Cosmic Chemistry with Kate the Chemist & Neil deGrasse Tyson

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the Cosmic Queries series, highlighting the Chemical Edition. The host, Neil deGrasse Tyson, is joined by co-host Matt Kirsch and guest Kate the Chemist, Kate Bieberdorf from the University of Texas at Austin. They discuss the format of the show, which involves answering questions from Patreon members about chemistry and its role in the universe. The conversation touches on the unique F word not allowed in Kate's classroom and the possibility of using the gaseous constituents of farts to detect life on other planets. The show kicks off with a question about the point at which chemistry came into existence after the Big Bang, leading to a discussion on the early universe's conditions and the formation of the first molecules.

This segment delves into the complexities of chemistry in the context of the early universe and the unique conditions required for the formation of molecules. The discussion revolves around the challenges of forming bonds at high temperatures and velocities, using the helium hydrogen molecule as an example. The conversation also explores the possibility of the periodic table being different in other parts of the universe with vastly different conditions, with the consensus being that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are consistent across different regions. The topic of nuclear chemistry versus traditional chemistry on Earth is also touched upon, setting the stage for further exploration of chemical phenomena in space.

In this part, the discussion shifts to the unusual properties of hydrogen under extreme conditions, such as its metallic state found in the core of gas giants like Jupiter. The conversation highlights the role of hydrogen's metallic properties in generating strong magnetic fields. The topic of xenon, an inert gas that can form compounds under certain conditions, is introduced, emphasizing the dynamic nature of chemical properties under varying circumstances. The segment also addresses the importance of understanding the conditions under which chemical properties are reported, challenging the notion of standard temperature and pressure as universal measures.

The focus of this segment is on the essential elements required for life and how they are delivered to Earth through cosmic events like asteroid impacts. The discussion explores the importance of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and the potential for life to exist on other planets with different atmospheric compositions. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Goldilocks zone and the search for life on other planets, emphasizing the need for an atmosphere to facilitate natural chemical reactions. The role of ultraviolet radiation and its effects on biology, both harmful and beneficial, is also discussed, highlighting the complex interplay between chemistry and life in the universe.

This segment delves into the unique role of iron in the life cycle of stars, particularly its consumption of energy during fusion and fission processes. The discussion addresses the endothermic nature of iron fusion and its implications for the stability of stars. The conversation also explores the origin of heavier elements on Earth, explaining the role of supernova explosions in creating and dispersing these elements throughout the universe. The segment concludes with a reflection on the current state of element discovery and the potential for future advancements in this field.

The conversation in this segment revolves around the limits of the periodic table and the possibility of discovering new elements. The discussion touches on the challenges of creating and characterizing unstable elements with short lifespans, and the potential for an 'island of stability' where elements with higher atomic numbers could exist longer. The segment also addresses the practical aspects of updating the periodic table and the implications of new element discoveries for our understanding of chemistry and the universe.

This part of the discussion focuses on the most powerful chemical explosives and the potential for discovering even more powerful substances. The conversation explores the characteristics of explosive molecules, particularly those containing nitrogen, and the historical context of using TNT as a benchmark for measuring nuclear blast strength. The segment also touches on the potential for new, more powerful explosives and the implications for both scientific research and practical applications.

The final segment of the discussion brings together the themes of chemistry, life, and the human body. The conversation begins with a question about the potential for detecting signs of extraterrestrial life through chemistry, specifically the presence of pollutants in exoplanet atmospheres. The discussion then shifts to the chemistry of bodily functions, such as flatulence, and its potential as an indicator of life. The segment concludes with a humorous exploration of the flammability of certain bodily gases and the implications for safety and understanding of chemical reactions.