How Do Stars Die? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains...

What is happening in the nucleus of stars? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break down how thermonuclear fusion happens in the center of stars and how it eventually leads to supernova.
At what point do fission and fusion meet? Learn about thermonuclear fusion on the inside of stars and how it leads to star death. Discover how stars hold themselves up from gravitational collapse and what causes supernovae. Find out what went into creating the elements within us and why we are all stardust.
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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!
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00:00 - Intro
01:30 - Where Fission & Fusion Meet
04:06 - Thermonuclear Fusion in Stars
09:55 - Star Death & Supernova
13:17 - We Are Stardust

[@kt420ish]

I love how Chucks face lights up when he grasps the concept Niel is laying down.

[@donaldsmith8648]

Best channel on KZbin in my opinion

[@Periodic-Milk]

You have a good opinion

[@Frog_Man_]

Your opinion is correct

[@Sammasambuddha]

The Force is strong with us! Lol.

[@ermabowman7052]

A bastion of logic and reason in a sea of misinformation and chaos.

[@NanocDark99]

There are some epic Red Dead Redemption 2 channals arround but yeah, this is just as good!

[@peterkallend5012]

Chuck is amazingly poetic in his way of describing his understanding of what Neil has just explained. These two are amazing communicators.

[@yolotheferret]

Their relationship is what keeps pulling me back. These guys are awesome

[@CosmicErrata]

Ditto.

[@t.g.2777]

They are like overachieving older brother and younger brother who became a comedian

[@jimr9499]

Absolutely. Sometimes, even when Neil slowly and concisely explains a concept, dumbing it down for the likes of folks like me, I still don't fully grasp whatever he's talking about. But, in those situations, Chuck will reiterate what Neil just said and then I totally get it. Plus, on top of that, he just makes the whole episode fun/funny! Oftentimes I rewatch old episodes, but if Chuck isn't the co-host it's an instant skip for me!!

[@alejandromedina7826]

They make the perfect teaching couple… is like the good cop/bad cop routine

[@SchopenhauerVsCamus]

“We are not just poetically Stardust, we are literally Stardust.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson This is easily one of the best videos in KZbin’s history ❤️🙏

[@kbataineh23]

My thoughts exactly. How havent we all seen this video. Like how is this not on repeat to every human alive?

[@themusicbook8679]

@@kbataineh23 The rsoean si i tnihk si buscae tirs si way oevr the agerave p'soners haed and tehy bilacslay haer waht tihs lkoos lkie! hhaa

[@VirajBaraskar]

"Not only are we alive in the universe, but the universe is alive within us." I felt like hugging the universe and thanking it for the wonderful gift of life we have. Wow!!! Just made my day...

[@bmcmillantx]

Your comment is the best comment yet!!!!

[@Mako045]

Pure scientific, witty poetry by Neil and Chuck. Bravo!!!

[@JT_771]

Stellar example of why StarTalk is SUCH a good program. Fantastic content. Very well presented. Can't help but love the enthusiasm of both Neil and Chuck. Hard to think of someone who wouldn't benefit from watching these with an open mind. Viewership should be SO much higher.

[@victorrutledge257]

Indeed, a "Stellar Example".

[@sherrymanning1116]

❤❤❤

[@LtNduati]

This is one of those things you can learn and understand, and still be just as amazed that it's true like you had never heard it before.

[@CUBOSH]

the trick is to try getting yourself to feel that way about everything

[@miguelcarrera617]

One of the best explainers I’ve seen. I truly enjoyed every second of this. Thank you.

[@Ashystar067]

Iron pulls off its mask and says "ha-ha! It's me, absorpt-ion" That did it for me😂 I love Mr Chuck & Mr Neil so much. They make me feel like I'm learning along instead of being lectured 👍👍

[@ThishVc-yp9xg]

Absorb-Sion

[@SweDennis]

This channel never ceases to amaze me. Although I've known of the physics of iron and fusion for a long time, Listening to Neil and Chuck still brings some new feelings and emotions to the table that I didn't have before. Just wonderful.

