StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries - Edge of the Universe with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Janna Levin

What’s beyond the edge of the universe? Is there even an edge at all? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson answers your fan-submitted questions about the mysteries, wonders, and theories that exist on the bleeding edge of cosmology. But in order to explore the true depths of the unknown we need to bring in a little extra help - enter astrophysicist Janna Levin, PhD.
We start with the basics: is the universe infinite? Janna tells us why we’re still uncertain. We explore the idea of the multiverse and the idea of our universe never having an “edge.” Could those distant galaxies we see be our own galaxy in the past? As if that’s not mind-bending enough, we haven’t even gotten to the dimensionality questions yet.
Find out more about other possible dimensions. We discuss why it’s so difficult to detect other dimensions, if they’re even there in the first place. Janna and Neil help us visualize a 4th dimension. You’ll hear why adding another dimension might provide too much freedom for molecules to bind together and create macroscopic things. We also explore the idea that our three dimensions are glued to a membrane that’s floating in a higher dimensional space. We reflect on Monsters, Inc. and how the film plays with moving through different dimensions.
Discover more about the shape of our universe. Could it be in the shape of a loop? We break down the Big Bang and the birth of the universe. Find out more about dark matter, dark energy, and if they’re two sides of the same coin. Janna explains why dark energy should be thought of as an invisible ocean. Investigate the “information” that lies on the surface of a black hole. We track Voyager 2’s journey into interstellar space and what that means for us back on Earth. All that, plus, Janna shares why she thinks the study of dark matter and dark energy are the most important fields of study in science today.
This episode originally aired December 6, 2019.
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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!
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[@jonathandavid3298]

Janna is the best guest on Star Talk. She's funny, smart, able to explain things simply, gets along so well with Neil and Chuck. Please have her more often.

[@ballapalleballe]

Agree

[@kindoftruth]

Yes! And please stop interrupting her and the women on your show so much.

[@MrDJAK777]

He interrupts everyone, it's practically his thing.

[@AdonaiZedek]

Tyson gave her a pass,

[@Synthwave89]

She is amazing, love Jana

[@ilaphroaig]

Janna is my favorite guest. What a mind.

[@chico305SIGMA]

Your face is perfect. 😍

[@kstringer24]

She's so interesting!

[@mawyadeen7607]

She's pretty smart your right

[@oathr1950]

It makes her more attractive 💘

[@Kickex]

Agreed!

[@296jacqi]

I love that even when the guys get a bit obnoxious and start interrupting her, she not only engages it, she also stays on point and continues after the distraction. What a disciplined and focused mind. Lovely.

[@RayHaglandMusic]

There is definitely a feeling of “too many cooks” at times, I could watch Janna read these questions and answer them herself.

[@Justinwhat1]

She enjoys being with the guys, that’s what I like. Very endearing.

[@AlphaCentauri24]

Exactly. Well put.

[@mihowmihow]

Yeah. I'd like more of her talking and less of Neil and Chuck fooling around.

[@pipepuffa1]

@@mihowmihow then go watch her channel.

[@stephendonaghey1261]

Watching Chucks face while he is trying to understand things is my favorite part of these videos!

[@kevinblackburn3198]

Super confused and trying to interject with something witty.

[@jayfridayaq]

​@@kevinblackburn3198 and he always hits his mark. Chuck makes this so much better!

[@hardino0311]

“Some of the distant galaxies could be the milky way in the past” .. that just broke my brain

[@dicesuki4286]

Yeah me too.. i mean think about this: if what they've said is true then we can use it to go back in time.. not literally but like watching the past like you're watching a KZbin video...

[@hardino0311]

Dice Suki 🤯... stop breaking my brain, I just put it back together.!

[@Gloria-qj6ot]

@@hardino0311 That would also mean that some distant galaxies could be the future Milky Way or even Milkdromeda!

[@obc3399]

@@Gloria-qj6ot how could that be possible, to use it to go back in time?

[@Gloria-qj6ot]

@@obc3399 Travelling to distant galaxies may be a possible for time travel! Since no one has ever travelled that far before and it is literally impossible with the current technology (and we only have images), it might be actually true.

[@mrmichaellos]

I'm from Russia. I learn English. I like that video. It helps me to improve my English and also there are many interesting information. Thanks.

[@shilohamah6809]

Michael Poshival_O_v that is an amazing way to learn English

[@prince_nocturne]

Talk about jumping in at the deep end. You'll learn stuff here that will blow the mind of native English speakers, and they'll never know what half the words you use are. Be impressive!

