StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries - Origins of the Universe with Janna Levin

How did the universe get to be this way? On this episode of StarTalk, Neil DeGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice unveil some of the subjects covered in the new StarTalk book named after our recurring segment Cosmic Queries. Theoretical cosmologist and Director of Sciences at Pioneer Works, Janna Levin, helps us break down the building blocks of the universe and how it started.
To start things off, you’ll learn what the galaxy is made of, both objects we can see and things we cannot. We take a deep, dark dive into dark matter. How much dark matter is there? Are neutrinos a form of dark matter? Has there always been the same amount of matter and dark matter? Could there be a universe with dark matter that is parallel to ours? Find out why someday dark energy will win over the universe. We discuss why theorizing something undetectable and even unprovable may still be a scientific question.
To kick-off questions from our patrons, we explore the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). What has it enabled us to discover? What has it not discovered yet? Could the LHC make a black hole? You’ll learn about the discovery of the Higgs particle and other elusive objects. We dive into the scientific method physicists use in predicting theories and what physicists really want.
We also explain string theory and the harmonics of subatomic particles, and how there “can’t be nothing.” Learn why nothing isn’t as empty as you imagine and how spacetime is malleable. Is everything in the universe just a point on a string? Discover all that and more, including how quantum mechanics create spacetime, on another exciting episode!
Thanks to our Patrons Sunny Day, Shain Dholakiya, Penny Joy, Ben Miller, Eric Lamont, Fernando Sepulveda, Caleb Nolan, Beverly Bellows, Pedro, and Chris Mank for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:
KZbin: kzbin.info...
Twitter: / startalkradio
Facebook: / startalk
Instagram: / startalkradio
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

[@jadecoley]

Janna Levin is my favourite guest! Mind blowing explainations, but still on the edge of being understandable.

[@urduib]

She is indeed awesome :)

[@TheRealCantaraBella]

...and Chuck's on twitter😂😂😂😂

[@steve-o6413]

She has such a bubbly personality how could you not like her...

[@heaslyben]

Hear hear! Dr. Levin is the best! She crystallizes insights like few others and it's thrilling!

[@kreator-ys1yz]

That is a sweet pad she has there!!!

[@calapsesathir4408]

I'm a simple man. I see Janna Levin, I click.

[@mrpearson1230]

Thankyou

[@justincosby6809]

Period

[@kingblue3171]

I know the woman is brilliant!.

[@illyHaddy]

Bruh!

[@josephoduor2358]

Same thought I just had.

[@marble25]

For me this woman is the best guest in StarTalk

[@EliasBac]

Totally agree ! 👍

[@tonywooten596]

Jan 11

[@jeffnaslund]

I’ve always been attracted to intelligence and talent. If I were young and single, I would definitely ask her out

[@Buzz_Kill71]

She's nice to look at and gets the comedy science flow of the show...

[@alexanderabrashev1366]

;)

[@joehebert789]

Janna is the black hole rainbow. Energy, knowledge, and presentation skills. Great show.

[@revathivamshi7621]

hope one day she(janna) will explain the law of physics near blackhole event horizon💪🏼

[@paintedpony2935]

Excellent metaphors

[@louiscirigliano5896]

Just make Janna a permanent co host. She's awesome and has amazing chemistry with Neil and Chuck.

[@haggis0breath]

It sounds like Janna has a whole 'nother parallel existence in the arts which she must spend time and passion on, she might not have that much time for this little dealeo.

[@vegasthornton3433]

Permanent co-host? Umm u mean host?

[@bluebird5173]

Meanwhile in the dark matter universe: "There exists a small but substantial source of gravity in our universe. It's a mysterious anomaly because we can't directly observe it or interact with it, but it accounts for about 5% of the gravity in our universe. We call it "bright matter" because it's analogous to a tiny, lit candle in the middle of a vast, open field at night."

