StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries - New Year

Happy 2021! On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are looking at the year ahead, reminiscing on the year past, and answering fan-submitted Cosmic Queries.
Before we get into questions, Neil and Chuck chat about the turbulent year that was 2020. We explore other turbulent times in history including 1968 and World War II. Neil tells us why he thinks NASA saved 1968 with Apollo 8. We look back on 2020’s total solar eclipse and The Great Conjunction. Neil explains why humanity’s handling of COVID-19 was a testing ground for an actual alien invasion.
Then, we dive into some questions! Can a light particle travel through space unhindered? Does it travel forever? You’ll find out why, in our universe, the answer is no, but, in an alternate universe that’s static, the answer is yes. Discover more about the speed of light. What if the speed of light was different? Neil tells us why, if the speed of light was different, everything would change.
You’ll hear the advantages and disadvantages of living on or near a gas giant. We explore Jupiter’s moons Europa and Io. Could we live on these moons? Could we live on Jupiter or Saturn? All that, plus, take a peak behind-the-scenes when a fan asks Neil how StarTalk originally started and how we ended up where we are today.
Thanks to our Patrons Cristina Magistrali, Toren Wallengren, Eric Huffman, Z. Reese Downing, Sondra Ballegeer, Chris Ziegenhagel, Matthew H Cooper, Jonathan R. Brown, Yakov Goldberg, and Michael Blevins for supporting us this week.
Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
"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 Gallery of Vancouver inuit.com/.
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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!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[@6.183]

Neil, I've often had issues with mental health but honestly, the science I learn from you with the additional humour is perhaps the best medication I could prescribe to anyone. I feel as if my mind is in a different place with each episode. I just want to thank you for helping a stranger, if I could afford it I would donate to your patreon but I try to contribute back by spreading the message of this gift of entropy called Startalk

[@ZxZNebula]

Fr I feel the same way

[@wayneklein2018]

I have several serious questions.. What about light's experience though our universe and dark matter. Do you believe in Dark Matter ?

[@RobBoydBennett]

Dr. Chuck Nice is easily the funniest comedian on Star Talk. He keeps me coming back!

[@KO-mu9nn]

Rob! Unfortunately or Fortunately he’s our only comedian on stat talk! 🤦🏾‍♂️😅

[@pchahil6302]

@@KO-mu9nn Definitely fortunately

[@yusufjaihoon4618]

Exactly

[@Watchingthesim]

What if Chuck secretly has a physics degree 🤯

[@MattProsserMetal]

Respectfully disagree

[@however_science]

This is one of my favorite KZbin shows. Neil deGrasse Tyson is a legend I wish I can talk to him one day that would mean the world to me

[@lucienpetersen9010]

Same here

[@alexanderjohnson2309]

You can! There's a Patreon level that let's you have a video chat. I've been saving for 2 months and I'm half way there. It's absurdly expensive, but for a literal dream come true it's a small price.

[@frmrchristian303]

Ok Neil, you shouldn't be allowed to post comments for your own show!

[@nirmalcd9410]

Same here❤️

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@612Tiberius]

My definition of Relativity: *The temporal phenomenon whereby time seems to slow down whenever relatives come to visit.*

[@blakestone8891]

Haha, I like it 😂

[@nakks4921]

I go to sleep everyday listening to these two guys. I would not have made it through these past months without you!🤝🙌

[@MisterSynonym]

I'm sooooo glad someone asked you about the StarTalk team! This is an amazing channel and I appreciate everyone involved in it's production.

[@dougmurphy1777]

My man just casually throws the word "lugubrious" into the conversation - lol

[@Purrfect_Werecat]

And without any definition

[@scotthill354]

It was so smooth too.

[@jamesbeveridge4493]

This was my first time hearing this word. Would love to hear it again someday.

[@crontemisto8994]

The only other time I have ever seen that word is in a Squirrel Nut Zippers song title. I figured it meant 'happy'.

[@jfreshh330]

I had to pull out the old Merriam Webster for that one 😂

[@zhonlino]

At he right time when I'm having trouble sleeping. Neil's voice just hypnotizing. 😴

[@Woohoowilly]

Y

[@Mr.ShadeO]

Neil ASMR when?

