StarTalk Radio Cosmic Queries – ALIENS! with Jake Roper
14 snips
Oct 24, 2025 
Jake Roper, a YouTube creator from Vsauce3, explores the fascinating world of aliens in film with Neil deGrasse Tyson. They discuss the easiest alien movie to survive, with Jake choosing 'E.T.' and diving into quarantine risks. The conversation shifts to the plausibility of laser weapons and the existence of organizations like Men in Black. They debate who to send on a first-contact mission, ponder survival strategies during an alien attack, and consider the most believable sci-fi alien depictions. Roper's insights make for an entertaining and thought-provoking dialogue.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Life Likely Exists Elsewhere
- Given the universe's age and common organic chemistry, it is highly unlikely Earth is the only life-bearing world.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson argues thinking we're alone is inexcusably egocentric.
E.T. Seems Safe — Until You Consider Quarantine
- Jake proposes E.T. as the easiest alien movie to survive but flags quarantine risks from unknown microbes.
- Neil jokes about unseen biological aftermaths after the movie ends.
Alien Pathogens Are Unlikely To Infect Us
- Cross-species contagion is unlikely because pathogens are often specific to related biochemistry.
- Neil explains alien-to-human disease transmission would require major mutation or biochemical compatibility.