[@alx2025]

Mexican here learning more English also. 😃

[@meilei8716]

Hahaha. Black hole blues 🤘🏼

[@andrews9615]

ALX sounds dumb, but watch Disney movies. Half the people I know in Mexico learned great English from movies.

[@xxxxMidKnightxxxx]

I love when two passionate scientist sit down together. Even if I don't fully understand everything the energy just makes me smile.

[@louisrobitaille5810]

Understanding everything takes the experience to a whole new level 😁

[@lomparti]

Two scientists and a lowly comedian. lol

[@alexisgs8800]

Matter makes me smile more than energy, but it's a matter of taste

[@wahn10]

If Janna had been my physics professor, I would've ended up majoring in physics. Absolutely fascinating and engaging scientist.

[@farashay4587]

I saw it is a 53 min video and I told myself: Ok, I'll just watch a few minutes to see what it is about. Now I've watched the whole show and I'm thinking of watching it again.

[@sineporfa9053]

There are countless episodes. Enjoy the ride, I have been so far.

[@vansdan.]

@@sineporfa9053 I was gona say the same thing. I've probably watched all startalks like 3 times.

[@robynthriftsvintage82]

I woke up to a Neil Degrasse video randomly playing this morning. Ive been watching his videos ever since.

[@carrier6517]

Talk about synchronicity, I was thinking the same thing and when it finished I was like " what - finished already ??? " some good stuff here : D

[@workingguy6666]

I'm only a few minutes into them answering the first question, and this is already one of the best ever. Mind blown.

[@jmc211266]

Watch this at half speed. Tripping.

[@Cecil4War]

Janna you're brilliant, thank you for taking the time to enlighten us with your knowledge 😊.

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

Janna is such an awesome guest! Bring her back on!

[@mattietiger2959]

Chuck is a very inteligent person to keep up with all this science. I don't think many comedians or other profesions could be upto that level of understanding. My hat's off you you sir. Lots of respect !

[@JustinBelair-vc8oe]

Chuck us definitely another smarter than he gives himself credit for

[@JustinBelair-vc8oe]

Is not us

[@ogray9927]

"Not Sativa". I see you Neil. Respect

[@purpl3grape]

He never inhaled it, how would he know?

[@RandomVideoApparatus]

@@purpl3grape I mean, it is a chemical that can be studied

[@TheDro]

would love to see him & chuck smoke a bowl with rogan and just discuss the universe for hours.

[@lamontburtley8407]

Right. Indica puts u 2 sleep.

[@thandidavis5428]

Indica-in da couch 😴 Sativa-Saturday night 💃🏽 (Although they both pretty much make me hungry and sleepy, indica more so for sure)

[@dylanrogers9712]

“Cosmically colorful” Is a perfect way to describe Neil as a person!

[@richestcousin]

I can't believe this video is 2 yrs old and it's today march 21 that I see it for the first time. Immediately I saw a clip of this lady i was amazed with her understanding. Came right straight to KZbin to hear her talk more

[@ericapplewhite714]

It took me about 3 hours to finish this episode. I had to rewind constantly to comprehend what they are saying. These physicists excel at abstract thoughts, it's amazing.

[@michaelschmidt1223]

Janna Levin is amazing! Love her energy and knowledge.

[@macysondheim]

Too bad Tyson keeps interrupting…

[@MikkoRantalainen]

@@macysondheim I agree. It's not like you're running out of timeslot so when she (or any other guest) is talking, let them talk. If you truly believe it's not worth keeping, cut it away during the post-processing but do not interrupt so much.

[@jeffreyburley4033]

I simply love the idea that those far distant galaxies we see maybe our own galaxy in its infancy.

[@AnJean3tte]

That is just madness to me.

[@DodgyDaveGTX]

"Homer, your theory of the 'doughnut'-shaped universe intrigues me; I may have to steal it" - Stephen Hawking

[@jonathandavid3298]

Janna is like Light Energy. It brings things together, the opposite of dark energy. To be less scientific, she's got a great energy that's light, funny and sociable. Love every episode she guests.

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

Wow she is so awesome, my mind is blown, thank you so much for this episode. Please bring her back... love Star talk

[@Cosmocroft]

the fact that dark energy could be the manifestation of extra dimensions that we simply cant observe or comprehend is mindblowing

[@konwhey2346]

One of the best star talks I’ve watched so far. I do wish they were a little longer this topic really needs more time.

[@fightingdreamer8681]

Some random person: surely this Neil guy cannot be THAT nerdy right? Right??? Neil: 40:45

[@alexmotts]

being a nerd doesnt make you smart. Just makes you a nerd. Just sayin

[@8PMFORMULA]

Are you saying Neil is not smart?