[@kvtechvarshney5179]

So in this physics of Fe & fusion I wanna ask, Fe is created when all of the lower atomic numbered elemental atoms are converted to Fe. Right? All of the composing atoms convert to Fe or not, & some lower atomic numbered elemental atoms remain? Like N, C, Na, O etc. remain? If not then how come during supernova burst and planet as dust of star contain these lower atomic numbered elements, shouldn't it contain only Fe??

[@Periodic-Milk]

I wish this came out a week earlier I just had a chemistry test on half of what they talked about.

[@Nolimitslum]

Just bought two of your books dr.Neil and they were signed gotta say I loved the natural history museum

[@jimr9499]

Ah! I'm jealous! I'm only a couple hours train ride away from the city but I haven't been in years. It's one of my (realistic, not that hard to achieve) goals to get to the museum one of these days soon. Definitely going ASAP.

[@Masmikh]

I cried in awe when Dr Tyson reached the Supernova part climax. What a beautiful journey for the start.

[@AnalogX64]

Thanks Neil and Chuck for another great episode :)

[@masterofnone3981]

Sure hope Chuck and Neil never break up. No one could do it better than this duo. Neil teaching & Chuck learning with humor is what’s able to hold to the attention span of their like minded audience. ✌️❤️.

[@junobuggy12]

The chemistry with this duo is what keeps bringing me back. I love their explanations

[@Sileonex123]

Often times I fully understand the topics of these wonderful videos... But today I actually learned something new... Thank you

[@MrVvrfly]

Love every single minute of this conversation. What a simple explanation and perhaps the best way to understand US in spiritual terms. Thank you Neil. Chuck you must know it is difficult to keep things together without your wits. I am so glad you both are together.

[@frankelkjr8041]

Although I’m familiar W/ the fusion process, Neil made it so much compelling as if I’m hearing it for the first time :)

[@oliverdearmas5958]

Yesterday I went to your show, “an astrophysicist at the movies 2” and I loved it. Very funny and was an excellent merge of pop culture and science, so thank you.

[@MrZeek1519]

Supernovas and the creation of elements was one of the first discussions that inspired my love of space way back when. Thank you for rekindling that love StarTalk!!!

[@ThishVc-yp9xg]

Frog Star Stella

[@kmmadhu1280]

I loved this

[@cybore213]

The quick answer is that a supernova explosion is so energetic that the shockwave can induce fusion reactions in the star's outer shell, producing the heavier elements. But I would also like to see Niel explain this in another episode as well to get more details.

[@michaelritchie5303]

@@cybore213 There is also evidence that heavy elements are formed during collisions of neutron stars. I watched this a while ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGfUiJuFqberqrc

[@Campfire_Bandit]

My favorite StarTalk yet! Love this!

[@josefdendunnen]

Thank you kindly for yet another wonderful episode. I always come away feeling more enlightened each & every time. 🙂

[@shanejustincampbell]

Wow, this was awesome. I wasn't necessarily going to watch it but I'm so glad I did because it's probably one of my favorites - if not my favorite - StarTalk I've ever seen!

[@michaelalmstrom1240]

Are these shorter clips made from a longer star talk podcast? I love these short videos but if love to see the longer version if there is one

[@Ken-ki]

Love all your videos, but specially those on astrophysics, and this one is very special, thank you!

[@abstractperspectives]

I liked this. Can you do another explainer video talking about the lifespan of smaller Stars, like our own sun?

[@AmplifydeGamer]

These videos always make me so happy. Hearing people talk about the reality of our universe instead of fictional beings with 0 evidence. Its like listening to someone with reason talk instead a faith.

[@ballapalleballe]

Im 100% with you

[@HippieP629]

I'm sad that I can only "like" this once

[@giornogiovanna9475]

I belive in god and your comment is clearly a form of hatespeech but i guess that atheists have the right to write this cause they are clearly superior beings with a brain capacity that is 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000069420 times higher than an avg theist . anyways may god bless u 😀😀 edit: typo

[@josephkarianjahi1467]

It depresses me a big deal to know that the world shall be without Neil degrass Tyson one day! He narrates complex scientific stuff creating epic suspense with so much ease! Damn!

[@Tony-rh2lp]

Now that we talk about super nova from dying stars, please talk about how the larger stars dying to form blackholes.

[@howardreid]

Got to say, this is one of my fav KZbin channels. Another great episode.

