StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries -- Nobel Prize

Can black holes alter light speed? Is astrophysics the Meryl Streep of the Nobel Prize in Physics? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer your fan-submitted Cosmic Queries about black holes and the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics with the help of their guest, Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University. Janna is also the Director of Sciences at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, NY and happens to be one of our former StarTalk All-Stars hosts.
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About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
“Black Swan” & “White Swan” limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit inuit.com/.
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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[@Folse]

Chuck is so perfect for this show. He’s not always going to hit on a joke that makes your gut hurt, but he allows the information to be presented in full and in succession. Very important when trying to understand complex, abstract topics like the crazy reality of our universe. Too many comedians would blurt out a joke as soon as one comes to mind and interrupt the necessary flow of information. Love ya man. Hope you see this.

[@RemoCODclips]

Couldn’t agree more

[@rafaeldioniz9671]

I rly hope chuck does see this. He is a vital part of the show, even tho if someone asked you what the show is about, you'd just say science. Love you chuck

[@spicysaucysweet]

Chuck cracks me up! His comedic timing is impeccable.

[@MustObeyTheRules]

Super cool guy 😎

[@jonathandavid3298]

You are so right about that. Other guest co-hosts interrupt the flow of the discussion and break in to the topic awkwardly with jokes that often fail. Chuck always enhances the discussion with the best humor and his jokes flow seamlessly into the discussion. Nobody comes close. And Janna is such an amazing, dynamic presence. The 3 of them should do this together every week!

[@MikeStAmand]

Janna Levin is by far my favorite of your guests. Every time she appears the energy of the show is high, the knowledge flows and the humor is always easy.

[@barbaralachance5836]

I agree Janna is so awesome 😍

[@Leftyotism]

You only say that because she got a doomsday crib. : > (Partial joke.)

[@AliAsghar-cv3og]

Agreed NGT + Levin + Chuck = space time singularity

[@ejmtv3]

She's the one when it comes to Black Holes

[@SauceGPT]

She was on Sean Carroll's podcast "MindScape" almost two years ago. Excellent listen

[@strigijoe8685]

I’m so glad Neil has a youtube channel

[@H4CK3RonYT]

Same

[@darthbanaan6582]

Aren't we all

[@johncayden8796]

Needs to be more like him, a great educator!!🧠💪

[@reallymysterious4393]

If Elon Musk would get one as well they would be the only 2 channels I would need ...

[@darthbanaan6582]

My friend told me neil was a fake once and I got so mad

[@F_L_U_X]

Janna has that contagious positivity about her. Love it.

[@ralphhooker6019]

"They won't call it a black hole? That's racist!" Chuck, you are awesome!

[@joehebert789]

What a great show. Can Janna be a regular (monthly) guest? I will watch again later to help retain some of the knowledge that was shared here. Thanks, Neil and Chuck.

[@urduib]

She is such a bundle of positive energy and knowledge. Videos with her makes me happy :)

[@jonathandavid3298]

Neil, Janna and Chuck have such amazing chemistry with each other. Would love to see these 3 every week!

[@pauljefferies9087]

Well or even a few more times if not! Yeah more.

[@simplyme8009]

Dr. Levin always a delight. So excited about her chosen field. Thank you gentlemen.

[@waynepooley6950]

I love how Chuck Nice's son in interested in black holes. :)

[@lilnastyy1604]

Janna is one of my favourite guests! She matches the smooth delivery of knowledge and humour of the show so well, she should definitely be a guest more regularly! Such a queeennnn 💕

[@E-__]

She has the best background I’ve seen yet and I like the standing. Finally a solid approach to zoom conf!

[@ViratKohli-jj3wj]

I am sure this is sarcasm

[@balaji-kartha]

@@ViratKohli-jj3wj Virat Kohli?! Well, astrophysics is the subject!

[@atlasfeynman1039]

haha that's not a virtual "background"... Janna is actually there in that building which she introduces at 1:03 as "Pioneer Works in Brooklyn."

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I also thought it was a virtual background at first. Looks like a nice log cabin somewhere. But as Levin says it's a real place in Brooklyn.

