Neil Answers Superfan Questions - Moonmoons, Gravitons, and More!

What if the solar system had two suns? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice give a sneak peek into our patron-only Q&As with questions about the three body problem, galaxy formation, the alpha centauri system, and more.
How does the expansion of the universe affect the space between our molecules? Learn about the Big Rip, accretion disks, and galaxy formation. How flat is our galaxy? Why does our universe form so many disks? What would an astronaut floating in space see if there was no matter?
Why are so many alien spacecraft disk-shaped in science fiction? Is there a best shape for a spaceship? Plus, can a moon have its own moon? We discuss the 3 body problem and figure out what a graviton is. What would Neil be doing in a parallel universe where he isn’t an astrophysicist?
Can life get a chance to evolve in a solar system with two suns? Find out about the Alpha Centauri System and how long it would take us to get there. Could we use light sails to travel the cosmos? All that, plus, is it ever too late to get into astrophysics?
Thanks to our Patrons Donald Jones, Mohammed Taha Faridi, Jon Barnett, Harmon Dhaliwal, and Sean Griffen for supporting us this week.
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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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[@StarTalk]

Come join us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/startalkradio

[@graedee6666]

Houston, we have a problem! your sound modulator is not working

[@cyrusaalborg]

Hope to hear Astrum youtube channels creator Alex on your channel - Love both

[@simateix6262]

I'm a long time Star Talk fan and follower I have been a patreon for some time now but I don't see any post where I could post our comments/questions in regards the next Cosmic Queries. The last one I can access is back from 1st June 2022 - Cosmic Collisions. Can you please point me out to where could I post a question for any future Cosmic Queries episodes? Many thanks

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

HEY NEIL! I need help with my new years resolution. I've figured out how to change the stars by stopping hurricanes. What I mean is, for stopping hurricanes, I get 7 things and one of those 7 things is to change the stars. My idea for changing the stars includes Orion and Pleiades (Subaru). I figure it's time to put something up there that's relevant to us, don't you think? Take Orion's belt and Betelgeuse becomes the head with a baseball hat. Below the belt are two legs bending at the knee. The feet aligning perfectly under the bent knees. The 3 stars of Orion's belt align perfectly as the 3 fat belt loops on a baseball uniform. The spear pointing at "Subaru" is the bat being swung and "Pleiades" is the baseball flying away after being hit. Put it all together and you get, "THE ALL-STAR." In my case I drew a 7 on the jersey to make him, "Mickey," but you can put any number you want. I really have figured out how to change the stars by stopping hurricanes. Don't worry, I've technically already done the easy part and changed the stars. My parents were teachers and for over 3 decades, they taught their students my constellation. Those kids will teach their kids. So on and so on. See, stars changed. I just need help to make it legit and with the rest. No, I'm not kidding. Yes, I'm serious. Figured Neil has taken on the IAU and won, he can help. If, rather when, my idea for stopping hurricanes works it could be converted to a larger scale and EASILY regulate temperature, end drought, stop wildfires. It'd be wrong of me to not, at least, try. This is me, trying. Will you please reach out to me and let me know that your interested in helping to stop hurricanes and change the stars? Thank you and don't worry, where I come from, crazy is a compliment. ;-P

[@TheFifthWorld22]

🤍

[@jynx2501]

In another universe, Niel is the Stand Up Comedian, and Chuck is the astrophysicist.

[@sicfxmusic]

And you're a Startalk Patreon.

[@beargillium2369]

All the universes exist all the time

[@MV407tv]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@hello123s]

Neil is you & you are Neil

[@shaneroudybush9966]

Definitely

[@TheCaptain14]

One day you should award Chuck an honorary degree in Physics simply for engaging with Neil in all these episodes 🤣👍

[@CasKel_YT]

You can actually see Chuck relating with these topics! He's learning from it! He asks questions only someone who understands Physics can ask.

[@mauriciojulianramosdiaz4213]

look at chuck's bloodshot eyes, he high as a kite. I would love to hand out with Neil if I was high!

[@jarirantanen6125]

Stuc is sou funny and Neil need dude that ask where Heisenberg forgot glasses. Whitt aut psysihks is interestin and lame. Need joucekrs.