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@pesticidepiam]

I've been going to sleep with star talk playing for about a month now and my life has improved drastically

[@rayskillz7]

I sooo look forward to each episode. Best podcast ever

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@marsomatic639]

Hey Neil i have noticed that you have a rubiks cube in the background with a flower pattern. I would suggest scrambling it into the "superflip" position, that is a position where all the corners are solved and all of the edges are in the right place but flipped. It looks cool and it is the position on the cube that requires at least 20 moves to solve and contributed in the finding the "Gods number" (the least amount of moves it takes to solve any position on the rubiks cube), so it has a bigger scientific significance and i know that you are into that kind of stuff ;) here is the algorithm to scramble it into a superflip: the notation is simple, R stands for right side clockwise, R' for right side counterclockwise and so on (L - left, U - upper, D - down, B - back), while R2 for example stands for right side 180 degrees. From a solved state, apply the folowing moves: U R2 F B R B2 R U2 L B2 R U' D' R2 F R' L B2 U2 F2

[@ahardcorejedi2968]

Looks to me like its already superfliped, into a voidcube.

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@helloSanders]

Chuck Nice, Doctor of Comedy is rad. Frankly the best comedic foil I've seen on a show. Love your passion and enthusiasm, sir~

[@Kongodiantotela]

"It's like designating a peeing section of the swimming pool"

[@lbthingsstuffmore9513]

Legend!😂😂

[@unitedspacepirates9075]

We have that already.

[@adamgoodman3170]

Laughed a littler harder than i shld have at tht 😅😅

[@Seldomane]

Its so easy to forget we're just a little marble floating around, insignificant. We quarrel over property and resources when we should be exploring.

[@severayede5800]

You two are just the best thing to listen to... EVER!!!! Even better than music !

[@jeffsiegwart]

You guys are great! The combination of science intermixed with the distraction of humor is a great format!

[@fahimontu7065]

Neil is truly the backbone of startalk..and Dr nice always makes me laugh..love the perfect combo

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@xanider5098]

I look forward to this everyday i get back from work! This show is amazing! Thank you, Dr. Tyson and Dr. Nice (of comedy).

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@franosbornblaschke3694]

I love this show. The silly banter and awesome topics make it enriching and enjoyable. : )

[@shadisobh16]

call me naive, I am still dreaming of a United Federation of Earth

[@ejmtv3]

STARTALK was the best thing in my 2020! I just discovered this channel last year!

[@barnBR5-49]

Neil and Chuck are the greatest duo ever!

[@KaliCush]

Chuck, you are awesome buddy. Your timing with jokes is gold. Makes these videos that much more enjoyable!!

[@4everShana]

Neil and Chuck, you guys always make my day! 🤗🤗

[@ashtonvaughncharles6900]

Come through, Chuck, with the EXTENSIVE VOCABULARY! "Lugubrious" Now, I KNOW you been waiting to use THAT one 😂👏🏾

[@davidkeiser6667]

Great conversations

[@robertnorth631]

Y'all are so much fun Science and humor so have plenty of room to coexist. Thank you!

[@amboo1003]

"That was the low point for me, it wasn’t even specifically COVID and the economic, social, and personal damage it was causing. It was recognizing that we, as a species, did not mobilize coherently to fight a common invader." Thank you, Dr. Tyson, for putting my feelings so poignantly into words regarding the pandemic.

[@Srsbzns_5150]

Because of his knowledge... Because of his care... Because of his understanding... Because of his compassion... We all should listen. 🙌

[@filipfcb42]

Greetings from Poland guys ! ;)

[@StaticBlaster]

Happy New Year 2022 to you, Neil . Two hours for me.

[@scottycartercom]

Neil! Your a gift to this world Thank you for inspiring us! I have to ask what is the story of the art behind you? The two pieces on left and right? Who, what, and where is the art from? My curious mind wants to know!

[@maverickdayz8780]

These two are perfect together.. That's because Chuck isnt intimidated by Neil's brilliance, (as Chuck is intelligent himself) and Chuck's humor is witty enough for Neil and this audience. Guys i am working on a book and I'd love for you both to read it once it's done. Thank you

[@blessedveteran]

Agreed

[@raukoring]

If all teachers in all schools were like Neil we would have the galaxy colonised by now

[@jenniferbrown7659]

The new years addition of Cosmic Queries is exceptional.

