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StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Edge of the Universe with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Janna Levin

StarTalk・42 minutes read

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck discuss cosmic queries on the edge of the known universe, including the possibility of the universe looping back on itself and the concept of extra spatial dimensions. They touch on topics such as gravitational waves, animal patterns driven by mathematics, and the implications of dark energy and dark matter in astrophysics.

Insights

  • The universe's potential finiteness could lead to it looping back on itself, akin to Earth, creating a closed system with intriguing implications for its structure and dimensions.
  • Mathematical problem-solving mechanisms underlie the formation of patterns like animal stripes and spots, reflecting a geometric nature in the universe's development and organization.

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Recent questions

  • What is discussed in the episode of Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson?

    Cosmic queries on the edge of the known universe.

  • What book is mentioned in the episode about the discovery of gravitational waves?

    "Black Hole Blues"

  • How are distant galaxies related to the Milky Way in the past?

    Seen due to light travel time.

  • What is the significance of galaxies rotating in sync with others millions of light years away?

    Interactions observed at six mega parsecs.

  • How is dark energy likened to in the episode?

    An invisible ocean surrounding us.

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Summary

00:00

"Exploring the Universe with Neil deGrasse Tyson"

  • Startalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson discussing cosmic queries on the edge of the known universe.
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck discuss the edge of space-time and the universe.
  • Neil wears a particularly colorful shirt for the episode.
  • Mention of a book "Black Hole Blues" about the discovery of gravitational waves.
  • Discussion on whether the universe is infinite or finite.
  • The possibility of the universe being finite like the Earth, with the potential to loop back on itself.
  • Explanation of how distant galaxies could be the Milky Way seen in the past due to light travel time.
  • Speculation on extra spatial dimensions and their potential small size.
  • The concept of the universe being like a space-time origami with dimensions wrapped up.
  • Jenna Levin discusses the shape of the universe and the possibility of it looping back on itself regardless of its shape.

18:38

"Mathematics of Universe Shapes and Patterns"

  • Imprinting the patterns of the dodecahedron in the light from the Big Bang reveals subtle hot and cold spots reflecting the shape.
  • Mathematical problem of enzyme distribution in embryos determines animal shape, size, and spots like leopard spots or zebra stripes.
  • Solving for mathematics above or below certain thresholds predicts patterns like stripes or spots in animals.
  • Universe's hot and cold spots during development akin to solving a mathematical problem, reflecting geometry.
  • Galaxies rotating in sync with others millions of light years away, interactions observed at six mega parsecs.
  • Observations to confirm galaxy interactions due to universe expansion dominating at such distances.
  • Milky Way seen edge-on, mapping the galaxy accurately to view from above in a three-dimensional model.
  • Andromeda's surface brightness remains the same even if brought closer, not significantly brighter in the night sky.
  • Two-dimensional beings lack depth, affecting metabolic functions and porosity like water soaking in soil.
  • Three dimensions optimal for complex structures to form, adding a fourth dimension dilutes interactions and complexity.

35:07

Unraveling mysteries of gravity and dark energy

  • Gravity is linked to space-time and cannot be confined to extra dimensions.
  • Extra dimensions are a genuine research direction, with papers written on them.
  • Monsters Inc. featured four-dimensional portals resembling wormholes.
  • Black holes could potentially lead to white holes, creating entire universes inside.
  • Black holes might be made of dark matter, potentially explaining missing mass.
  • Information falling into black holes might be encoded on their boundaries.
  • Voyager 2 discovered new details about interstellar space beyond our solar system.
  • Understanding dark energy and dark matter is crucial in astrophysics.
  • Visualizing higher dimensions is challenging but can be approached through mathematical concepts.
  • Dark energy could be likened to an invisible ocean surrounding us.

52:38

"Alternate Universes, Electron Charges, Tyson Lecture"

  • Other universes may exist where people are not unpleasant, provided the laws of physics are identical to ours.
  • If the charge of an electron differs, it's best to stop interactions to avoid negative consequences.
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist, hosted a physics discussion at Columbia and Barnard College on January 11.
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