[@alexkiddonen]

Whatever chucks smoking, it's working. He actually understands this stuff enough to summarize it and make interesting points and questions.

[@bdr420i]

Patreons of startalk we cannot thank you enough but thank you for your contribution of making this knowledge available for everybody thank you Dr Neil, Chuck and all StarTalk staff for making this amazing platform 💪🏽😻 please keep it up

[@tonidorotic2726]

You should write the names of the people who ask the question on the screen. It would mean a lot to these people, and also make life easier for Chuck :) . Just a suggestion. PS. Love you guys. Keep looking up :)

[@markbidus4570]

Chuck's amazement and curiosity with excitement is me all day. You don't need a PhD to be blown away and get excited about astrophysics.

[@blessedveteran]

I love that Chuck pulled out the answer of you being a song writer...you two are great together

[@beckyd712]

*Live long and prosper in a universe of wonder and delights!* Star Talk has expanded my mind and you two made me laugh throughout the pandemic; no small feat. Thank you so much Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice, I appreciate and admire you both.

[@ponchocam7384]

"LaPlace knew some physics" is the understatement of the year

[@justinschrank4806]

Chuck does a great job on these shows. Very underrated.

[@mutalix]

I love the immersion!! This is what it be like if Neil and Chuck had their podcast in the vacuum of space, I get it! Big brain comedy 😉

[@shaneroudybush9966]

These guys go great together

[@JesseSauveandfamily]

I love Star Talk, learning and expanding your mind/perceptions only enlightens one more and more. I can't get enough of this 👏

[@shaneroudybush9966]

Same here... they got the perfect chemistry LOL

[@johnglielmi6428]

Let me first say how much I enjoy the information being given to all of us who watch these videos. Thank you Dr. Tyson and Chuck for providing us all with such knowledge and expanding our minds and thought processes. Thank you Chuck for mentioning "Borg Cube "perfect example. The only reason for the rotation is to simulate an artificial gravity. I believe this would be used on very long trips though open space. we as humans need the gravity for our bone density issues.

[@SomeDudeInTheChat]

Blown mind every time I watch Dr. Tyson.

[@jeffs6090]

I like the use of pulsars as the positioning system with space travel. At first I was thinking it can't be GPS since that's global positioning system, but the G would just mean galactic. GPS becomes galactic positioning system.

[@wesleybryant369]

I alway thought of this when I watched scifi movies where there are battles. They always seemed oriented in the same way. All ships had the same up and down orientation. This agreed upon positioning must be why...

[@jeremybrookins596]

PPS- Pulsar Positioning System

[@mikegoodwin2386]

I always wondered why our solar system and galaxy were flattened instead of spherical. Your explanation was logical and easy to understand. I'm off to watch the video about why ice floats, another question that my high school science teachers weren't able to answer to my satisfaction, lol.

[@stageiii1]

Seriously? ...Spin. There ya go. C'mon, kiddos on a merry-go-round know that.

[@lanatrzczka]

@@stageiii1 Your reply is like the kid that hears the answer and says, "I knew that!"

[@alexaales7937]

i said it before and i'll say it again: i really like the fact that Neil considers himself my personal astro physicist. thank you for that, Neil, you've got the job any day of my life! much love from Germany!

[@adjusted-bunny]

Great concept, great hosts!

[@evolutionofbeliefs]

Wonderful program.This episode entails many of the questions I had about astronomy.I think physics still has a lot to unravle in the field of cosmology..

[@richardrutishauser4689]

I love the answer to the person asking about going back to school! Everyone should get encouragement like this!

[@arisaris3484]

Great program the best episode yet.

[@margaretbloomer9001]

If only I'd have had a physics teacher at school more like you Neil, I'd have paid more attention. Thank-you.

[@loveli420]

Me and my 7 year old son are huge fans of the show! Neil thank you for all your efforts to continue the torch that Carl Sagan lit. And Chuck you are just SO funny and you really bring a lot of balance to the show. Thank you too!