[@ryanpauloneeyed9669]

The funny thing is the would probably still just refer to us as something similar as we do them (dark matter/energy) because there matter would be visible to them (maybe illuminating in a way we don't see) and we would still be invisible to them. We both would naturally relate our "visible" matter as being the bases to compare the others to

[@paulvamos7319]

I was reading the first part of that in the Twilight Zone narrator's voice. XD Just imagine that the whole universe is just an oil spill from something an unimaginable magnitude bigger and oil is black with swirling color in it and Dark Matter/Gravity is just that oil pushing the swirling galaxies apart. I keep thinking up this stuff.

[@scottallencarr]

@@paulvamos7319 Like Neil, Janna or Paul I've spent a long time desperately trying to understand these things, though I could never!

[@Anti-HyperLink]

Janna's explanation of untestible thing still being able to be science makes her even more awesome. I always love when she's on the show, she's one of the main returning guests in my mind.

[@petebyrdie4799]

"So, the Universe is nothing more than one big version of Name That Tune?" "And this is the one we're in." The idea that the Universe is a symphony played by an infinite orchestra is satisfyingly poetic.

[@dk-fk4xm]

Yeah wait til Morgoth does his thing.

[@nickdean8205]

Janna!!!! All my favorite episodes include her! The three of them should have a monthly get together episode

[@SauceGPT]

This guest is very enthusiastic and passionate about her line of work. This episode was a joy to watch

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I could listen to her talk all night! ALL NIGHT LONG!!

[@Marnix900]

Yesss, Janna Levin!!!!!!

[@urduib]

My reaction to :)

[@Synster73]

My favorite episodes are of Janna! And I may have a smidgen of a crush on her. 🤷‍♂️

[@urduib]

Indeed :)

[@mrpearson1230]

Facts!

[@andreanderson2727]

Janna is the best💯

[@blasalvice]

Same haha...plus I love her house interior, it's beautiful

[@jsmithers.]

For me its Racquel Nuno.

[@thejoshbtv]

Wherever this place is that Janna is broadcasting from, it is epic.

[@mr.goodcat582]

At first I thought it was a green screen. Looks so badass.

[@humbledbythepower6821]

Is it epic?!

[@alexkats30]

Janna quoting George Carlin was my favorite moment, she went even higher in my appreciation scale

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

We love Janna!!!!!!! Always the best episodes

[@Olo_Yansan]

Janna is my FAVORITE guest by far! She makes things so much more easy to understand and her personality is so bright and contagious.

[@samvimes5124]

@8:16 Chuck asked one of the best questions I've ever heard in my life.

[@TsarDragon]

I feel like Chuck is more intelligent than people (including himself) give him credit for. The fact that he can wrap his head around this stuff and ask relevant questions on the spot after just learning about it is what I consider proof of this.

[@cesarr2349]

@@TsarDragon That's because he has been absorbing all this information for years. Maybe he even studies about each show's subject beforehand. If you look up earlier episodes you'll notice how "not part of it" he used to be.

[@RandomVideoApparatus]

@@cesarr2349 I've been on a months long catch-up of StarTalk and boy are you right about that

[@nosferatu8530]

Dearest Neil and Chuck, i hope you guys read this! You guys have no idea how much I LOVE all these videos (that I'm bingin' like crazy this last week) and how much I respect and adore you guys! Anything-Universe fascinated me so much ever since I was a child. Got tonsss of documentaries on dvd (Cosmos of course) plus so many books as well. Speaking of infinity 😍 Keep up these amazing videos! Much love and respect from Amsterdam-Holland

[@adlerfg]

Neil, Chuck and Janna are my favorite hosts of Star Talk. Brilliant combo!

[@davidt3956]

When Janna was talking about Higgs and moving through viscous matter, all I could think of was the the Greeks are right, there's aether. :)

[@geog26]

i wonder what whould breathing mean in this context =p

[@eliharris123]

Khemet

[@JPolk-lr1pb]

Ancient Khemetics all DAY!!