[@prince_nocturne]

@@alexmotts Being smart and being a nerd are not mutually exclusive, either. Though being smart was never a subject of what OP said. Just that he was a nerd.

[@ilkhgs]

EXACTLY that nerdy my under-nerdished friend! For your and my, among others, listening, learning, and yes, laughing pleasure, it's Nerdy Neil (THE deGrassey'ist of Tysons, deGrasse Tyson for the win!!! All apologies for grammatical klunk. Peace...

[@jettmthebluedragon]

Just because your a nerd that doesn’t mean your not smart and besides sometime ideas come theories theories become hypothesis hypothesis becomes test now in this case we may know that how the universe is but we may never know it’s limits if we had a exact test we would have known by now😐and what I do know is sometimes science is wrong thefts nothing wrong with that it just makes you to learn from your mistakes 🙂and the truth is we may not exactly know how big the universe really is😐the science inventions we have/had only work for that particular era😐

[@emiliecote8248]

I just read 2 of her books! "black hole blues" and "how the universe got its spots" :) so glad you had her on here

[@calvoman24]

One of the best episodes Just watching it in 2023 👍👍👍

[@habanerojones2169]

Topic so complex they needed two Neils, Janna, Chuck and his sativa.

[@marknolastname441]

Stayed up till 1:30 am listening to this awesome show. Incredible guest!

[@horribleaudiovideoentertai2674]

Startalk with Neil Degrasse Tyson, The new Coast to Coast AM with George Noory?

[@frogz]

....me at 4:52 am reading comments looking for neil's shirt about to start this video.. ...

[@thomaslane1547]

Crud: it's 01:45. I concur in all particulars.

[@IAmJacksUsername100]

Janna and Chuck should be on every episode of star talk. These ones are hands down the creme de la creme.

[@carrier6517]

I definitely would agree with you there !!!👍

[@blinqr1891]

I go to the gym, I put on my ear buds and I put on star talk. It's become a routine

[@sabrinam2804]

‘How the Universe Got It’s Spots’ sparked my serious love for reading!! Janna has a v special place in my heart

[@tmoodz3075]

Have just discovered these, really thought provoking and inspiring. Would love to see them run for twice as long at least! Could easily enjoy a three hour cast.

[@dakota8147]

My favorite guest and love these topics! Someone please teach chuck how to tighten his mic stand a little so he doesn’t have to constantly stop it from moving, but yet move it when he needs.

[@crowxsp6064]

Probably, the most mind-blowing Cosmic Queries I´ve seen to date.

[@quinncampbell9255]

First question was so amazing, love the 3 of you. Love having a normal person as well to make sure it's simple.

[@perryboero336]

I've watched this twice. Man I love this stuff! So grateful for minds like this to trailblaze the frontiers of knowledge.

[@pratimklik1]

It's like your dad met his college friends and their talking about their college memories and you're just standing there having no idea about what they are talking.

[@ZuluNinja]

Janna is so good at dumbing down her knowledge. Such complex ideas in easy to understand analogy

[@fpvflightcontrol5345]

i love your videos its helping me get through a rough time i had to let go a couple friends because one tried to take money from me and the others where trying to make me do drugs but now im exited to go back to school you are my idol i hope to be as great as you one day.

[@viniciusmartos]

I'll die before Neil manages to go a whole show without interrupting everyone lol

[@bnicolette14]

He's just trying to make sure he understands what the guest means; wording it for his brain and making sure it's correct. Probably why he's so smart lol he ensures he understood before just accepting it, and if he didn't understand correctly, he gets a better explanation. Plus, I really appreciate it bc having it reiterated helps me process it better & sometimes the way he words it makes more sense to me.

[@SierWilliam]

Can't believe I missed this one when it came out.

[@Tanglangfa]

If two universes intersected, as in the last question, what would that look like? Not a new video, I know, but it’s new to me and I love this stuff!

[@racebiketuner]

Hey Neil, I really love StarTalk. This was one of your best shows. I really like the chemistry between you, Chuck and Janna. I hope you decide to do more shows with these two guests.

[@la6beats]

This show deserves more recognition ... so much knowledge and curiosity

[@nilborne1]

Janna Levin is my favorite guest. Great Show.

[@wickedgreen4136]

This is the best episode of StarTalk.

[@wesleyverity7310]

Wow, jeeeze, couldn't live without my very own astrophysicist

[@TwinsenR]

That shirt... Is from another Galaxy!

[@chiranthanmr]

Are you saying that coz you can see milky way on it? Get it?

[@WhossBobbFPV]

Another dimension..