[@loki255]

@@ViratKohli-jj3wj virat kohli say hai to Rahul Dravid for me when u meet him

[@deeliciousplum]

As I am listening to the discussions between Neil, Janna, and Chuck, I am reminded that science is borderless and nationless. It is about human beings being curious and sharing in that curiosity. Those are our strengths which act as limitless sources of awe and of wonder. 🌸

[@usern4metak3ns]

lol it should be but it isnt... the nobel prize is a murican invention pretty much. for instance if a chinese or russian scientist discovers something or has a great theory that murican scientists choose to refute for some odd reason, those scientists arent given credit or recognition for that in the murican science community. however, i personally dont think that should effect science at all. it should be a universal system of theories and thoughts/ideas.

[@usern4metak3ns]

@@ambeshpratik8032 lol yeah that kind of US politics is whats wrong with the nobel prize. the US has tried to make itself into some sort of authority on science with the invention of the nobel prize, however everyone is a theorist until theories are known to us as a species. you can talk about stars all day and make many types of theories about them, but until you fully understand why stars are a perpetuating nuclear reaction and why they sometimes go supernova or die, then you can only theorize about it. for instance, perhaps stars get bored of existing for millions or billions of years and self terminate. what if stars are sentient in ways humans cant comprehend yet. who knows...

[@usern4metak3ns]

@@ambeshpratik8032 basically sweden is the land of "neutral" n@zis that never claim or admit any wrong doing or alliances. so if you understand anything about conspiracies and the world wars, sweden is like a cowardly version of berlin, with less walls... same with murica, except they keep trying to start another world war. instead of calling themselves neutral, they instead call everyone that disagrees with them "terrorists". so the nobel peace prize on paper looks amazing and promoting a more peaceful world with science and research as the main goals of the world. however then the world wars happened and changed everything, especially who gets to choose nobel peace prize winners. sweden and norway and germany are like cousin countries with the US. murica is basically trying to become west berlin.

[@logix8969]

20:33 "and collected other black holes", all I have in my head now is this image of a black hole floating along picking up other black holes and putting them in a basket just like "ooh a piece of candy... ooh a piece of candy... ooh a-"

[@jyoungtricks]

This is the most accurate explanation of reality that I have ever heard!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Janna, you are amazing!! I love it when you’re on with Neil & Chuck.

[@michaelmayhem1805]

Chuck is is the best co-host. I really like when Paul Mercurio is on too but, i mean, come on! Chuck Nice is the greatest!

[@vinniejudilla3921]

More Janna! Always Janna! My favorite episodes are when it's the three of you. So entertaining. Thanks for another great show guys🖖

[@B-Nice]

When Chuck says, "that would be awesome!!" , he's never wrong! This was AWESOME, and so was Janna's discussion with Sir Roger Penrose!

[@RT710.]

You could tell that Chuck was touched at what Janna said about his son ❤️

[@Good_Horsey]

Hard to get bored of this topic but I'm really looking forward to your follow up on the OSIRIS-REx mission, glad you guys brought it up last time.

[@Torahbob0513]

Thank you to Neil, chuck, Janna,and star talk. We love you and apreciate your time and efforts in these disastrous times.

[@29DPT]

Love you guys ❤

[@ToonOfLancing]

After your story at 17m: "If you tell people there are billions of stars in the sky they will accept your word for it. If you tell them paint is wet they'll always touch it to see."

[@timothymartin6252]

Yesss! I’ve binged watched Utopia after your last week episode with Rainn Wilson 🔥💯

[@jeffs6090]

It was a great show! The last episode had great twists and laid it all out. Very well done!

[@B1u35ky]

Haha I've been meaning to do that too

[@jamesneal1129]

I listen everyday, all day, sometimes about anything in science and physics. I am almost 70 and love the learning. I love it now more then I did when I was young. Thank you.

[@ks1gaming932]

Thanks once again for expanding my knowledge. This show is amazing, full of fun episodes that will never disappoint.

[@mikee101]

I get so excited when a new Cosmic Queries vid comes out.

[@calapsesathir4408]

I could listen to them talk for hours !!!

[@mostpassiveuser8904]

I want a new episode of this show everyday.