[@bkbekka3039]

Dr. NdT is the one person I'd love to have a conversation with. Although he is ABLE to have my head spinning & then burst, he is the best at explaining complex theories and facts to someone like me. By "me" I mean a person that craves to understand a knowledge I've questioned, practically, my entire life.

[@jackylukewarm3257]

Your head spins and then bursts. Sounds like big stars rotating and then burst into supernova

[@hyposlasher]

One of the best explanations

[@pause705]

Thanks for defending science on valuetainment, respect 👍

[@matthewshull591]

Just watched him on PBD. Not his best showing IMO.

[@ranonampangom2185]

@@matthewshull591 He needs to stop going on public broadcasts that are unrelated to space. He's scaring off some misguided, misinformed people from his channel, and while what he says isn't necessarily incorrect, his delivery of information that some people think is "controversial" really needs some work. He shoukd focus on presenting good information, not on trying to forcibly convince the ignorant population.

[@matthewshull591]

@@ranonampangom2185 I think herë should stick to StarTalk. I felt like he was missing PBDs point the whole time. Really undermined his credibility. Carl Sagan he is not. Just my 2c there.

[@mcdziubek1]

Wow. So good to see you. I'm first to watch fresh episode.

[@johncayden8796]

So fresh🙂

[@CWeetus]

Love how through the time chuck has learned more and more along with us

[@zrevan4262]

Another superb episode! 👌 Much appreciated!

[@cobhc1227]

Love chucks sarcastic public announcements 🤣🤳

[@ramcymendoza2381]

Another thing that makes Neil an incredible educator is how he uses his hands to explain things. I don't think I have seen someone as fluent as Neil in using their hands to explain the unexplainable.

[@gabrielh.4583]

Nice video and explanation ✌️👍. One question: If star’s only fuse until they make iron and then explode into super novas, How are heavier elements created in space? Thanks

[@nathanaelfontenele2388]

If I remember correctly, at the beginning of a supernova the outer layers implode vary rapidly increasing the pressure even more and fusing iron atoms and other heavier elements afterwards, but by that point the star is in the process of exploding, so there isn't a lot of time for that process to happen, and that's why these elements are so rare.

[@gnarmaw7039]

It happens when stars collide

[@skylark8828]

@@nathanaelfontenele2388 I remember seeing that collisions of stellar objects with neutron stars and magnetars produce the heavier elements in greater abundance.

[@michaeljorfi2394]

@@gnarmaw7039 it's from the energy of the supernova explosion

[@hardychen9780]

This is my favorite star talk explainer ever!

[@garydunken7934]

Just beautifully explained!!

[@TjayfrmdaA]

Living legendary Duo. So happy I found y’all this year 💯

[@ackmena0709]

Adore these guys! So much fun to listen and learn

[@BSm2919]

I've heard a little about some of the first stars that could be substantially larger than current stars and that would undergo "para instability supernova". Can you please do an explainer on that!

[@bredemeijer9648]

This episode is one of the best. Thanks!

[@gurugauravjoshi]

This is so amazing !!!

[@mrmawson2438]

Great video guys 👍

[@bullettube9863]

Chuck isn't the only one who appreciates Neal's answers!

[@hardikchavda8266]

thank you for this valuable knowledge, highly recommended 🙏👍🏻

[@grayden4138]

Iron is the cosmological circuit breaker for fission and fusion. Fascinating.

[@DistrictHero13]

Watching Chuck's brain work its way through the elements and getting to supernova when Neil gets to the end of the explanation.😊

[@ruslankadylak2999]

This is just... beautiful...

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

Wonderful Episode. What a quote Neil

[@detectivehowardb7]

Why do I feel like I want to take up an offering now? made my day Chuck. you are a funny man. thanks guys. loved the talk.

[@DavideCardella]

This is my favourite episode so far.

[@johnhawk8624]

Great one!

[@hectorramos2014]

Love these two gentlemen

[@davidcrocker3992]

Chuck’s self-deprecating manner seem s to balance things out well🙏🏻

[@benisaten]

Daily dose of knowledge. 👌

[@JustMe-pu3xm]

The duo du… I like these guys…🙅🏾🙅🏾

[@yuduul7177]

Please make a video to answer and explain Chuck's question at the end. I am also curious and would like to know what kickstarts stellar fusion to create stars.

