Neil deGrasse Tyson On Coronavirus: Will People Listen To Science?

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
7 Mar 202010:55
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this engaging interview, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the global response to the coronavirus, emphasizing the importance of heeding scientific advice. He also touches on the recent astronomical discovery of a massive explosion, leaving a gaping hole in a galaxy cluster 14 million light-years away. Tyson humorously addresses the concept of a 'mini-moon' and an asteroid the size of Mount Everest passing by Earth, highlighting the role of physics in understanding such cosmic events. The conversation concludes with reflections on Earth Day's 50th anniversary and the profound impact of space exploration on environmental awareness and policy.

Takeaways
  • 🎬 Neil deGrasse Tyson is the guest on Stephen Colbert's show, where they discuss a range of topics including science and space.
  • 🌍 Tyson comments on the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that it’s a global experiment to see if people listen to scientists.
  • 🧑‍🔬 The discussion emphasizes the importance of following scientific advice during the pandemic, such as washing hands and taking precautions.
  • 🌌 Tyson explains a recent discovery of the largest explosion since the Big Bang, which left a gaping hole in a galaxy cluster 400 million light-years away.
  • 🚀 The conversation touches on the absurdity of measuring rocket power in horsepower, given the vast difference in scale between horses and space travel.
  • 🪐 They discuss a 'mini-moon' orbiting Earth, which Tyson downplays as just a rock caught in Earth's orbit.
  • 💥 Stephen Colbert expresses concern about an asteroid the size of Mount Everest passing close to Earth, but Tyson assures him it won’t hit.
  • 🌎 Tyson reflects on Earth Day, noting that it was founded in 1970 after humanity gained a new perspective on Earth from space exploration.
  • 💧 The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and other environmental initiatives in the early 1970s were influenced by the cosmic perspective gained during the Apollo missions.
  • 🎓 Stephen Colbert jokingly suggests that Tyson should run for president due to his insightful and inspiring views.
Q & A

  • Who is the guest in the transcript and what is his profession?

    -The guest in the transcript is Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is an astrophysicist, the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, and the host of 'Cosmos'.

  • How does Stephen introduce Neil deGrasse Tyson as his favorite?

    -Stephen introduces Neil deGrasse Tyson as his favorite astrophysicist, humorously suggesting that he doesn't want to know any others and doesn't remember any before Neil.

  • What is the topic of discussion regarding the coronavirus?

    -The topic of discussion regarding the coronavirus is whether people will listen to scientists and medical professionals, such as Anthony Fauci, and follow their recommendations for precautions.

  • What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's perspective on the global experiment involving the coronavirus?

    -Neil deGrasse Tyson views the global response to the coronavirus as a massive worldwide experiment to see if people will listen to scientists and take the necessary precautions for their own good.

  • What is the significance of the largest explosion since the Big Bang mentioned in the script?

    -The significance of the largest explosion since the Big Bang is that it left a gaping hole in a galaxy cluster, which was observed by scientists as evidence of an explosion from a black hole in the center of a galaxy.

  • How far away is the galaxy cluster with the observed explosion?

    -The galaxy cluster with the observed explosion is 14 million light-years away.

  • What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's opinion on the term 'mini-moon'?

    -Neil deGrasse Tyson believes the term 'mini-moon' is inaccurate and that it would be more accurate to call it a 'minirock' since it is essentially a rock orbiting Earth.

  • What is the size of the asteroid mentioned in the script that is comparable to Mount Everest?

    -The asteroid mentioned in the script is about five or six miles across, which is comparable to the size of Mount Everest.

  • Why is the 50th Earth Day significant according to Neil deGrasse Tyson?

    -The 50th Earth Day is significant because it marks the anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970, which led to increased environmental awareness and the establishment of important environmental policies and agencies.

  • What is the connection between space exploration and environmental awareness as discussed in the script?

    -The connection between space exploration and environmental awareness is that seeing Earth from space provided a new perspective on the planet's fragility and the need for global environmental action.

  • What does Neil deGrasse Tyson suggest we should do on Earth Day?