[@user-wu8yq1rb9t]

WOW ... Doctor Neil deGrasse Tyson and Noble laureates and Black holes! that would be awesome. Thank you so much

[@SerDunk]

Keep looking up yall!

[@charlesdick1133]

These 3 are the dream team!!

[@bridey1simon]

This is probably the most exciting, altering, and impressive episode. Janna connects so thoroughly, and Neil and Chuck help deliver perfectly. The only reason why I wish I never watched these shows is because I feel like I went into the wrong profession. Keep going Neil and Chuck.

[@joesmith4430]

Wish I had that red shirt Chuck was wearing, Red is super bright

[@twonumber22]

That is a nice shirt. Chuck always looking spiff.

[@NaneuxPeeBrane]

@@twonumber22 Chuck always smoking spliffs!!?!?

[@twonumber22]

@@NaneuxPeeBrane That would explain some things.

[@kraka2oanIner]

Neil, with Chuck and Janna is a superb combination; black holes are indeed amazing!

[@DM-en7hk]

Janna Levin is awesome. Bring her back more often!

[@B1u35ky]

This was AWESOME. Great episode.

[@isaackitone]

Please invite Dr. Becky one day. She also specializes in Black holes.

[@timewalker6654]

She is just another astrophysicist nothing special

[@isaackitone]

@@timewalker6654 Whaaaaaat? What a weird thing to say about someone's work!!!!!

[@Smashburn]

@Janna Levin you are my favorite guest on Star Talk!! Excellent work!

[@dracoargentum9783]

"Hubble lobbied..." Now THAT'S an Advanced telescope!

[@pulkitmohta8964]

"That's why he won the Nobel Prize". Never seen Neil flirt before😂

[@duhrellrl]

These three are the absolute best together

[@xyzabc996]

could you make a bit on other nobel prizes related to science with relevant guest or even with neil

[@stellanevis3107]

Janna standing with that super cool background is so badass! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@mmgibson1]

My favorite of Janna's explanations has to be the image of the salmon trying to swim up Niagara Falls. Also, I liked the reference to Star Trek - in the original series that dated many years ago, the bridge crew could see a black hole on the monitor. I just realized how absurd that is, but we are talking about Hollywood and anyhow there wasn't very much information around on black holes back then.

[@ivanspyro]

Yes, that analogy was incredible!

[@sneakydoodle7238]

Chuck was so happy that he knew about the photon torpedoes. XD Love you Chuck!!

[@grizzlehatchet1]

Love the channels new look! Great job 👍

[@bigcity2085]

Holy cow,actual commercials for once,on the breaks. (you tube)we can live with it.

[@sirreal8176]

Been watching Neil a few years now. I finally feel smart enough to ask a question.....Maybe

[@ssbothwell]

Oh, the pleasure...the joy...the relief! Thank you for those shows!

[@francisjohnson665]

Love this man. I learn something every time I watch him .👍👍

[@ZeldaClau]

I'm really late to the show, but I really appreciate her images to explain concepts. They're really useful.

[@Nameless742]

I'm glad I was high for this one. That black hole fact is incredible.

[@ArnfinnRian]

Thank you guys! I needed this.

[@TooshanSrivastava]

what an amazing episode...love these three so much!!

[@giuseppecamara3646]

I'm a big fan of Star Tallk, but I have to tell you guys, this was one of the funnier episodes. Thank you so much!

[@AliAsghar-cv3og]

The Neil, Chuck, and Janna episodes are always the best, if you disagree then you can die.

[@johncormier]

This is the best trio. So much energy and laughter

[@manasisnehal1572]

As soon as I see janna, I hit like button!! She is awesome..

[@rishabhrai854]

Janna Levin & Brian Green are two of my favourite guests of Star Talk... These guys are awesome !!

[@Hilariumosis]

This blew my mind more than any other cosmic queries. Black holes just getts more and more interesting, impressive and more complex the more I learn about it. One of the coolest facts was that the galaxy center is in my constellation, like everything I knew about the Sagittarius wasn't the coolest of them all already. I'm soon 29 and I have yet to see the Sagittarius with my own eyes. Can't say I've actively tried to find it. I just never bothered enough, but every now again when it's being brought up in conversation I always say "I havn't found it yet". Like some quest that I subconsciously don't want to complete.

