WIL WHEATON & Science of Star Trek - StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Nerdist

6 Dec 201233:33

EducationalLearning

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TLDRIn this episode of Star Talk Live at the Neptune Theater, Seattle, host Neil deGrasse Tyson engages in a lively discussion with guests Paul F. Tompkins, Kristen Schaal, and Wil Wheaton. They explore the influence of Star Trek on technology and society, with Wheaton sharing personal anecdotes from his time on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The conversation delves into the plausibility of various Star Trek technologies, such as warp drives and holodecks, and how they inspired real-world innovations like the MRI. The panel also humorously touches on the show's cultural impact, from its portrayal of the future to its role in shaping the imagination of tech pioneers.

Takeaways

🎬 The transcript is from a live recording of 'Star Talk' at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
🌟 Guest Will Wheaton, known for his role as Wesley Crusher in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', shares his passion for the series and his personal anecdotes.
🎥 Will Wheaton discusses his childhood acting career and his transition into more geek-oriented roles, highlighting his genuine fandom of Star Trek.
👽 The conversation touches on the futuristic technologies depicted in Star Trek, such as the holodeck, transporters, and medical tricorders, and their potential real-world applications.
🚀 Neil deGrasse Tyson and Will Wheaton explore the concept of warp drive and its necessity for traversing the vast distances in space, comparing it to the diameter of the Milky Way galaxy.
🔬 The show delves into the inspiration that science fiction like Star Trek has had on real-world technology, including the development of the MRI machine inspired by the medical tricorder.
👓 The discussion includes a humorous debate about the visibility of windows and the scientific principles behind light transmission and absorption.
🌞 The script also covers the physics of light and heat, explaining why it feels warmer in sunlight than in the shade, despite the air temperature being the same.
🌌 Reference is made to the influence of Star Trek on the creators of video games like Doom, showing the cultural impact of the series beyond television.
👽 The participants also ponder the social and cultural commentary present in Star Trek, including Gene Roddenberry's vision of a future driven by cooperation and scientific advancement.
🧐 The script highlights the importance of scientific literacy and the role of science fiction in inspiring real-world scientific exploration and innovation.

Q & A

Who are the guests featured in this Star Talk Live episode at Neptune Theater in Seattle?
-The guests featured in this episode are comedian Paul F. Tomkins, Kristen Schaal, and Wil Wheaton, along with the host Neil deGrasse Tyson.
What role did Wil Wheaton play in Star Trek: The Next Generation?
-Wil Wheaton played the role of Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Why did Wil Wheaton change his sideburns style to be pointy like in Star Trek?
-Wil Wheaton changed his sideburns to be pointy as a personal homage to Star Trek, showing his fandom for the series.
What technology from Star Trek did Wil Wheaton believe would never happen in 500 years?
-Wil Wheaton believed that the technology of doors opening automatically just by walking in front of them would never happen in 500 years.
What is the diameter of the Milky Way galaxy and how does the warp drive in Star Trek help in traversing it?
-The diameter of the Milky Way galaxy is 100,000 light years. The warp drive in Star Trek allows ships to travel faster than the speed of light, making it possible to cross such vast distances in a much shorter time.
What is the significance of the holodeck in Star Trek: The Next Generation?
-The holodeck in Star Trek: The Next Generation is a room where crew members can live out their fantasies and escape the realities of being on a starship for extended periods, contributing to their mental well-being.
What is the acronym for VISOR, the device used by Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation?
-VISOR stands for Visual Instrument and Sensor Organ Replacement, a device used by Geordi La Forge to see.
How did Star Trek inspire real-world technological advancements according to the discussion in the script?
-Star Trek inspired technological advancements by presenting futuristic concepts that influenced the creativity of engineers and scientists, such as the idea of a medical tricorder which influenced the development of the MRI.
What is the concept of the cloaking device in Star Trek and how could it relate to real-world technology?
-The cloaking device in Star Trek makes a ship invisible by bending light around it. In the real world, technology is being developed to manipulate light in similar ways, although not yet to the extent of full invisibility.
Why did the inventor of the MRI machine credit Star Trek for inspiring him?
-The inventor of the MRI machine was inspired by the medical tricorder in Star Trek, which scanned bodies without invasive procedures, leading him to develop a way to see inside bodies non-invasively.
What is the significance of the electromagnetic spectrum in the context of astrophysics and space exploration?
-The electromagnetic spectrum is significant in astrophysics and space exploration as it allows scientists to observe different aspects of the universe through various types of telescopes sensitive to different parts of the spectrum, revealing phenomena like the birth of stars and planets.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Star Talk Live Introduction and Guest Arrival

Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts the live show 'Star Talk' at the Neptune Theater in Seattle, introducing the guests: comedian Paul F. Tomkins, actress Kristen Schaal, and actor Wil Wheaton. Wheaton, known for his role as Wesley Crusher in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', shares his genuine enthusiasm for the series and his experience on set, including his homage to Star Trek with pointy sideburns and his playful interactions with the show's technology.

05:00

🚀 Sci-Fi Predictions and Warp Drives in Star Trek

The conversation delves into the plausibility of technologies depicted in 'Star Trek', such as the warp drive, necessary for traversing the vast distances in space. Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the concept of a light-year and the Milky Way's diameter, emphasizing the impracticality of traveling at the speed of light. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of the show, including the humor and the idea of a future with only jazz and classical music.

10:03

🤖 Holodeck Malfunctions and the Influence of Star Trek on Technology

The panel discusses the Holodeck from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', a virtual reality room that often malfunctioned in the series. They explore the concept of families living on starships and the Holodeck's role in providing an escape from the monotony of space travel. The influence of 'Star Trek' on technological advancements, particularly in the gaming industry, is highlighted, with the Holodeck inspiring the development of immersive virtual experiences.

15:05

🌌 The Electromagnetic Spectrum and the Vision of Gene Roddenberry

Neil deGrasse Tyson and the guests discuss the electromagnetic spectrum, from visible light to gamma rays, and how telescopes have expanded our understanding of the universe. They pay tribute to 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry, whose secular humanism and storytelling addressed social issues and inspired scientific curiosity. The conversation also covers the Spitzer Space Telescope's infrared observations, revealing the birth of stars and planets.

20:05

🛡️ The Science of Cloaking Devices and the Human Achievement

The discussion turns to the concept of cloaking devices, drawing parallels with the transparency of windows to visible light and the potential for light to bend around objects. The group debates the scientific principles behind invisibility and the warmth felt from sunlight due to the absorption of radiant energy. They also reflect on the achievements of humanity, from ancient pyramids to modern scientific discoveries.

25:07

🌡️ The Role of Physics in Medical Technology and the Legacy of Star Trek

The panel explores the origins of medical technologies such as the MRI, highlighting the contributions of physicists to medical imaging. They discuss the influence of 'Star Trek' on the development of such devices and the future of hospital technology. The conversation also touches on the design philosophy of 'Star Trek's Next Generation' computers, which anticipated operating systems that adapt to user needs.

30:07

🎤 Final Thoughts on Star Trek's Impact and the Evolution of Medical Technology

In the closing segment, the guests reflect on the enduring impact of 'Star Trek' on popular culture and technology. They emphasize the importance of continued medical advancements and the need to move beyond outdated hospital technologies. The conversation concludes with a humorous exchange about the perceived primitiveness of current medical practices compared to the futuristic vision presented in 'Star Trek'.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Star Trek

Star Trek is a popular science fiction franchise that includes television series, movies, and other media, set in the Milky Way galaxy, depicting the adventures of various starships and their crews. In the video, Star Trek is a central theme, with discussions about its influence on technology, its cultural impact, and personal experiences of the actors involved with the series. The script mentions characters like Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation, played by the guest, who was a fan before being cast.

