Summary
In this episode of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and his guests Godfrey and Don Chima discuss various topics related to space and physics. They answer fan questions, including what Isaac Newton would find most exciting about our current understanding of the universe and if the universe is expanding evenly. The conversation is lighthearted and humorous, with the hosts engaging in banter throughout the segment.
The hosts discuss the time it would take for a manned spacecraft to explore the entire galaxy and the possibility of creating robots that can replicate themselves to populate the galaxy. They also touch on the idea of an edge to the universe and whether or not space is truly a vacuum. Additionally, they discuss the invention of the blue light-emitting diode and the expansion of the universe.
The conversation then delves into more theoretical topics, such as the possibility of our universe being a 3D hologram of another universe with more dimensions, the concept of a zero state of energy in the universe, the mathematics of quantum physics, and the principle of Occam's razor. They also touch on the idea of moving backwards in time with regards to black hole technology.
The hosts also discuss Richard's recent book, "Welcome to the Universe," which delves into solutions to Einstein's equations that involve exotic trajectories which could potentially allow for time travel. The book also discusses the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, which remain largely unknown.
The concept of space-time is forever intertwined, and time dilation near black holes can cause time to move so slowly that the entire future history of the universe unfolds before one's eyes. The idea that gravitational bleeding from other dimensions could be what we call dark matter is a favorite explanation, but it is unlikely due to the drop-off of gravity as one over R cubed.
Overall, the discussion is informative and entertaining, with a conversational tone. The hosts share personal anecdotes and opinions, making the episode engaging and enjoyable for listeners.
