StarTalk Radio Cosmic Queries - Flat Universe
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Aug 12, 2025 The hosts delve into whether merging the asteroid belt could form a planet. A playful discussion unfolds about photon particles and alien life, while pondering time measurement and communication with extraterrestrials. They tackle the peculiar Casimir Effect and the potential consequences of a non-rotating Milky Way. Mixing humor with science, they also engage in friendly debates over pizza toppings and what it means to explore cosmic dynamics. It’s an entertaining ride through the universe with thoughtful reflections and cosmic banter!
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Photons Aren't The Only 'Pure' Energy
- Neil deGrasse Tyson explains photons are massless while gluons and gravitons behave as particles.
- Energy of particles still has mass-equivalent via E=mc^2.
Tiny Masses Can Orbit If Conditions Fit
- Neil deGrasse Tyson says a CO2 molecule could orbit you if given the right speed and distance.
- But thermal motions usually make gas escape unless gravity holds it.
Keep A 24-Hour Rhythm In Space
- Neil deGrasse Tyson advises keeping a 24-hour day for voyages to match human circadian rhythms.
- Studies show people isolated without cues drift to ~25–26 hour cycles.
