Telescopes, Liquid Mercury, and The Death of Black Holes - Cosmic Queries

Terraforming mars? How do black holes die? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice answer questions about the moon, periodic table of elements, light photons, black holes and more!
Find out about the moon’s libration and orbit. How much of our moon do we actually see? We observe patterns from Neil’s time in front of the camera. What film franchise will he wreak havoc on next? Back to the non-human stars: have modern humans always lived under the same night sky? Will there be a day when we no longer recognize the constellations?
Why is mercury- the element, not the planet- liquid? Why does one proton make such a big difference? Discover the states of the elements on other worlds and the meaning of a “triple point.” Is it possible to terraform Mars, even though it doesn’t have a magnetic field? We explore geoengineering and how to terraform to protect against solar wind.
Next, we talk telescopes. How much does the moon disrupt observation time? How do we combat that? We discuss the James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble Deep Field, and how astronomers combat interference. How does a light photon experience time? Does it? Can a black hole’s mass get so low it can no longer trap light? What would it look like? How does a black hole die? All that, plus, Chuck tests out new joke material on another Cosmic Queries!
Thanks to our Patrons John Turnham, Andrew Nelson, Honza Rek, Jason Pretzlaf, Jason Johst, Fernando Gomes, Thibaut van Thorenburg, Ava Spurr, Andrew Kodama, and CNASTY ! for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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
Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
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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

[@hustlehard4251]

Episodes with only Neil and Chuck are the best. Their social dynamic is something that can be replicated nowhere else

[@Sin_Of_Greed]

Preach, brother!

[@IronMan-dp8gv]

Right, paji👍

[@01firstlast]

The chemistry comes and goes , periodically

[@AsobiMedio]

@@01firstlast Ok that one was good, have a like.

[@fit_pharmd4830]

Yes I always cross my fingers that chuck will be brought on when I click on these videos.

[@Darkflowerchyld718]

I think we all feel Chuck on a deep spiritual level when he proclaims how much he loves science. It's one of my favorite parts of the series.

[@Chris-vr8cd]

If Chuck were to leave the show for some reason I don't think I would watch it anymore.

[@CarlosFerreira0210]

I love Neil's response when Chuck said that. "Yeaah."

[@BRAWLEO785]

Chuck is ok, but he is not that funny. I could think of one hundred comedians that would be better with Neil. I would take Bobby Lee at this point.

[@Robbie_jojo]

Chuck fkn stop shouting man

[@brandonbernard4171]

Almost as much as he likes Tide laundry detergent.

[@fwd79]

Loved, loved, loved it. Neil & Chuck are the *ultimate* combo for Cosmic Queries series so *NEVER* try to alter it.

[@ijustwanttolikecomments4677]

agree! I just found a couple of these cosmic queries episodes and both were Neil and Chuck. they got me to subscribe... edit for grammar

[@nHans]

28:05 *_"Engineers tend to solve problems when given the task."_* - Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, 2021. Thank you, Dr. Tyson! As an engineer, I'm very happy to hear a reputed astrophysicist acknowledge that.

[@kydkaos55]

Engineers are human Mr. Meseeks. "Can do!" They don't invent the problems they solve them and implement solutions.

[@theduder2617]

As a person who absolutely values engineers on a daily basis, thank you! It's designers I occasionally develop frustrations with. lol Specifically vehicle designers. Engineers create brilliance. Designers place it in the most ridiculous location imaginable. lmao! (99.9% kidding around, 0.01% bumps, bruises and random frustration)

[@firi1978]

Cosmic Queries with Neil & Chuck are my favorite episodes on StarTalk ❤️

[@idontcarebtch3896]

Same here

[@gooneybird808]

I honestly like these the best...just Neil and chuck answering questions. gold

[@ridetheapex]

Exactly.

[@harnoorsingh6328]

Exactly yess yes

[@insane_troll]

Add one more proton and it will be mercury.

[@madeincda]

@Trance - 009 Sound System Dreamscape Ok that deserves some praise, well done.