[@usern4metak3ns]

Every culture had their version of the aether. Chi in china, air or sky spirits in murica before europeans, sure there's others like vampires in every continent like strigoi, naga, succubi, wendigo, etc...

[@elizondorj]

Nope, the Greeks thought the aether (quintessence) was what made the "sky"; the Higgs field permeates everything down to the center of the Earth and of course, all of the sky. Aether was heavenly and affected only the heavens, the Higgs field affects everything.

[@reXdownhamOG]

Janna is such a bright, beautiful and elegant participant; the perfect addition to that StarTalk power duo. That view counter should look like an odometer on a racecar.

[@vivianohibbert]

Love when Janna Levin is on! 💞

[@devrathbisht8473]

somethIng about neil Tyson just makes the universe a better place

[@fizyknaut8108]

Or maybe he helps us understand more of it, exposing us to how amazing it is.

[@urduib]

He inspires me

[@abdessadaksallam626]

it's always a great feeling seeing Janna in star talk, love you from Morocco

[@Amantducafe]

The fact that she mentioned that George Carlin skit just made her more amazing than she already was.

[@irrefudiate]

This, like most everything else going on, is way above my pay grade but I appreciate how the three of them bounce it back and forth until it becomes knowable to me. Janna is exceptional.

[@andrelobo1272]

Janna is a giant spark of light!!! I can't get enought of her, just awsome stuff!!!

[@brucepreston3927]

I just finished listening to the Cosmic Queries audiobook and it was amazing! I'm on a binge right now, I've listened to "Astrophysics For People In A Hurry", "Cosmic Queries", and now i'm half way through "Accessory To War"...They are all great! I only wish we could get Neil to lend his voice for all the audiobooks! His voice is very soothing to listen to...

[@dwayneraynard6732]

I watch all these video's from this channel and I comment on none, but this one was worth a shout out. Really great show. First time I have ever watched Janna, and wanted to say she was awesome!

[@RenNewtonStonez]

Noone likes @DuaLipa ? Shame on Brandon.

[@FobbitMike]

She has a Stargate behind her.

[@seanpwlim]

Jenna,Chuck and Neil 🎉 you all are amazing ❤!

[@adlerfg]

46:52 Janna: "I see a point particle moving around in my spacetime" (a guy moving in the background - perfect timing) 🤣

[@MawaMaverick]

Nice one

[@starkillerbeats420]

Spooky action at a distance 🤪

[@Anti-HyperLink]

I closed all the tabs on my phone for this.

[@Anti-HyperLink]

@Lalo No, I meant my apps.

[@mr.mentat.0x]

This is legit hilarious, thought provoking and intriguing. I'm in love with all three of these geniuses.

[@justinmccleary423]

Can't wait to purchase this cosmic queries book

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

I'm just going to pause this video from the beginning for a little while. No matter where the topic goes, seeing a new Star Talk video is like having my favorite dessert after dinner. I am so thankful that there are frequent episodes of Neil, Chuck, and the special guests on this great show. So, for the time being, I am going to wait until my hunger builds up more for this Grand Dessert. TBH, I may also grab a bowl of Ice Cream with Chocolate Syrup and Whipped Cream while I watch the episode.

[@henriroggeman7267]

"Higgs was a person." That's Neil and Janna talking about Peter Higgs as if he were dead. He's still around. For now. :-)

[@parag263]

Aah amazing, 92 and holding up his particles together

[@memories808]

Startalk, my favorite distraction!

[@FireFoxCosworth]

My favorite way to fall in sleep and learn at the same time.

[@justchillin2844]

WE WON THAT CONTEST!!!!!! let that sink in our heads... 😎

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Same as several others below... "You had me at Janna Levin." She is always so amazingly informative and fun at the same time. I hope you'll continue to have her as a frequent guest.

[@uchiha3101]

Neil ♥ You're amazing. Brazil 🇧🇷 🤓 🔬

[@barbaralachance5836]

I love when Janna is there 😍

[@Seehart]

37:40 I counted two sentences, excluding the introductory assertion that it can be done, and nice use of conjunctions, so well done!

