Things You Thought You Knew - Bada Bing! with Neil deGrasse Tyson

This segment dives into the concept of the space-time continuum, a foundational idea in physics that was popularized by Einstein's special theory of relativity. The host discusses how spatial dimensions are linked to a fourth dimension, time, to create a space-time system. Using everyday examples, like meeting someone at a specific place and time, the host illustrates how we intuitively understand life in four dimensions. The segment also touches on the consequences of this understanding, such as the idea that two objects can be in the same place but not at the same time, and how this concept is explored in science fiction.

The host examines time travel narratives in science fiction, specifically pointing out perceived inconsistencies in the Terminator series and Back to the Future. The discussion highlights the importance of considering not just time but also space in time travel scenarios, as Earth's position in its orbit must be synchronized to ensure a time traveler lands in the desired location. The concept of a 'world line' is introduced, describing the path of an individual through space and time, and the idea that an entity like Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen can perceive and interact with their own world line simultaneously is explored.

The host ponders the concept of higher dimensions, using the analogy of an ant trapped on a two-dimensional plane to illustrate how access to a third dimension could provide escape. This leads to a thought experiment on whether a fourth spatial dimension could be used to escape a prison cell. The host also contemplates the possibility of using the fourth time dimension to escape a past event, such as a jail sentence, by returning to a point in time before the event occurred.

This segment tackles the common observation that the moon appears larger on the horizon, a phenomenon known as the moon illusion. The host explains that this is a psychological effect due to the brain's depth perception and the presence of familiar terrestrial objects for comparison. The discussion also covers the atmospheric effects that cause the moon to appear yellow or amber when low on the horizon. The host shares a method to perceive the moon's true size by looking at it upside down through one's legs, removing familiar depth cues. Additionally, the cultural and regional names for full moons throughout the year are mentioned, highlighting the 'honeymoon' in June.

The host clarifies the term 'blood moon,' which is sometimes used to describe the moon during a lunar eclipse. Explaining the science behind a lunar eclipse, the host points out that the term 'blood moon' is a misnomer as the moon does not actually appear red but rather a deep amber color due to the Earth's atmosphere filtering the sunlight that reaches the moon. The host also dispels the notion that a red moon signifies impending doom, attributing it to exaggerated descriptions and cultural superstitions.

The segment focuses on the sun, its distance from Earth, and the impact of its gravitational influence. The host describes the sun's role as the source of life and how its light reaches Earth in about 8 minutes and 20 seconds. The host also discusses the sun's size, mentioning that it could contain approximately a million Earths. Additional topics include sunspots, solar flares, and the sun's differential rotation, which contributes to space weather phenomena that can affect satellites and astronauts. The host wraps up with a quote from Galileo, emphasizing the sun's dual role in governing the cosmos and nurturing life on Earth.

This segment delves into the sun's magnetic properties, including its 11-year cycle of sunspot activity and the associated solar flares. The host explains how the sun's magnetic field can flip every 22 years, completing a full cycle. The discussion highlights the sun's equatorial region rotating faster than its poles due to the sun being a gaseous body. The host also touches on the effects of solar flares on electronic systems and the importance of monitoring space weather for the safety of astronauts and the functioning of satellites.