[@rustyshaklferd1897]

Not chuck so much. He’s annoying af. If he had a single one liner he’d live off of it

[@beccarose2601]

I absolutely adore the chemistry between Neil and Chuck (hehe science pun). I have been a fan of each independently, for the better part of the last 20 years, and they make a fantastic team. They play so well off of each other and the genuine friendship they share shines through brilliantly. Keep doing what you do fellas! You are doing a public service by helping encourage a love and understanding of science to those of us who might otherwise be left behind.

[@AceSpadeThePikachu]

Whenever Neil says "I don't know, but I'm going to give an answer that probably won't be satisfying," you know he's going to give you a veeeeery long, veeeeery satisfying response.

[@raukoring]

I don't understand where are they coming from, but there's A LOT of people on internet hating Neil and saying he's fake and so on. I don't get what could be their agenda. It's absolutely clear that guy is extremely educated. Maybe they're not getting his personality that he's just so crazy into science and educating that he often can't control himself and jumps into others speech.. but most of the times it's just cute and not really rude.

[@tenpiualto]

Personally, I LOVE those long non-answers, because I almost always learn something else new and unexpected!

[@scientistfay9445]

I envy the people who could see Einstein and Newton.. but I envy myself that I've been following you since my childhood... Thank you. You and Jason Silva made me a science lover

[@trafalgard.waterlaw7330]

As contributing that Einstein and Newton were, being a scientist at that time wasn't easy. They also had a lot of pseudo science to fight through. I'm happy to be in a time with Niel Degrasse Tyson, Carl Sagan, Bill Nye, Michio kaku, and Richard Dawkins. Not to mention people like Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, And George Carlin who aren't all scientists but can bring up the topic without fear of persecution

[@berk6240]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYmznoWJfdlrbMU

[@boardwatch1560]

Just think how wonderful it is that we have the opportunity to still look back on the greats. "Shoulders of Giants" and all that. The depressing thought is all the genius and innovation we will never have a chance to see due to our limited lifespan.

[@jonnylightbody301]

Mercury has a unique electron configuration which strongly resists removal of an electron, making it behave similarly to noble gas elements. As a result, mercury forms weak bonds and is a liquid at room temperature.

[@insane_troll]

It is also a relativistic effect. The outermost orbital 6s is not only filled (similar to noble gases, except they have filled s and p orbitals), but the electron is moving more than half the speed of light. This means that the effective mass is significantly larger than the rest mass, and because the orbital radius is inversely proportional to the mass the electron has to be closer to the nucleus. This effect reduces the melting point by about 100K.

[@jorgepeterbarton]

@@insane_troll similar effect makes gold 'yellow' unlike every other elemental metal. Its an actual red shift.

[@monikah.g1918]

Imagine planet Mercury being a ball of liquid mercury

[@raukoring]

@@monikah.g1918 imagine planet Mercury being ball of Freddy Mercury

[@1975Jdonov]

Thank you for the answer.

[@futurerandomness1620]

Some day there will be a question asked here that will legitimately be an eyeopener and start a whole new realm of discussion or discovery and I can't wait to see Dr. Tyson's reaction!

[@CarlSAGAN.]

The whole world should watch StarTalk

[@IjsBlice]

What....? No.......it's what I use to appear smart to my mates , at work, to my mom 🥺

[@goochI034]

What about North Korea? Them too?

[@blacksonne19]

I can listen to Neil explain different parts of the universe all day. His intellect is on another level. His fascination for the cosmos and physics is incredible.. Chuck does a great job keeping the explanations and discussions light an extremely enlightening but not too extreme where It becomes

[@finaldestination813]

This pair is perfect to learn science ❤️

[@ThatGuy-ze2el]

I'm glad Chuck is actually funny, in a natural way too. LOVE the show and energy

[@Pavo032]

i love science! the fact that someone with a educated hunch can still compete with those with doctorates and nobels makes it one of the few areas in life where the little can make a difference!

[@emleecee]

This is such a beautiful sentiment! Beautiful and so, so true.