[@kalijasin]

Dr. Tyson has the worst fashion. LOL 😆

[@imRileyP]

@@kalijasin best*

[@kristiferandxandermorency507]

10:00

[@alisafox1192]

That shirt is identical to the curtains I made for my kid's room five years ago. Love startalk

[@usanian83]

I love pondering about this while trying to fall asleep, its that overwhelming feeling of i dunno but i enjoy it👍🏼

[@xfaktor3505]

Absolutely loved this episode! The 3 of you had my mind going bonkers!

[@chrisbegin1925]

Gosh, she's gorgeous. 10 outta 10 would smash... our ideas together.

[@NOBODY-kf7uv]

You trippin

[@donniecurry7460]

She is pretty. Well spoken. Extremely intelligent. I wish she would stand up one time so I could get the whole picture.

[@alexkiddonen]

I find her hot too

[@manpreetbhattee9732]

Neil, Janna and Chuck ☺️ what else do I need in life..

[@mariodumitrescu6234]

This lady needs to be on the list of people to protect at all cost. Betty doesn't need her spot anymore

[@fazakerly]

This trio really works well. Great stuff! 🇬🇧

[@ramati200006]

I love how Chuck receive the information.

[@neubindenangesagt6903]

Hi Startalk Team, I am a big big fan of the show. I just love watching it. Janna and Neil is just a brilliant combination of expertise and knowledge. Chuck rounds it up with his curiousity and his jokes. Actually i hated Physics and Biology in school. Now i can not get enough. Neil, this is the result of your effort as an educator who is really interested in educating people. I am very thankful for that. I wish you were my teacher in school. (Not a native speaker. Text may include some mistakes) Lot of love from germany ✌

[@themonsterbaby]

Janna is an amazing guest. And I love her energy.

[@antoniologan7648]

Janna should be a permanent 2nd Co-host!!! I would give all of my weekly allowance to make this happen 😅

[@matttrophy1]

Perhaps we don’t have the right senses to experience the other dimensions.

[@ahriskof1]

Matt Trophy1 or maybe we get to other dimensions when we die and leave our 3 dimensional bodies

[@luisdiegocr]

Correct, nature do not expend more energy than it is necessary. So if we can do well enough with 3D senses, then that is all we need so far. Having senses for more dimension sensitivity will be waste of energy

[@Unidentifying]

or maybe there are no extra dimensions :)

[@oscarbaezsoria1650]

@@Unidentifying Its a mathematical certainty that they exist.

[@PinkFloydTheDarkSide]

Our senses evolved as the life moved from inside the water to land. As land had vertical entities like trees, life gradually created an understanding of the third dimension. Maybe we can devise a fourth dimension mathematically, but we won't be able to see it unless evolutionarily our life needs it even if it exists on this Earth.

[@kisa6978]

I should have studied astronomy or physics... I love this so much... Thank you Neil 🌍💫🪐✨💥☄️

[@MegaCevapcic]

Her saying that nobody can visualise the 4th dimension puts my mind at ease finally. I'll be sleeping better tonight haha

[@just_O]

Dr. Janna Levin, you are amazing on any dimension of this universe, no matter how big or tinny that dimension is

[@bwoods7838]

“Alright time for a lightning round” show continues at the same speed as before

[@GandalfWithAPipe]

Stahp interrupting her, I wanna hear what shes saying!

[@brokensilence6790]

He did the same with Richard Dawkins.

[@VTUL92]

Yaaaaas plssss they need to learn to shut up

[@broomemike1]

It's a conversation... Not a Lincoln Douglas debate. Interjecting is interacting!

[@interstellxxr2793]

Camron Toney 💀💀💀

[@diphenhydramine6072]

@@brokensilence6790 He does the same with everyone.

[@fleezybaby]

the idea that light can wrap around the universe, and that we may be seeing our younger galaxy in the past is fcunkig mind-blowing.

[@tbonedistortion]

This must have been one of the last episodes before lockdown. I wonder if we will ever get to see this format again.

[@anama1811]

My heart skips a beat every time when they interupt

[@catchvisuals2774]

Yes its so cringe and rude and annoying

[@robertaragon5553]

Yes!! Me too!!

[@oocheenees]

Not to interrupt your comment but you're missing an r in one of your words Matej.

[@SDGRTX1455]

Oh you poor lads

[@jonathanjorgenson8282]

I could listen to you three all day. Great podcast. It's on my bucket list to meet Neil Degrasie Tyson. P.s not dying... would just be neat!

[@rayaterry5365]

This is the best explanation I’ve heard of the extra dimensions in string theory for a lay audience.

