Summary
In this episode of Startalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and his co-hosts discuss the Great American Eclipse, which is the first coast-to-coast eclipse since 1918 and will only be visible in the United States. They are joined by Joe Rao, an eclipse expert who has seen 11 total eclipses, who emphasizes the importance of being in the path of totality to fully appreciate the event. The hosts also mention their spin-off podcast, Playing with Science, which explores the intersection of sports and science.
The episode covers various aspects of the upcoming solar eclipse, including the Saros cycle, which is a series of eclipses that are related to each other, and the unique Earth-Moon system that allows for total solar eclipses. The hosts also answer listener questions about the moon's orbit, whether other planets in the solar system experience similar types of eclipses, and humorous questions like whether the Sun smells and whether the Moon will rain down cheese during an eclipse.
The hosts also discuss the temperature changes that occur during an eclipse, the importance of enjoying the eclipse with the naked eye instead of trying to take photos or videos, and the diamond ring effect and sharp shadows that occur during the last moments of the eclipse. They provide safe ways to view the eclipse, such as using eclipse glasses or projecting the image onto a surface using a mirror, and warn against the dangers of looking directly at the sun.
Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Great American Eclipse and its significance, while also incorporating humor and answering listener questions in a friendly and engaging manner.