[@shaneroudybush9966]

Chuck is very cleverly funny

[@heatherlundquist-buffalo]

I love this podcast ❤ I bought three of Neil’s books!

[@LoccComanche]

Great show last night in Phoenix Neil.

[@Ariel_Waters]

To the person asking if they're "too old to start a science career" at 36... if you're alive, you've got time. DO ALL THE SCIENCE!!!

[@Fred_Nickles]

I remember when scientists put out information and knowledge with the shear goal to be to inform the masses. Thank you glorious Master for your free knowledge that only your paying servants get.

[@battlefront2onsw]

LOVE startalk. Got to see Dr. Tyson in Denver this week. The show was amazing.

[@shaneroudybush9966]

So what is he like watching in person?

[@battlefront2onsw]

@Shane Roudybush Smaller than I thought he'd be lol. Honestly, he was really hilarious and was overall a good time. He was dancing and just living his best life.

[@shaneroudybush9966]

Right on.... yeah he cracks me up... he's just so humble... he keeps everyone interested in all these interesting facts about space and time

[@bradleyberdahl6148]

love this channel

[@crazyjose111]

We love you Neil! I will definitly be joining soon! 😊

[@Wis_Dom]

34:06 "Star Wars: The Hope Diamond" LOL! I love Neil!

[@juviasgrey9897]

Thank you for putting this out there for us non patreon members.

[@ureviews]

This was an excellent episode!

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024

[@FatJesusLive]

Thank you for letting us hear about this segment for paid subscribers.

[@zenseed75]

Best podcasts ever.

[@diegofernandez4789]

Loved the graviton explanation using what we have proven to inherit what we suspect.

[@dracon436]

100% deserve all the support

[@PAA-ne3pc]

You're absolutely right as always but i need to hear it

[@grimbourne]

A reason for aerodynamic space craft.... When that craft enters and exits an atmosphere such as Earth's. Wow! Mind blown!

[@Orion225]

Immanuel Kant is one of my fav philosopher. Glad you mentioned him.

[@AoDude]

Assuming the flying saucer was spinning at a high enough speed, the "window" could shutter open/close at a frequency that matches the time it takes to revolve exactly 360 degrees. Then effectively it would be like how old movie projectors worked, or how florescent light appears to us as being always on.

[@H3LLS4NG3L]

Lol imagine being in a flying saucer that is spinning at at-least 24 times per second... (that would be the minimum frequency required to produce this effect clearly).

[@danielangus7944]

Lol Im not alone, i thought that too

[@ZenofhdTV]

Or they can have cameras on the part that isn’t rotating

[@matbasterson2128]

As a fan of the Lost In Space series I have to point out that the Jupiter 2 was not shown as a spinning saucer. It is perhaps the only thing close to being science based in the entire series. I use the word "close" very loosely. LOL

[@tedwalford7615]

The outer shell of the flying saucer, with the windows, can spin as you've described. But to remain habitable, the inner passenger compartment counterrotates at the opposite angular velocity and therefore has no acceleration harmful to the beings within. (I'm unsure whether the motive system components are within the outer or inner part, not knowing what the mechanism is.)

[@Fatty-Biscuits]

I hope Neil and Chuck know how cool they are.

[@connormizell3245]

Hi! Great video-I love watching this channel. I just wanted to add that the phrase “3D pixels” actually has a term that is used in computer graphics that is called VOXELS. I imagine this could also apply to our real relationship with space-time

[@davidev4844]

A shameless patreon plug off the bat Neil U were my spirit animal wow thank u for explaining the tier level👏

[@Zyo117]

As an aviation nerd, when you pull back on the stick/yoke to take off in a plane, that's called 'rotating'...so in fact there's a good reason to rotate your plane if you want to get somewhere!

[@stephanienirenberg7426]

I Love you guys so much.

[@tomaslafleur36]

Thanks for the time and the free knowledge ( sorry for my english im from mtl canada ( GSP Accent here )).

[@davidfisher7978]

I absolutely love StarTalk I’m a big fan keep doing what you’re doing… I have a question you were talking about air pressure the other day and explaining how it works. What do you think is going on in the rear tires of a dragster funny car top fuel machine?

