DeepSummary
In this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice answer fan-submitted questions from around the world. They discuss topics such as whether humans would become stronger on Mars due to lower gravity, what would happen if someone fell through a hole drilled from one side of the Earth to the other, and if there is such a thing as absolute stillness in the universe.
They explore the concept of relative motion and how, according to the principles of relativity, there is no such thing as absolute stillness. They also explain how black holes are detected by observing the radiation emitted by the accretion disks surrounding them, and clarify that spiral galaxies are not being sucked into their central black holes.
Additionally, they consider what songs they would add to the Voyager Golden Record to represent modern music, and discuss the idea of a hypothetical planet called 'Rationalia' with a constitution based solely on evidence.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- There is no such thing as absolute stillness in the universe due to the principles of relativity.
- Black holes are detected by observing the radiation emitted by the accretion disks surrounding them.
- Spiral galaxies are not being sucked into their central black holes; the spiral shape is due to differential rotation.
- On Mars, objects would weigh less due to lower gravity, but humans would not be inherently stronger.
- The idea of a hypothetical planet called 'Rationalia' with a constitution based solely on evidence is explored.
- Free speech, despite its challenges, is considered beneficial for the stability of a society or colony.
- Updating the Voyager Golden Record with modern music is discussed as a way to represent current cultural trends.
- Relative motion and the lack of an absolute reference frame for motion are fundamental principles of relativity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “If it's about evidence. Correct.“ by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- “So you are not actually stronger if everything you're lifting weighs less.“ by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- “So the black hole, I think, would eat itself.“ by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- “So if you believe you are stationary, someone else has equal rights to that claim.“ by Neil deGrasse Tyson
- “All I'm saying is, if you want the stability of that colony to be a thing, like with all the challenges and all the fits and starts the free speech causes, the benefits outweigh.“ by Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Episode Information
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson
6/18/24