[@evangelosaraouzos1430]

My favorite guest Janna Levin !

[@twonumber22]

Ditto

[@anastasmusic]

This is what gets me excited!

[@jumpingjelloshot]

I don’t know if Neil will see this or not but I’ve been listening for a while now and I finally bought your book “Letters from an Astrophysicist” today. I wanted to let you know I love it and every word you write or speak sparks so much interest and joy in me that I didn’t know was still there for a while. Thank you

[@braianmenchkoff7704]

The best guest ever in star talk

[@razvan_3008]

Why am I so tired in the morning during online classes which start at 7.30 AM? Because I watch this at 00.30 AM. Do I regret it? Absolutely not.

[@Anti-HyperLink]

There you go. Don't ask your kids "what did you learn today?", ask them "what did you ask today?" Or both.

[@michellesavage8437]

Neal makes science so interesting.

[@netiv1228]

Jenna's always explaining mindblowing things , is a pleasure listen to you discussing on univers and dark matter or forces 🎉🎉

[@thomaslane1547]

Dr. Tyson, it's dark here. Did you have to bring up the weeping angels? 15:20

[@Meatloaf_TV]

The thumbnail makes Neil degrees Tyson look soooo high

[@KushClarkKent]

Neil degrees Tyson

[@Meatloaf_TV]

@@KushClarkKent lol auto correct

[@EAenergy]

Smoke one for science 😂

[@brandonduncan2675]

All the thumbnails make Neil look blitz as heck!

[@kathleen88863]

He often looks like that.

[@RECTALBURRITO]

Still glad most of these are free.

[@qthecaptain]

Janna is one of the best guests on there... wish she was apart of every show lol

[@gregslaton9063]

I saw an article today that says scientists have put together a model for a physical warp drive. While i won't pretend to understand what it means for science id love to hear your take Neil.

[@SavageDarknessGames]

Neil: it seams like an inefficient use of time and space. Me: we’re all inefficient uses of time and space!

[@paulvamos7319]

We are ameba, we are many, we are one! XD

[@alexanderabrashev1366]

Speak for yourself

[@SavageDarknessGames]

@@alexanderabrashev1366 i was

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

I honestly did not expect the questions to be one of the best part of this show. So many great questions

[@ayabimou]

"Janna" you are gorgeous, startalk you are great, brighten my mind with all this stuff on the daily...ty 👏

[@Thomas-qn4hj]

Janna, could dark matter just be "the infinite stuff" that our big bang erupted into and because it doesn't interact with us, then our matter will continue to increase in speed as if in a 360 degree free fall, but with no terminal velocity

[@souptikb7]

This is a brilliant question. Tweet this out to Neil and Chuck. Maybe they'll address is someday. Better if you are a patreon supporter then you will get you answer quicker.

[@GothicVioletVixen]

I wonder if that's the "other side" we've been trying to conceptualize. A reasonable explanation of that would be really useful for a lot of people.

[@EAenergy]

It may not be useful to regular people in their everyday life but the process of discovery help us develop technologies that does help people in their everyday life MRI, GPS, etc. are based on technology that was discovered/created for space.

[@m.ockthem9177]

Like the "otherside" is the winter , its polar opposite being summer, its polar opposite being winter? Haha

[@PinheadFTW]

I love the vids Neil, I've always been fascinated by space but I really got into it over a year ago. Following and watching as many video's as I can. Just mind-blowing, I love it.

[@maxibardi]

Janna is amazing and always fun. You should invite her more often!

[@travis303]

Lol "The Shadow knows" That is a great if very old school reference

[@thomaslane1547]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?

[@II-xw6kg]

This is just the best form of this show! Only missing Geek in chief.

[@ddankhazi]

Okay, this talk should be at least ten times longer. Great content. Thank you. Cheers.