[@thinkethiopia958]

hi am from Ethiopia janna i love you what a mind pleas bring her every time you make cosmic queries

[@Ayella_256]

Jana Levin is amazing. First time listening to her

[@ty-dieo4746]

Neil FTW, keepin an inversion of the known universe on his book case like its no big deal! You are indeed the best kind of person sir that made me ROLF

[@offendtheoffender26]

These three, have a great rapport and flow of conversation. Thank you all.

[@waynegosson1793]

Neil, such a gentlemen. Look at the chair he's sitting on. Absolutely love the effort that's put into these videos. What kind of liquor is in the thermos? Neil got a favorite drink ? Anyone know

[@claytonevans4454]

Thanks for blowing my mind during this pandemic, guys! I love this stuff.

[@Locke19901]

One of my favorite episodes...she was wonderful.

[@JamieLemay]

Ok I found star talk two weeks ago and have been bingeing and Jenna is by far the most interesting and informative guest so far love this and you both Neil and Chuck.

[@joem6114]

Chuck gets aggravating he’s not funny and he tries to hard. Should be Neil and guest , I love listening to Neil’s thoughts.

[@benice7304]

A LOT OF FUN AND KNOWLEGE HERE. THANK YOU STAR TALK!

[@Ekulnel]

Thank you Neil, Janna and Chuck. That has been the most informative, enlightening experience ive had. Im blown away!!! Look forward to the follow on from this talk in 20 years time.

[@asimaziz3112]

How difficult it is for a physicist to explain a phenomenon without moving his hands. Love for Stephen Hawkins ❤

[@azcardguy7825]

Janna is the bomb and should be a third permanent host on star talk

[@alisontam949]

man… I have to keep rewinding these videos sometimes just to understand the questions themselves.

[@cosmicprespective737]

You are an amazing person Dr. Tyson, I wish some day I could meet u .... Love from Kashmir..

[@karanbirsinghbhullar]

Same

[@edster9743]

she is brilliant when explaining this stuff, she explains it so clearly :)

[@sphoenix41]

I love this lady she's amazing because she finally talked about one of the things that I've been thinking about forever and that's and that's; we don't see life in the universe I think because all of the light that we're seeing, that we're studying, is millions or billions of years in the past. If we were to see those galaxys in real time, I believe that we would find evidence Of life; even intelligent life. Just like we look now. It's a beautiful thing to be able to look into the past, I didn't think that I would ever find it an actual hindrance.

[@mcw8900]

Love Neil deGrasse Tyson, there's no-one quite like him. Can't wait till my toddler daughter is old enough to have her mind blown with his videos. Janna is awesome too

[@georged7627]

The way that atoms function is magic within itself 🙏🏽

[@cosmicvoid5839]

This episode is one of my favorite, the topic and Ms. Levin are magnificently paired together ! I’m a longtime learner and a voracious mind when it comes to the theories that try to explain what’s outside the known universe, please do a deep dive into this topic and have Janna on as your guest more often she’s got the most beautiful doe eyes that exude intelligence as she absorbs the questions ...

[@kylezo]

that took a creepy turn

[@3dgar7eandro]

Love Neil and star talk😁👏👏👌 I want to thank the universe for giving us such an intelligent and charismatic people 😎👏👏😁👌

[@rbilleaud]

We could be looking out and seeing our own galaxy in the distant past. Mind blown.

[@kruleworld]

When Dr Tyson said "it wouldn't be cool" I thought it was because by the time Andromeda meets Milky, our star will be a red giant encompassing Earth.

[@nah0725]

@@scientiamessor841 not really there is too much empty space between planets and stars there is very little chance it will have any effect on each other

[@jbkkkkk]

I love how they talk about dimensions like Flatland

[@hokiturmix]

I'm at the center of my own universe. This has so many application in the realm of spirituality without dogmas..

[@danieldoncaster7139]

The chemistry, between all three of them is amazing

[@Spacetauren]

The idea that dark matter could just be gravity generated in our own universe, bleeding through additional dimensions (that we don't percieve) into other parts of the same universe is fascinating. Could the fabric of 3D space be alike to a crumpled piece of paper, or - like they said - a baloon shaped like a poodle ?

[@wilxwiz]

This episode blew my mind into 6 dimensions.

[@rodneymatthewmiller2934]

To answer the question Chuck and Neil you are the Vibrainium in the Universe!!!

[@KosmicKoheiAspiringAstronaut]

As an aspiring astronaut, I love seeing all the space content and the excitement that there is around space travel! Thank you Neil.

[@KosmicKoheiAspiringAstronaut]

@@azraized5043 Never a bad idea to enjoy life!