[@jaeo9999]

“HEYYYYYY CHUCK!!!” “Heyyyyyyy NEAL!” My fav part!!!!🙌🏼

[@detectiveawesome3579]

I’ve been binging on the star talk. Thanks for this gold!

[@TheOJDrinker]

One thing I've learned in my life, no matter how bad things get... ...they can ALWAYS get worse.

[@realhousewifeoftransylvania1.0]

My 2 favorite guys!! Always have me laughing & learning!! 💜

[@freddb1975]

I'm glad you are alright, Neil and Chuck. Keep staying safe, and thank you for the videos. Happy 2021.

[@Astronomator]

Q: What did the photon say after traveling across the universe for 13 billion years? A: "Wow, is it just me, or did it suddenly get a lot redder in here?"

[@dhruvpatel.1001]

The photon won't notice any phase shift of the spectrum (from bluer to redder), as it doesn't experience time, hence instantaneous, imho!

[@1st-Law]

Neil: “I can’t imagine 2021 being much worse than this” Jan 6th: “Hold my beer”

[@sazuna4024]

Would be interesting if they would address that in a future video. But I don't think so.

[@STST]

I love how Neil is so enthusiastic and laughs so much the camera wobbles haha

[@petersjstedt6170]

fantastic show. I love it. You are both my new favorite persons :) Greetings from Denmark.

[@dennisspackman7147]

Great program, especially given the times we are travelling through. Informative, fun and enjoyable. Thx guys!

[@MARIPILIPM]

I just love you guys! Chuck is such fun, and Dr. Tyson is something else❤️ Way to go with science talk 👍🏻

[@MultiWhit3]

Enjoying this! And the new (to me) logo! Love the hoodie Chuck!!! De. Tyson, thank you for the reminder of December 1968 🙏

[@zanychelly]

Saturn and Jupiter that close, and there was clouds all over here. I couldn’t see .. :(((

[@innerwonderment]

zanychelly same, I was devastated

[@busch6538]

@@innerwonderment same here in N.J.

[@kainissen]

Same man. Well, I guess we just need to wait another 800 years to see the next appearance.

[@ViratKohli-jj3wj]

@@kainissen well it's happening in 2080

[@unitedspacepirates9075]

Simply launch your camera from a 3 stage model rocket launched from a weatherballoon, till you build a spaceship big enough for human?

[@Andromeda-ph1jg]

I absolutely love this show

[@marcobelcastro7219]

Thank-you, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice for your words of comfort.

[@avash3957]

First time being early to such a great show!!!

[@bonehead1534]

Happy new year Neil n Chuck

[@kj.6010]

These two are BONKERS!!! HILARIOUS

[@light-master]

It's not StarTalk without Chuck Nice. Chuck is the host, Neil is the frequent guest. 🤣

[@tonib5899]

Happy New Year to all at Star Talk and all who watch it.

[@oscarestrada2175]

Mr. Neil is a walking encyclopedia!!! Lawd have mercy!!!

[@GoodenGreg88]

I’ve got a lot going on in my life, not for the best. It’s nice to listen to these guys and forget it all, for a sweet period of time. Thanks fellas.

[@sarahgraves6759]

I hope you get through it okay on the other side, Greg.

[@Subzizzle]

You guys could totally make these longer i love this show so much

[@sophiamarchildon3998]

My favourite episode right there.

[@the1khronohs40]

Happy new year, guys!!! And the whole team, of course!

[@adlerfg]

I love these two. The best duo on KZbin. Superman's super farts just cracked me up 😂😂😂

[@maartendas1358]

Comet Neowise was another example in 2020 of how space can get us to all look up and be united, not through covid but through wonder :)

[@rossb1409]

I love this show and love these guys! This is what we need more of in our world.... objective facts and a sense of humour... and for second, I was imagining Neil and Chuck... that OTHER planets in our galaxy tap in to watch your show to learn what we know and to be entertained. Now wouldn't THAT be oh so very cool! Maybe one day we'll have Doc and Chuck opening the show with Greetings to the Galaxy.... but then y'all better make sure Patreon takes other galactic currencies by that time!😜 Please keep doing what you guys are doin - it simply just brings joy and knowledge to us all.🙏😁

[@cdotcizzle6268]

“I can’t imagine 2021 being any worse” then the s*** show of the capital being overrun happens😂 I’m guessing they wish they put this video out a couple days later now! Great video as always boys, love it!