💡Warp Drive

A warp drive, in the context of Star Trek, is a faster-than-light propulsion system used by starships to travel vast distances across the galaxy. The script discusses the concept of warp drive as a necessary technology within the Star Trek universe for traversing the 100,000 light-years diameter of the Milky Way, which is a central aspect of the show's ability to explore new worlds and civilizations.

💡Tricorder

A tricorder is a handheld device used in Star Trek to scan and analyze a wide range of variables such as geological data, biological information, or the condition of machinery. In the script, the tricorder is highlighted as a predictive technology that inspired real-world devices in the medical field, such as the MRI, which allows for non-invasive body scans.

💡Holodeck

The holodeck is a simulated reality room in Star Trek where crew members can engage with three-dimensional projections for recreation or training. The script mentions the holodeck as a futuristic concept that encapsulates the idea of immersive virtual environments, and it is discussed in terms of its potential addictiveness and the challenges of keeping people engaged with reality.

💡Neptune Theater

The Neptune Theater is a real-world venue in Seattle where the live recording of the Star Talk program, featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson, takes place. It serves as the backdrop for the discussions in the script, providing a context for the live audience engagement and the setting for the celebrity guests and topics discussed.

💡Lightyear

A lightyear is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.8 trillion miles, and is used to measure vast cosmic distances. In the script, the concept of a lightyear is explained to emphasize the scale of the universe and the impracticality of traveling across the Milky Way galaxy at the speed of light without advanced technologies like the warp drive.

💡Cloaking Device

A cloaking device, as mentioned in the script, is a fictional technology capable of rendering an object invisible by bending light around it. The concept is explored in the context of Star Trek and is also compared to real-world scientific concepts of invisibility and light manipulation, such as the use of metamaterials in research.

💡Gene Roddenberry

Gene Roddenberry was the creator of Star Trek and is credited with shaping its vision and philosophy. The script references Roddenberry's influence on the secular humanism portrayed in Star Trek, which has informed the worldview and morality of many fans, including the speaker in the video.

💡Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) is a television series set in the Star Trek universe and is the direct sequel to the original series. In the script, TNG is specifically mentioned in relation to the guest's role as Wesley Crusher and the technological advancements depicted in the series, such as the holodeck and tricorder.

💡Infrared and Ultraviolet

Infrared and ultraviolet are parts of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond the visible light range. Infrared lies beyond red light, and ultraviolet beyond violet light. The script discusses these as examples of technologies and scientific discoveries that have expanded our understanding of the universe, with infrared being used in telescopes like the Spitzer Space Telescope to see through gas clouds and ultraviolet and x-rays to detect phenomena like black holes.

Highlights

Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts a live Star Talk event at the Neptune Theater in Seattle.

Guests include comedian Paul F. Tompkins, actress Kristen Schaal, and actor Wil Wheaton.

Wil Wheaton discusses his role as Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation and his genuine fandom of the series.

Tompkins and Tyson explore the plausibility of futuristic technologies depicted in Star Trek, such as the food replicator and automatic doors.

Wheaton shares anecdotes about his experience filming Star Trek and the show's influence on his life.

The conversation touches on the cultural impact of Star Trek and its portrayal of a future with advanced technology.

Tyson and Wheaton discuss the warp drive concept and its scientific basis, including the size of the Milky Way galaxy.

The show delves into the idea of interspecies relationships and the implications for Star Trek's universe.

Wheaton talks about his character's人工心脏 and the creative liberties taken in the series to advance the plot.

The panelists debate the scientific accuracy of various Star Trek technologies, such as the holodeck and medical tricorders.

Tyson explains the concept of a light-year and the vast distances involved in space travel.

Wheaton reflects on the role of Star Trek in inspiring real-world technological advancements.

The discussion highlights the influence of Star Trek on popular culture and the aspirations it sets for future scientific achievements.

Tyson and Wheaton consider the ethical and moral lessons imparted by Star Trek's secular humanism.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the significance of scientific discovery and its potential to improve human life.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Star Trek Wil Wheaton Neptune Theater Sci-Fi Celebrity Talk Space Exploration Technology Discussion Sci-Comedy Fan Event Live Show