[@imminent3178]

Looks great, can't wait to watch!

[@alejandronavarro7320]

Yes sirrrr

[@alejandronavarro7320]

No to watch, to learn and share knowledges.

[@pumitriii6160]

Yesss i love having Ms Levin on the show

[@mythxqzth8444]

We need Sir Roger Penrose in startalk please.

[@fc-qr1cy]

Janna. i love to hear her speak. putting this episode on repeat all day.

[@Saeryfim]

I loved the close-up of Chuck saying "Wow." just kinda dumbfounded by everything she attributed to Roger Penrose. Because I probably had that same look on my face when I said "Wow." just before him, haha.

[@jhonysusa]

I hope to be as happy to talk about my work as you, thank you I learned a lot.

[@spicysaucysweet]

Janna Levin is so impressive with her expansive knowledge of the Cosmos. I especially enjoyed her "down the rabbit hole" explanation of Black Holes. It really gives a mental image of what the real reality lies at the event horizon. So cool to imagine!

[@pratikraut6354]

I'm just gonna say as an Architect, Chuck's house is beautiful. Simple and minimal with great color and material choices ❤

[@bnicolette14]

She's the best guest ever. She fits in to the dynamic sooooo well.

[@johnanderson5500]

Im impressed every time I watch this!

[@luigicudelato]

No way! Janna is here today! Hello Janna ! 😊can't wait for this video

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

1970's Nobel Prize Committee: "shouldn't we be 'coming along' by now already?" 2020 me: "Nobel Prize Committee, shouldn't y'all be 'coming along' a little more already?"

[@azcardguy7825]

Janna is a top three guest in my opinion. She explains things so damn well and she is on chucks level which helps.

[@leefbeatz2104]

Forshow haha luv Janna and luv Neil and chuck!! Always with you here ready for educating !! Thank you!!

[@nataleeflores3487]

This is a wonderful episode.

[@ivanos900]

Nice show!! Keep it up..Neil and Chuck 👍✌

[@Armoroffelix]

Oh my goodness Jana is adorable and bouncy and I love her

[@PaletteBegonia]

the discoverer will always choose too discover. Finding a black hole in the midst of war is pretty poetic

[@MikeJamesMedia]

My only negative comment is that this was too short. :) "That's CRAAAAAAzy." Excellent. I always enjoy Janna Levin's participation in these shows... BIG brain! And... On the subject of the Nobel Prize being in the news, this IS important. As a non-scientist, (but big fan of science) these things always grab my imagination, and I think we all have the eternal questions, like "Where did we come from, and where are we going?". In my opinion, there should be a LOT more science in the news, as there was when we were more adventurous with manned space flight.

[@gloriannepapolis6525]

Love her!! Need her on more

[@00saiyah]

Nice to see Chuck back!

[@nipunsehgal7230]

If Neil was a teacher in my school I bet everyone would have wanted to become a physicist

[@wilsonm.d6923]

These Penrose Diagrams, demonstrating the singularity of the blackhole as the inevitable future of anything inside are very well explained and shown in many videos in @PBS Spacetime youtube series

[@williamcourtland5945]