[@rbee6507]

Kills me everytime how scared Chuck looks when Neil starts to explain some real science stuff. Like he knows his world will never be the same after he hears what is coming...

[@STST]

Hahaha Great comment

[@jaxsonlopez6109]

me too chuck 😅

[@bassmechanic5467]

I don't think folks give Lord Nice 😂 enough credit! Lol he ain't no fool.

[@blessedveteran]

🤣

[@yoelit3931]

24:17 I GET WHAT U MEAN😭😭

[@MrCheckster2000]

I swear I could watch one or two of these every night....always learning something new or getting confused beyond my mental capacity.....lol

[@jmac74]

Thank you universe, for guiding me to this channel. So awesome.

[@codyadkins3061]

Chuck and Neil never have to worry about running out of interesting content. Just them hanging out together and answering questions is just fascinating and more than enough to catch my attention. Love you guys thank you for doing what you do.

[@landar2372]

New drinking game: One shot each time Dr. Tyson touches one side of his headset. Two shots when he touches both. We all gonna be loaded!

[@jamiefields8145]

Double shot whenever Tyson gives Chuck guff about how to advertise the Patreon

[@CR250rSMITH]

Neils motormouth vibrates it loose

[@andirhi]

😂

[@rheagaro.3681]

"What? what you say? You cold? Need a sweater?" "Don't you know who I am? I'm the UNIVERSE." 😆

[@Raz.C]

The low melting point of elemental Mercury is due primarily to the nature of its electron orbitals. If I recall correctly, Mercury has a filled 6s orbital and a filled 5s, 5p, 5d and 4f orbital. So it has filled 4 and 5 level orbitals with a filled 6s orbital, lending to its +1 and +2 oxidation states which also makes it hold on to the 6s2 electrons reasonably tightly. In many ways, Mercury resembles the electron configuration of the noble gasses and mimics the behaviour of noble gasses too. Because of this, the bonds that Mercury forms with other elements are relatively weak, in the same way that Radon can form weak bonds (Radon electron configuration same as mercury but with 6p6 orbital). In point of fact, the "Island Of Stability" centres around Copernicium, which is directly beneath Mercury on the periodic table and as Neil mentioned, elements share MANY similarities with those above and below it on the periodic table. Anyway, all these factors contribute to Mercury being very stable and thus having a low melting point.

[@merrybethroar]

Been a fan for a long time, this episode was particularly fun. Love the banter and laughter

[@najmiter]

"Keep lookin up!... but not while you're drivin'"

[@manpreetbhattee9732]

Chuck's interest in science makes me even more hooked to this channel.

[@Heraclitean]

One of the best Star Talk episodes yet.

[@dalebewan]

I am both very pleased that my question was asked and even more pleased that Chuck pronounced my name correctly! 40:06

[@dalebewan]

@Sumit Sharma I'm at the €4.50 per month tier. You ask a question by posting it on Patreon when they call for questions (notification from Patreon by email). I asked this question on either the 20th or 21st of July. I also asked some other questions that weren't answered, but that's only fair. There's a *lot* of questions and of course they can't answer all of them.

[@Blacklighting]

I can't believe Chuck did not say "once you go black, you don't go back” when it came to the black hole question.

[@victroiki7321]

For once he was so blown away by the answer he forgot about the colour thing... 😂😂😂

[@VFPiano]

My favorite content on KZbin! Thanks Dr. Tyson and Chuck!

[@Encounterpart]

A thought struck me as Mr Neil was describing the moon situation...imagine how much more real estate would be priced on the side of the moon facing the Earth.

[@andirhi]

😂

[@dimitrilalli356]

29:39 he didnt need to flame chuck that hard LOOOL

[@daisylatte15]

HAHAHAH

[@Meatloaf_TV]

Galactic gumbo is always great

[@bikkies]

That bit where Dr Tyson zings Chuck about testing out his jokes here. Don't think I've ever seen Chuck laugh harder than he did here, and it killed me too. Perfect timing.

[@silsanto34]

I admire Dr Tyson and love Chuck's sense of humor. I'm sure their skills combined... makes this so entertaining and enlightening......