[@ZeroOskul]

@Luke Dailey What on Earth are you typing about?

[@TheFlyingstop]

Great as always. Thanks. Happy New Year

[@vandownbytheriver2721]

Happy new years and many blessings to you!💫🌎💥🌟✨🌎🌌

[@nunomaroco583]

All the best from Portugal, hope 2021 be better for everyone.

[@gtbkts]

Commenting for support.

[@bluebird5173]

1968 is also the year Jimi Hendrix released BOTH "Voodoo Child" AND his cover of "All Along the Watchtower," two of the most influential and revolutionary songs in the history of what most people stereotypically think of as "rock" (loud and rebellious). Up until that point, most rock music was rather tame and didn't sound much different from other pop songs in the 1960s.

[@MTortillaKitt]

Tyson - we’ve learned recently that the rate of speed at which memes are now created has surpassed the speed of light. 🌟

[@Jonatho1337]

Great episode! Happy new year.

[@theritebowl9972]

love you guys! chuck does a great job!

[@davidevans3227]

am a huge history buff, thankyou for telling us about Star Talk

[@mohammedjowardhar3221]

Dr Nice all the way!

[@laaradee]

Love you guys! 🙏

[@lifeaccording2liamscousebr125]

Hi fellow star fans!!

[@thebarebodkin238]

There is a theatre philosopher and director who said that the most important things to do for an audience is to: Engage/entertain, Educate, Enlighten. And it had to be in that order to fully reach the hearts of an audience

[@davew5383]

Always interesting and Always fun👍🙂

[@ThomasJHorrego]

I freakin love Star Talk!

[@mattcanty7313]

I like to pretend Neil was just talking to strangers on omeagle about science and chuck just happen to meet him and has been here ever since

[@swimm3rcity]

I got Astrophysics For People In A Hurry for Christmas and I'm reading through it and absolutely loving it. I love watching your wisdom unfold in these Startalks. Whether you're talking about the cosmos or telling the Carl Sagan book story (lol) you inspire me to expand my mind and hope to learn so much more and maybe even go to school about cosmology (Not to be confused with Cosmetology) P.S We love Dr. Nice :)

[@nehemiahbowens5138]

I watches the stuff all the time watching it is mine blowing 🤯

[@mikehosken4328]

1968 Episode 4 From The Earth To The Moon does an excellent job of showing how one epic event can eclipse a bad year. If it was made today Tom Hanks would have mentioned 2020 in his introduction.

[@lhommedieu5489]

If I recall, the episode cites a telegram from a Mrs Valerie Pringle to the NASA pr office that said simply (of the apollo 8 mission) "You saved 1968"

[@animarte4795]

Happy New Year to me!!

[@Iyad46gamer]

We love you Chuck!

[@sala9164]

Chuck is the best.

[@manadpatil9696]

Happy New year ❣️

[@bdr420i]

Please we need explainer about the speed of light 🕯️🚨

[@blessedveteran]

I believe if our "leaders" were different when Covid started, we would have had a better chance to come together. This is why who we choose to elect is so important!

[@AlphaMachina]

My two favorite people on the internet.

[@davidevans3227]

watching this 1.1.2023.. happy new year star talkers

[@davidevans3227]

August 1968 when i was born people were setting themselves on fire in Paris, France.. only a few hundred miles away..

[@davidevans3227]

wow.. i wondered about that.. photon of light traveling across the universe doesn't experience the time we think it has taken..??

[@starkillerbeats420]

Finally!! 2021 baby

[@rohan6579]

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone❤️

[@TristanDavidEvents]

Awesome! Someone I actually wanna hear from!

[@Dan-tp6hi]

Just what I needed

[@adilcmusic]

Man you’re awesome, I am obsessed with the universe.

[@simonsj15]

Thanks guys

[@lukeaiden4525]

Love this show

[@swal593868]

Happy New year fro the 🇬🇧😀

[@unchainedgardengnome2057]

Thanks for the 💥SparK💥!! All of these scientific facts have revived this curious cat🎯🙏♻

[@gemmawhitelock1217]

New year ! New day , chin up 👍🏼🥶

[@HumorouslyAlien]

I love it!! The photon stretched into the fabric of space! Wow!?!??!?!? For ever, forever,ever? Forever!

[@HumorouslyAlien]

Oh, and no gravity? Stretchie wave particles 🌊that’s it?🧐