I would offer conjecture on the topic. From a stand point of the Unified Field Theory. A black hole represents a beginning point of change a finite scale of relativity. It is an inflection of where mass overtakes vacuum as the greater constant. This change is the Temporal Equilibrium, or where mass and vacuum are both 50% of the total volume. In the Unified Field theory Vacuum is considered a non-constant, constant of spacetime. It is the equal and opposite force to all energy. Gravity is energy on our smallest quantity of rational reference. Irrational are found in a singularity. On an Energy perspective Black holes are a compressed unbalanced fraction in the continuum. The singularity is finite of energy, and only approaches a mathematical infinity in representation alone. In spacetime of the third dimension a blackhole is a finite amount of energy relatively to gravity. If one has 100% energy it is finite due to the existence of vacuum. The singularity can increase it's two dimensional surface area as the representation of this infinity, but is still defined as finite. At a certain point you will have all the energy of the Universe, and still be finite as the definitive truth of 100% being countered by a surface area surrounded by 100% vacuum. Because you still have volume not occupied by energy your 100% is still finite by volume and thus not a totality. As a singularity exists on the bridge between 3d and 2d one can argue that the surface area of a sphere, no matter its volume is alway infinite, but as 2d can be broken into the 1d of gravity as to define the spacetime background I a manner which subjects that surface area to the definition of the continuum it within to retain the influence as a negative within zero volume, thus below gravity one finds a new scale of influence which is not relative to our continuum of scale between gravity as a solid and a black hole. The black hole had a larger continuum it is relative to by distance in respect to the increase mass and respect the total value of gravitational expression. Noting, infinity is subjective to a cosmic scale of approaching 0, and will be defined by mathematics when one leaves the relatively to light and but a ration measuring point for the atom, which are complex systems comprises of complex systems in 4d. The earth is not round, it is a complex morphic polygon comprises of atoms and lesser energy at surface, sky, or van Allen belt. Science has definition. Without translational energy everything is a blur.

[@cleansweep8782]

NdGT your love for your profession is palpable. Chuck ur too funny. Thank you..

[@JefesGarden]

Yay, Jan 11! 😁

[@UdayNatt]

When Neil says it, Janna Levin sounds like Gen-11 lol

[@theebulll]

I hit like as soon as i saw Janna Levin!

[@GhostsKeepz]

I think I may be the only 17 year old here , really luv this channel🪐💙

[@charlottetracy3970]

You guys and gal are so great.

[@logix8969]

A question I've frequently wondered about regarding black holes: the gravitational influence of a black hole tapers off the further away from it you are, but knowing that you can infinitely halve a number (such as distance), does the gravitational effect ever actually reach zero, or is it the case that no matter where you are in the universe, you can "feel" the gravitational effect of ALL black holes (presumably within a radius, outside of which the gravitational effects of their creation haven't yet had enough time to reach us)?

[@insane_troll]

The Nobel Prize for Einstein is a very interesting story. He was being repeatedly nominated year after year, but there was a lot of politics that was preventing him being awarded it. In 1921 senior committee member Allvar Gullstrand blocked it, saying "Einstein must never receive a Nobel Prize, even if the whole world demands it." As a result, in 1921 there was NO prize awarded. Then in 1922 Carl Wilhelm Oseen was lobbying the committee to award a prize for the photoelectric effect, but primarily to recognise Bohr. Then, instead of splitting the 1922 prize, they awarded the 1922 one to Bohr and retrospectively awarded the 1921 one to Einstein.

[@marxbanger2886]

petition to have janna as the third member of the startalk team.

[@monuchouhan8311]

I enjoyed watching

[@karamoceesay246]

As Neil and Chuck fan, Greetings from Germany

[@MrWasim100100]

Neil deGrasse Tyson you deserve nobel prize especially now because you spread knowledge around globe :) my family and I love your channel here in this part of the developing world :) neil and chuck we love you

[@shmerox7683]

What is a charged black hole?? Can i make it move to me if i have a Magnet in my Hand (just very theoretic Question)

[@pulkitmohta8964]

Even if you could, a black hole's high mass won't let it move to you

[@steve-o6413]

Put this way, it's more likely that you would move toward it, a little faster or slower depending upon the polarity, lol...

[@brandonshukuri6487]

You're using the word theory incorrectly in a scientific context. A scientific theory is supported by overwhelming proof. Your statement is pure conjecture.

[@VintageBlacklist]

Dude, Chuck's digs are rad.

[@Raz.C]

What a beautiful attic space.

[@jojosworld8957]

As fascinating as the subjects are, Chuck brings such a fun air to it all. Dude makes me laugh so hard. It's not only what he says, but his delivery is ALWAYS perfect. It's great to watch Dr. Tyson fall to pieces laughing about something he says. Not naming black holes is totally racist! If they were known as white holes, doubt there'd be a problem calling white holes. Can one of the Cosmic Queries of 2021 be about black hole erasure within the Nobel Prize committee?

[@thecosmozoan]

Seriously bump it up to hour and a half long episodes!