[@kawehicabuzel]

Okay Niel with the rowing lore 🚣 👏

[@mzdshii9121]

love the 3D vry nice .. thank you for evrything

[@Brian-99PHY]

Amazing , as always .

[@deepaksharmac-3595]

I love the notification of star talk .!

[@francisconicolasjohansen9996]

Greath videos! you should make one explaining Wolf-Rayet stars, I bet very interesting physics is happening inside them

[@ScoobyYTP]

Think about the formation of the rings of Saturn. I think that’s similar to the galaxies disc shape. The black hole in the middle is like a colossal planet.

[@douglasclowes6951]

"Still none-the-less at the center of your own horizons ... But then again do you need to know where you are if there is nowhere to go?" Good Q!!! But, how can you be without matter? As far as we can tell, the subjective is a side effect of peculiar arrangements of objects - however small & amorphous they may be.

[@robertgraybeard3750]

At 5:45 everything tries to collapse, all particles start out sort of spherical but eventually average out linto disks - molecular clouds, solar systems, galaxies, whatever. Centrifugal force dominates. Randomly directed particles interact and average out to a disk.

[@rajasingh5490]

The membership is totally worth it ..

[@therawband216]

Sir I am from India, kindly add the subtitles as well, it will be of great help. thank you

[@justinerogers8696]

Dr Tyson, I would love to hear some poems that you have written 😃They will be some of the most clever poems in the world I believe

[@belkyhernandez8281]

I continue to be impressed with Chuck's ability to keep up with the conversation since he is not a scientist. Did Chuck major in science.

[@rannarjarvsoo1544]

I love that Neil says when the ads are coming, even tho i can skip them.

[@oneevilninja8547]

!!!!!!NIEIL DOES THE SPEED OF THE ROTATION OF A MASS EFFECT GRAVITY!!!!!!!!

[@olderoscendant]

Mr. deGrasse-Tyson, On behalf of all Theatre Geeks and Nerds everywhere, I'm gonna have to ask you to get right on that. Thanks, Management

[@elizabethfrance3237]

Thanks!

[@wesleybryant369]

On the discussion of space craft shapes, I think it would make sense for a saucer shape. Those ships just may have left a home planet similar to Earth. Thus, aerodynamics were important; especially since they presumably planned to make landfall. A small profile would allow a pilot to orient the craft into debis fields to minimalize impact damage. The round shape allows for a 360° vantage point. Also this shape is beneficial to orienting head on or broad side into solar radiation to absorb or dissapate energy. Now, I thoerize that the spinning of the craft is part of some kind of phisics mechanism that enables the craft to traverse the curvature of space time in the oppisite direction giving the illusion of levitation.

[@DarthObiWan47]

Makes me think of Jimmy Carr: “What would you be if you weren’t a famous comedian?” “I’d be a comedian you’ve never heard of”

[@hackebeil20]

I just love you both 🥰

[@tylargusta3211]

Audio is working for me now 😌

[@jimcrutcher1845]

I got my StarTalk sticker yesterday. Still waiting for one of my questions to be answered...

[@petergriffin383]

So did one of your questions get answered?

[@jimcrutcher1845]

@@petergriffin383 Not so far. As well as being a Patreon member, I've bought and read books from many of the presenters and subjects on StarTalk, including Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Janna Levin, Seb Falk, Kate Biberdorf, Edwin A. Abbot, Carl Sagan, Merlin Sheldrake, Brian Greene, Charles Liu, & Bill Nye. Some of these folks, I knew of before StarTalk and the others I thank StarTalk for introducing me to. Don't get me wrong. I like my sticker. But I'd rather have answers to my questions.

[@jimcrutcher1845]

I was hoping Steve O would answer how he gets health insurance. I've wondered how Chuck responds to hecklers who deny climate science.

