Moiya McTier

Astrophysicist and folklorist Moiya McTier reveals that there are potentially too many galaxies for us to comprehend. Sara Kiley dives into the evolutionary history of ancient sharks and how climate changes shaped their adaptations. Rachel explains how ants act as mini surgeons, performing intricate procedures to help injured colony mates. Discover the surprising possibilities that ant saliva holds for future research and intriguing parallels between ancient and modern marine life amidst current climate challenges.

Moiya McTier, an astrophysicist and folklorist, explores the fascinating links between ancient astronomy and folklore, showing how our ancestors navigated the cosmos through storytelling. She reveals how celestial observations fueled myths and provided early humans with vital knowledge, like predicting eclipses. The conversation shifts to the enchanting lore of the Milky Way across cultures and prophecies of its future collision with Andromeda, inviting us to reframe our understanding of time and our place in the universe.

Is it time to update the constellations? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Matt Kirshen dive into astrophysics, folklore, and our ancient connection to the stars with astrophysicist Moiya McTier, Ph.D. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Viny Adomonis, Thomas Blankenhorn, Weston Daniel L., Lauren Scott, and Aaryan Kukar for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: ESO/Y. Beletsky, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.