Summary
In this episode of Star Talk's Cosmic Queries grab bag edition, the hosts answer various questions from listeners about the universe and cosmology. They discuss topics such as comets, gravity, black holes, and the expansion of the universe. They explain that comets can be identified by their chemical composition, and caution against getting too close to black holes due to the dangers of spaghettification. They also discuss the concept of CP time, the possibility of AI having senses like taste and smell, and the challenges in outfitting machines with these senses. The hosts end the episode with a lighthearted tone and encourage listeners to keep working on understanding the mysteries of the universe.
The hosts also discuss the beauty industry and societal standards of appearance, joking about how aliens visiting Earth might think humans believe they are irreconcilably ugly given how much money is spent on beauty products. They receive a question about black hole stars, but admit they are not familiar with the concept and discuss the unknown phenomenon necessary for creating the massive black holes seen in galaxies.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of asking questions in science, but also note that not all questions require a philosophical inquiry. They mention Stephen Hawking's contributions to the topic of what happens to matter when consumed by a black hole, explaining that we do not know what happens at the singularity, but the black hole remembers what it ate through Hawking radiation.
Overall, the episode covers a range of topics in a casual and approachable manner, encouraging listeners to continue exploring the mysteries of the universe.