[@Me-001]

In the round space ship question he gave more of a opinion then an smart answer. How can you answer something you don't know, if their are aliens cruising around in round space craft then they must know something we don't or have a technology we don't know about or their planet has differences. love these shows and to learn something new is always good but sometimes can be funny to think this civilization is still so young we don't know much and their is so much to learn still, especially in space

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

Neil and Chuck, I love you guys. Thank you for making life so fascinating. Yer pal, The Old Hippiebilly

[@brendanmaas8870]

"center of your own horizon," or as my father used to say, "wherever you go, there you are." 😂

[@carlossoares712]

Alright so Tyson himself described how flying saucers would accomodate an stable cabin while the outer shell rotate, he explained by commenting on the counter rotation needed to compensate the angular momentum his explanation on why does not make sense a rotating flying sauce by telling otherwise

[@NFLbeatster]

i love me some tgi tyson! favorite guy ever!

[@deletefacebook8419]

I think the big rip is just a part of the Mandelbrot set. Basically meaning that information is confirmed and transported potentially. Blackholes could do this through virtual particle networks.

[@chrissutton2586]

Neil and Chuck for Prez and Vice

[@zerocapacitance1]

Excellent

[@stephenfirefrank]

The death star has to be the best actual space ship… traveling through space as a sphere sounds interesting

[@wesleybryant369]

The Wondering Earth...

[@nighthawk0077]

These Q&A are great. Though Neils response about the round or circular craft was a bit unimaginative and limited. He answered it from a 21st century human frame of reference. As a scientist, sometimes it's ok to say "I don't know"

[@anthonysandoval9275]

I laughed so hard, when the Star Wars song was playing, while Niel was talking!! Best part!$

[@christopherbasilpizzinga2499]

i think neil tyson would sound really cool as a DJ!!

[@Corvaire]

The reason Enterprise was shaped as it was is because the disc part disconnects and the plain is used for slowing during descension into a planetary atmosphere. Of course, the entire ship (as we've seen) can fly into a planet's atmosphere it can still play a part in velocity reduction. Not to mention if in a space battle and the engine portion is damaged, the disc can still be used for escape into a planet's atmosphere where other types of ships may not be able to traverse. Just Say'n! ;O)-

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Audio is good

[@robinmiller5256]

I love the Borg ship too chuck🤔

[@szatmaritomi9387]

Neeeew iintrooo🎉 I can’t decide if I like it yet!

[@morgunstyles7253]

Where you are is always more important than what you are

[@suzannepoffel2160]

I can't hear as well, very sad. I love and enjoy your programs, unfortunately somethings going on. ♡

[@rogerstalder7184]

100% agree with Juck here. the Borg's Spaceship actualy makes the most sense for a race like them.

[@ericifune5543]

Question about the use of solar sails. How would you slow the craft once it reaches it's destination?

[@petevenuti7355]

Question, if you were going fast enough that length contraction makes you shorter than a Plank length, what then? Or does exponential increase in mass with velocity result in you turning into a black hole first?

[@ahsahsahs9043]

Mad fan of yours and your guest.

[@michaelforansich8090]

@AHS you are an angry fan of youse and what'shisname too?

[@1972Russianwolf]

To be fair Neil, the pulsar mapping has been used since the 70's. Both Pioneer and Voyager use it for pointing out our solar system to any being that may encounter them.

[@tanksblitz4934]

Lol very entertaining pod cast

[@CaptanCupcake]

Chuck !!! 😂 the Star Wars music! Epic!!!! 😂😂😂

[@drakegeralds699]

What if they are rotating as a way to generate gravity inside the vessel?

[@wesleybryant369]

In orbit there already is gravity... the spinning must be for another reason..

[@drakegeralds699]

@@wesleybryant369 the ISS isn’t rotating hence the astronauts inside float

[@andylane247]

Touraine Chenonceaux whites are pretty good Neil. Also have you tried Aglianico from Campagnia?

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

We have a name for 3D pixels (in games dev at least)…they’re called VOXELS, pixels with volume Also, I’d hazard a guess that the reason sci-fi imagines spinning saucers is because of spinning tops seemingly defying gravity; something everyone remembers from childhood and so resonates with that childhood sense of wonder, even if it makes no scientific sense

[@fraliexb]

I was hoping this was the cosmic queries you all asked on Patreon.

[@kinotikimathi9106]

Chuck misses the perfect oportunity to say " it doesn't matter"13:04🤣🤣