[@poltergeizt6856]

I look forward chuck blowing a gasket every episode. It’s literally what we’re thinking when new concepts are introduced sometimes.

[@leroyspaans4868]

During Chuck's remark about "liger", I thought(/imagined) about "libration" as being a mix of "light + vibration", so in some(...that) way he was (sort of) right! 🙃

[@ActionJackson669]

Chucks intellect +5, actually genius 😂😂😂

[@RichR76]

Amazing episode, Gentlemen! Blew my mind on a bunch of topics. Keep up the great work

[@gsav1320]

A Neil and chuck cosmic queries ?!? LETSSS GOOOOOOO 👑👑👑👑

[@cortexmc13]

Just got my "Keep Looking Up" decal last week from the patreon. Can't wait to have something to display it on.

[@thomasdejong1987]

Hi, @startalk now i don't know if this is the origin of the word however.. a grabbag in maritime vocab means a bag with emergency equipment you can grab when you need to "abandone ship" it contains survival equipment.

[@goochI034]

A lot of different things are called a “grabbag” but the all tend to basically mean “assorted options” or something along those lines

[@tommears7321]

We call them gobags because you take them when you go

[@ShyHippie]

Neal and chuck are legit the best duo 💖💖

[@corkscrew4585]

Chuck your personality, energy and your humor and good nature inspire me so much.

[@sankalpshinde7904]

Plzz make this cosmic queries more ! I listen everyday before sleeping and iam all out of cosmic queries videoes

[@SlimRider0084]

Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like the key to immortality is to move at the speed of light.

[@perplexedpapa]

I heard the light at that speed makes you look infinitely massive. Why would someone want to live forever as the most massive thing? Kinda defeats the purpose. 😆

[@steve-o6413]

What if you dead when you reach the speed of light, are you dead forever..?

[@SlimRider0084]

@@babayada2015 I know the speed of light is impossible to reach it was just kind of an observation.

[@Carolina_Rodriguez]

When Chuck makes Neil laugh 😊

[@sportsfan220]

Nice video, always love watching Neil and Chuck talk about space

[@junefreeman3788]

I can watch Chuck and Neil DeGrasse Tyson all day!!!! its rare and unique to find the right blend of science and humor, 2 things i really need a lot in my life!

[@garygronberg4310]

These are so good thanks to the fun these two have, informing and entertaining us. Perfect duo. Keeps me coming back, and learning something. Good science. Good humor.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you gentlemen for a very interesting hour this evening. Enjoyed both the questions and the answers and the lively and entertaining banter. Now my question: If a black hole diminishes towards not existing what happens to all of the matter that was circling around it?

[@actliketonymontana]

The matter would squeeze and morph around the black hole. As the black hole diminishes, the surrounding space expands

[@cosmicsciencewitholiver7328]

Just found this series, these two are great 🙂

[@nandomercy1]

This are so fun to watch.. and you learn a lot! great questions

[@EnriqueRegisPascalinRomo]

Dr. Neil, Chuck probably the answers you are looking for are related to: a) - Galium (that even solid at room temperature can melt in your hands) b) - The fact that being liquid or solid depends on molecular structure and not the element itsef. Periodic Table has nothing to say about molecular structure (Think of carbon on diamods and graphite)

[@aaronbailey3942]

So the table is the abc’s of elements

[@AlPedone74]

Hi, a hug from Brazil....I love the way that you guys explain science...congratulations

[@jakecivis7402]

Always good to learn more

[@zanychelly]

Love the grab bags , deeps space and black holes episodes.

[@sayittomyfaceortapglassfar4392]

I love the chemistry (pun intended lol) that Chuck and Neil have, their laughs get me ta laughing 😃

[@infinatep1mp737]

Always love a new episode

[@medicwebber3037]

THANK YOU, Jordan, for asking the 'terraforming Mars' question!!! That's been bothering me for years!!

[@n0xxm3rcyxx]

this is my fav youtube information on space. i love it. thank you for it all.

