Cosmic Queries – Total Darkness
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In this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice dive into a wide-ranging 'Cosmic Queries' segment, tackling everything from quantum physics to existential philosophy. The conversation begins with a playful exploration of absolute zero and the impossibility of reaching it due to quantum fluctuations, debunking the myth of 'cold' as a substance and explaining why extracting infinite energy from zero-point energy isn't feasible. The hosts then discuss the omnipresence of photons—even in total darkness—highlighting the cosmic microwave background radiation as a remnant of the Big Bang. They explore the physics of heat transfer, the limitations of cooling laws, and the potential of unlimited energy from solar power, envisioning radiant heating for entire cities and the end of resource-driven wars. Later, they examine the nature of gravity as spacetime curvature versus a force with a carrier particle, pondering the hypothetical graviton and the frontier between classical and quantum physics. The episode concludes with a deeply personal reflection on Neil’s journey with telescopes—from childhood binoculars to his first 2.4-inch refractor and a 6-inch Newtonian used on a solar eclipse expedition—culminating in a touching story of a banned children’s book depicting a Black teen with a telescope being confronted by police, only to win them over with Saturn.
Cold is not a substance—it’s the absence of heat; you can’t add cold, only remove heat.
Absolute zero cannot be reached due to quantum fluctuations, which prevent particles from ever being completely still.
Photons are everywhere—even in dark rooms—emitted by all objects above absolute zero, with the cosmic microwave background being a remnant of the Big Bang.
Unlimited energy from solar power could revolutionize society by eliminating resource wars and enabling radiant heating for cities.
Gravity may not be a force with a carrier particle but rather a consequence of spacetime curvature, challenging the need for a graviton in quantum theory.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cosmic Queries: Absolute Zero and the Illusion of Cold
“You can't put cold in something. That's where I was going when I said it's gone. If you could do that. Right. Then you can make something like infinitely cold.”
Photons Everywhere: The Invisible Light of the Universe
“Anything that is at any temperature at all is radiating photons. There you go.”
The Physics of Cooling and Newton’s Forgotten Law
Neil reveals Isaac Newton’s lesser-known law of cooling and discusses how temperature differences drive heat transfer. He humorously notes Newton’s celibate life and its possible link to his scientific focus.
Unlimited Energy and the Future of Civilization
“I would shut down every war that’s ever been fought. Because most of these wars that we fight are over some form of energy.”
Gravity as Curvature: The Graviton and the Quantum Frontier
“Maybe it sits outside of the quantum paradigms that would require that there be a graviton. Boy, that's something. That's kind of cool, man.”
“I would shut down every war that’s ever been fought. Because most of these wars that we fight are over some form of energy.”
“Six times as much gravity in the universe, as is what is created by that mass that I just calculated. Right! So if that extra gravity comes from matter, then we legitimately are calling it dark matter.”
“Have you ever seen Saturn through a telescope before? Right. And then they're enchanted thereon.”
Hosts
neil degrasse tyson
person
chuck nice
person
isaac newton
person
dalton
person
cosmic microwave background
other
dark matter
other
absolute zero
other
graviton
other
huntsville, alabama
place
hayden planetarium
place
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