets around suns dozens to billions of light years away, we can never (yet?) see the moons.

[@stevenswapp4768]

Marie Schroeder?

[@FeLiNe418]

25:24 She didn't show the picture to flat earthers apparently.

[@bored9260]

She doesn’t work on James webb so talking about the diffraction limit is interesting. Ideally it dilutes any potential to hunt for exoplanets in other star systems but then again. 🤷‍♂️ science always had a struggle for reason to exist for the reason to study the potential

[@robertkaminski9315]

i want more SCIENCE

[@thetommantom]

At some point cameras just sucked and now they are catching up however if you try to take pictures of blueprints cameras still aren't as good as designs but now if you see the rockets flight or landing its cool

[@bored9260]

I wonder… if the pale blue dot had anything to do with the universe and the red ribbon theory 🤔 right Europe was also trying to compliment the idea with a theory of their own in scientific reasoning which help create the string theory.

[@AbdulHannanAbdulMatheen]

👏🙂

[@FeLiNe418]

Is it just me or there is some resemblance of Marianne Williamson?

[@frankicon9521]

Chuck still using the term "taping" I'm from the same era but saying this here in startalk is so outdated lol... it's called recording Chuck... recording not "taping" because there's no tape anymore 😂

[@stanleykomonce8302]

De ja vu....i just seen u on Worlds Dumbest ...this morning .....i kept asking my self where i know you form besides Startalk ...🤣🤣 That show is way funny ...i laughed for over an hr. 👍👍👍👍

[@laurafortier9295]

I find his quote rather contradictory honestly. Here we are looking at our own planet from a distance that no one has ever gone. With a spacecraft engineered by teams of brilliant human beings. And have the forsite and desire to take the picture in the first place. And yet all that effort and beauty and thought that had to go into it is summed up by a man claiming we are delusional for thinking we may be unique or "special". Is Voyager i that insignificant? See how it condtadicts. We are staring at a feat of engeneering nowhere in the universe has done, and we have delusions? I encourage everyone to keep that delusion then. It got us the picture in the first place.

[@dogboy4784]

She saying the hexagon at Saturn's pole is an illusion? It gives the "impression" that it has sides? It sure looks like sides to me. I think they need to bring her back next week.