[@MarkLoweCEO]

I think I understand now why a laugh is also called a "Chuckle" 😂 Chuck Nice

[@tonib5899]

Brilliant satirical pun.made me laugh.

[@17CentProductions]

"I live my life a quarter-parsec at a time." - Neil deGrasse Tyson

[@baronvonhoughton]

Han said he did the Kessel run in under 12, which doesn't make sense because it's a unit of distance!

[@joshuaperrine2019]

Great episode! Both of you were on point; funny, informative, and insightful. Thank you!

[@nqinadlamini]

As always fun and informative.

[@rmf479]

I love every episode! Such a great duo!

[@luke5402]

you guys are a gift of knowledge for people like me you make me smile, laugh and guide me down dark and weary paths that blow my mind truly taking us on a journey every episode thankyou guys

[@archkarr18]

Always glad to see Chuck as co-host..when he's occasionally not there..there just something missing...Theres a reason Neil always has him as co-host...he makes him laugh with his comic interruptions ( He knows his scientific subjects are made more " entertaining" to people aren't usually interested in science ( wuut...people that don't think science is interesting?..ok..whatever..lol)

[@jamesmarze9850]

Great information always look forward to watching this show, nice job

[@TheSteveBoyd]

Too much libration tends to make me wobble on my axis! Blame it on the moonshine...

[@Fewster96]

Big Dipper is referred to as “The Plow” in England sometimes

[@samuelaguirre5961]

Love the banter ❤️

[@stephenlackey5852]

“You ain’t gotta test it out here…” Spicy joan, Neil👍 You guys are a delight to watch. Just two old friends having a great time ☺️

[@rajdeepchakraborty9533]

Early morning Math session with this playing along in the background. Talk about perfect mornings!

[@davidbarnes5714]

I appreciate these videos! Thank you! You’re a rockstar, Neil!

[@davidbarnes5714]

It would be an honor to meet you and shake your hand!

[@waynegosson1793]

You guys are flat out! Love it, keep it up.

[@rookangelofmercy7283]

Every chuck episode is a definite watch

[@realtjbrand]

Wow, I didn’t know the JW Space Telescope is going to the dark side of the moon! That makes it even more exciting! Also, you and Chuck always make my day 😊

[@seafodder6129]

It's actually going to Lagrange Point 2, which is waaaaaay past the moon altogether. So it's technically not even going to be orbiting Earth, it'll be orbiting the sun. When Neil mentioned putting things on the far side of the moon (there is no "dark side" of the moon) he was referring to radio telescopes so the mass of the moon would block out all the radio noise being broadcast by us here on Earth.

[@11892rosa]

Sadly, he was referring to only the possibility of a radio telescope where the perfect place to put it would be the dark side of the moon. That would've been cool though

[@sadiqmohamed681]

Far side, not "dark" side.

[@TJ-ed8mw]

I am jealous of photons as they travel the will never hear "ARE WE THER YET"

[@khrysos1180]

I am so happy when a new episode is out

[@TheEaglehaslanded733]

This episode was the best of the series.🌟

[@Jay-om8gr]

Galactic Gumbo

[@hoarder66]

Sharknado7 time travelling sharknado in space. This is how franchises die. Leprechaun, Friday the 13th, and others, all died in space

[@katicabogar24]

Probably because no one could hear them scream

[@TuxedoMaskMusic]

loved the question about the movemment of the stars over time/space.

[@mcmoose64]

As a child in Australia , I can remember The Big Dipper being called The Devil's Saucepan.

[@bobman929]

I always called it the putter

[@MrT------5743]

I did not know you could see the big dipper from Australia. I had to google it to be sure. And yep only the northern parts of Australia can see the whole big dipper.

[@GlassDeviant]

If you google "why is Mercury a liquid at room temperature?", everyone stumbles through trying to answer that question. The only logical conclusion is that nobody actually knows the root reason. Yes, its melting point is -40C, but that doesn't really explain why because you are left with another question, namely "why is the melting point of Mercury -40C?"