[@pradeepbamola8986]

I really enjoyed your explanation, Always love your videos. I wish you mention that How heavier elements than Iron are form also

[@mistral-unizion-music]

Wow super interesting!! Thanks!

[@Armageddon2k]

no matter how much I think I know about a thing, you always manage to teach me something new.

[@MuhammadBesharat7]

Great Video Again 👏

[@SoutherRebelDoUFunDu]

Most amazing explanation of superNovas

[@apextroll]

Great explanation. I was under the impression that the production of elements beyond helium up to iron happen right at the final minutes/moment of the star. What portion of the stars life is helium to iron?

[@nimismie]

Great episode! Btw can you adjust the voice levels a bit? Intro and outro are much louder than the voice of the speakers.

[@R0bobb1e]

I don't know why, but I knew before they said it that Fe was the Element that would absorb energy instead of releasing energy. As soon as they started talking about it, I though, "Hey, Iron is the one that makes stars go supernova..." but I didn't know why...

[@Ian-bl9xd]

First time it's actually made sense! Thanks u 2

[@DiesiraeL]

Neil, Chuck, thank you for making learning fun again

[@themusicbook8679]

"You have answers and I don't have to read." The sentiment that built KZbin. I'm in!

[@gasaholic47]

As wonderful as this video is, what’s more wonderful is the vintage 70’s style black round phone behind Neil on the table. Now that is a real view back in time. 😁

[@skylerfigallo9056]

Does anyone else listen to Neil and Chuck before they watch them? It's been adding to my experience as a listener/viewer for a while 😊

[@Landafta]

Just Beautiful!

[@inkaddo]

Enlightening!

[@JuanCarlosDaSilva]

Thank you!

[@stevendigiantomasso3985]

The best on KZbin!❤❤❤♾♾♾

[@GeorgePap99]

Please let the next explainer be about what Chuck said in the end :O I just can't understand how all this logical process is pretty much maths. I mean, understanding maths to a certain point I do understand, but I just can't grasp it... It's so fascinating when you guys talk about these phenomena in simple words for everyone to understand! I just get amazed everytime, damn!

[@MLSK8200]

I do know how it happens but I would love to hear an explanation on it from Neil that is for sure.

[@dsnitely]

Neil might tell us but we have to pay him in Starbucks, wah wah wah

[@navjothhimself]

I gotta say, at the Last moment Neil said, We are Star dust. I literally got goosebumps

[@MichaelAChang]

Wow, this is deep and I love it.

[@mamalio76]

Wonderful Neil !

[@kalashsarode]

11:45 I literally spilled my soda out lmfao. Chuck is hilarious

[@inkaddo]

That was just awesome

[@theenlykvnhr5707]

13:14 "that's beautifully man" yes my man, YES

[@jamescollins6358]

I wish they would have taught this in elementary school when I went , it is where everything came from , I love this show

[@freemind360]

Yes, that was nice! Even many views about the word "nice". So it's parallel Universe of kindness. 😉👍 Greetings from Termas de Monfortinho

[@kumaranramalingam5203]

Wow.. Happy tears!!

[@DJSouthwest162]

Thanks Neil and Chuck 😎

[@timmoye5706]

That was great!

[@keithrange4457]

Fantastic explanation my YT Friend Mr Tyson 😁

[@njdevilsforlifewoohoo5533]

Wow. Thank you I have always what caused the death of a sun but the reason why has never been explained as good as that.

[@chrisconaway799]

Neil, please start putting chuck on the thumbnail of videos he will be in with you. Plus I think he deserves to be in the thumbnails by now lol

[@TheJunmengo]

Most people that watch the channel probably have a fairly superficial knowledge of the life cycle of a Star, i heard some of these concepts a lot of times, but Neil always bring something new that i didn't know, like i never knew the Iron death stat was because of energy absortion, and that is because is exactly in the middle of the periodic table, it blown my mind

[@rjvalle8094]

Loved seeing you in Orlando! My favorite alien is Buzz lightyear! Hahaha best part! Keep looking up!

[@Itsyapops]

Love you Neil and Chuck

[@olusanyaolamide9764]

Wow this man is a genius, i never quite understood dieing of stars, now I do

[@MathieuLord1]

Chuck please never change :-)