[@annazes1201]

Holy moly! I will continue to follow and learn with curiosity and gratitude

[@rainhound4919]

Alt. title chuck slowly goes insane while genius explains the history of the cosmos

[@alandrismedia1258]

Why do I feel Ike they chill out and talk in this same way even if the cameras aren’t running.

[@Firefly99-ef5lh]

Dr Levin is amazing. so eloquent.

[@_Lionsin]

Janna is my favorite guest! I love when she's on!!

[@colintaylorful]

I love Janna so much! I got to thinking, imagine if all this dark or "invisible" energy is the afterlife!! 🤔🤔

[@FunAndFreedomXX]

“How old is the universe?” -Neil “That Is so impolite” - Chuck Underrated joke #ChuckForLife

[@MoviesAndTvShowsAreSubjective]

lol

[@georgeadriangeorge]

Love Janna, the absolute perfect combination of knowledge and presentation that make an absolute perfect educator! God save queen Janna! ❤

[@GMAH111]

Underrated editor with the timing of focusing at Neil and Chuck's "huhhhh??" stares

[@jorgelr202]

Janna low-key trying to get them to do shots haha

[@yb.originator7970]

Me too!

[@fizyknaut8108]

Dark matter or we just don't understand gravity well enough yet?

[@Easly_Bash]

I’m so glad I finally came across star talk 🙏🏽

[@andreariches4888]

Janna Levin is my favorite guest!!!! 🙌💗

[@joelwolf5224]

Janna : explains the origins of the universe... Chuck tweets at Chuck Nice Nailed it 👍🏻

[@Arapaima396]

Jenna I would like to request a tour of your home. I'll sing at your wedding and dance at your funeral. seriously awesome cosmic crib. I have your book now. Neil's too. thank you both. fire the angry jersey comic... he is anoying.💜💜💜

[@nobodie9996]

Excellent show, she was such a great guest and would love to see her back.

[@ProfRonconi]

Janna Levin? I'm googling her right away! This was an outstanding episode.

[@temiogun2168]

There’s no way she’s 54…. i thought she was a cold 38

[@space8862]

Scientists: “let’s try it the other way” Nobody:

[@hamoonhassan2573]

I think the second part is not needed... As there will be nobody afterwards 😂

[@philsphan6865]

One of the best episodes ever. Grateful for you guys!

[@op1ekun81]

Thanks for exploding my brain... again! I love the energy of the show, keep it up! :)

[@chrisblack9851]

Chuck Nice seems depressed. I think he's sad and he laughs to cover up his melancholic depression

[@laurenanderson5052]

Welcome to *comedians*

[@colby9529]

First

[@colby9529]

Yeah I get it no one cares

[@salvatore861]

congrats

[@sky96line]

I can vouch for you.

[@colby9529]

@@salvatore861 thanks

[@RIPGojothestrongest]

Gj

[@UzairJSherwani]

Janna Levin is so cool! The happiest physicist ever! Love her ♥

[@sauroros]

Yee! I didn't know I was gonna like this episode so much. Specially the last question, it was mindbending. Great starstuff!

[@domtg1597]

Fr Janna Levin is amazing! This podcast itself has made me want to pursue physics

[@vincentzimmerman2011]

Janna Levin needs to be on StarTalk at least two or three times a year.

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

Janna levin is my all time favorite guest on Star Talk

[@creemoon9546]

her enthusiasm is infectious, great episode.

[@pejko89]

How happy am I every time a new video gets uploaded! M, favourite show ever

[@lujithegenie]

I need an A.I. thought machine to keep up with this lady! Everything she talks about makes me pause for thought and replay it in my head while trying to understand what she said. She talks about space-time like she invented it. What a beautiful mind. I'm picking up a copy of "How the Universe Got Its Spots: Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space" by Janna Levin today.

[@dominiquecarter5055]

I watch all of these videos. Chuck is essential.

[@there_can_only_be_one__unicorn]

Neil said it so quietly I had to go back and listen to the last few seconds again; believe it or not I truly thought he said something else -keep looking up!!!

[@josephbail546]

Thank GOD FOR JANNA