[@MrT------5743]

Why is the melting point of water 0C? Sometimes there is not a reason why something is, it just is. Like Neil says all the time: "The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."

[@heresthethingyouguys]

Every "Why" question is pointless no matter the topic. Science has no answer to why questions.

[@GlassDeviant]

@@heresthethingyouguys and yet, this whole channel is Neil and others answering questions. Think about that for a while.

[@oldcowbb]

@@heresthethingyouguys why doesn't always mean it is question about purpose, fyi, it can be a question about causes

[@GoldSrc_]

@@oldcowbb In that case, explaining the "how" something works would be better than "why". But I assume that "why" is often used by people who need to know the "how", but use instead "why". In the end, the question of "why" in science doesn't make as much sense or is as useful as knowing the "how".

[@mattthemarine46]

I could listen to Mr Neil talk forever

[@blackbird163]

Really wonderful to learn all this 🤗

[@codbdup88]

I need to hear Neil say “we Gucci” lol

[@matttrophy1]

All I can say about the mercury explanation is HUH

[@steve-o6413]

I guess what he was saying it has more to do with pressure than ambient temperature...

[@cad2005rockets]

He was saying the STATE of the matter in which we see it IS NOT it's absolute state. How we label elements on the table as gas, metal, liquid, etc...is based on an agreed temperature/pressure. This would be like asking why every time you open your eyes it's dark but you only open your eyes at midnight in California

[@steve-o6413]

There is no set temperature for boiling water higher altitudes needs a higher temperature same with the cooking of food. The funny thing is I used to see it on cooking instructions all the time, but no more...

[@steve-o6413]

I wonder if he was referring to the state of a cloud, a gas, from evaporation, similar to boiling temperatures, a solid in the form of ice, hail, and a liquid in the form of rain..?

[@steve-o6413]

A place where all four states exist at the same time, after all if evaporation from the ground isn't considered boiling, would the Sun hitting the top of the clouds be considered boiling..?

[@shankarkarmakar]

Love it. So much to learn. One question - how do I ask a question for the next cosmic queries episode?

[@antarikshapratapsingh6647]

try being a patreon member

[@adrian.tabirca]

Amazing, as always. Thank you

[@rickyross6656]

The rich invest their money and spend what is left. The poor spend their money and invest what is left"

[@maryj.batson5339]

Doing nothing is much easier than making money decision, as investment always beat cash

[@ishakbenjamin8358]

I understand the fact that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone, but investing today is a hard thing to do for me because I have no idea of how and where to invest in?

[@virgilklose6202]

My personal portfolio/investment manager, Mr Dan Morehead after a whole week of research, he runs an investment platform where you don't have to under go any stress in the trades, he manages my trading..

[@ericdonald4013]

What a small universe as I'm suprise to see Mr MICHAEL WAYNE mentioned here, My spouse recommended him to me after investing £4000 and he has really helped us in this time of lockdown in australia due to covid19

[@user-ou8qh5jd3q]

Money is always eager and ready to work for anyone who is already to employ it, I was able to withdraw my profit of $17,000 after investing $3,500 with Mr Michael Wayne platform some days ago

[@rachellight1186]

I’m the 1st here for once;eeeeee😁 Love seeing you guys. Chuck, hilarious as usual 😄✌🏻

[@ericpetersen8407]

you guys have Great chemistry!!

[@kevinalexander5408]

Love the Answers and Laughs ... makes Learning Fun

[@davekirk100]

Terraforming Mars? If we ever get that kind of technology, how about fixing our own planet frist

[@cesiba1]

Exactly. People trying to leave this planet and make other planets liveable, how about fixing the problems here first so we don't bring this planets ills elsewhere.

[@IjsBlice]

What's left to 'fix'

[@steve-o6413]

No Oil on other Planets we won't be Terraforming soon...

[@taripanye9723]

Honestly, I love you guys and your content

[@brockfontain9735]

Two of my favorite guys in the evening morning or afternoon when I'm home from work

[@elck3]

Oh yes! This is the stuff we've been waiting for

[@knivesron]

fantastic episode.