    -Neil deGrasse Tyson suggests that on Earth Day, we should first apologize to the Earth for our past actions and then express our commitment to making things better for the environment.

Outlines
00:00
🌌 Neil deGrasse Tyson on Science and the Coronavirus

The first paragraph introduces Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and host of 'Cosmos,' as a guest on a show. The host, Stephen, engages Tyson in a light-hearted conversation about being his favorite astrophysicist. They discuss the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with Tyson offering his perspective as a broadly scientifically literate individual rather than a medical expert. Tyson emphasizes the importance of listening to medical professionals like Anthony Fauci and following their recommendations for public health. He encourages a balanced approach, advocating for awareness without succumbing to fear. The conversation also touches on the recent discovery of the largest explosion since the Big Bang, which Tyson describes as a massive event that left a gaping hole in a galaxy cluster, caused by an explosion from a central black hole.

05:02
🚀 Space Exploration and Earth's Mini-Moon

In the second paragraph, the discussion shifts to space exploration, with Tyson expressing excitement about recent news from our solar system, including the discovery of a mini-moon or 'minirock' orbiting Earth. He humorously dismisses the significance of this mini-moon compared to the actual Moon and space debris. The conversation continues with the mention of a massive asteroid, the size of Mount Everest, passing by Earth, which Tyson assures will not impact our planet based on the laws of physics. The segment also addresses Earth Day's 50th anniversary, reflecting on the environmental progress made since the first Earth Day in 1970, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and the banning of leaded gas. Tyson highlights the importance of acknowledging our impact on Earth and committing to making things better.

10:02
🌱 The Cosmic Perspective on Earth's Environment

The final paragraph delves into the cosmic perspective on Earth's environment, with Tyson discussing the transformative effect that viewing Earth from space has had on our understanding of the planet's fragility and the need for global environmental stewardship. He recounts the historical context of the first Earth Day and the subsequent environmental legislation that was enacted while humanity was exploring space. Tyson argues that space exploration has provided a broader perspective that has led to significant environmental awareness and action. The conversation concludes with a call to continue this environmental commitment on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Astrophysicist
An astrophysicist is a scientist who studies the physical aspects of celestial objects and phenomena, such as stars, galaxies, and the Big Bang. In the video, Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist, is introduced as the guest, indicating the theme of exploring cosmic and scientific topics. His role as a scientist is emphasized when he discusses the coronavirus, suggesting the importance of listening to scientific advice.
💡Hayden Planetarium
The Hayden Planetarium is a part of the American Museum of Natural History and is renowned for its exhibitions and educational programs about space and astronomy. Neil deGrasse Tyson's position as the director of this institution highlights his expertise and the video's focus on astronomical subjects.
💡Cosmos
Cosmos is a popular science television series that explores various aspects of space, the universe, and human understanding of them. Neil deGrasse Tyson is mentioned as the host of 'Cosmos,' which underscores the educational and informative nature of the video content.
💡Coronavirus
The coronavirus, specifically COVID-19, is a global pandemic that has affected societies worldwide. In the script, Tyson discusses the importance of listening to scientists and medical professionals regarding the pandemic, illustrating the intersection of scientific literacy and public health.
💡Scientific Literacy
Scientific literacy refers to the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and the ability to engage with science-related issues. Tyson mentions being 'broadly scientifically literate,' indicating the importance of having a basic understanding of science to navigate current events like the coronavirus pandemic.
💡Galaxy Cluster
A galaxy cluster is a large group of galaxies bound together by gravity. The script discusses an observed phenomenon in a galaxy cluster, where a 'gaping hole' was found, presumably caused by an explosion from a black hole. This concept is central to the video's exploration of cosmic events.
💡Black Hole
A black hole is a region in space with an extremely strong gravitational force, from which nothing, not even light, can escape. The script mentions an explosion from a black hole in the center of a galaxy, which is a significant event in the context of astronomical phenomena.
💡Mini-Moon
A mini-moon, as discussed in the script, refers to a small rock or asteroid temporarily captured by Earth's gravity. Tyson expresses skepticism about the term, suggesting it's more accurately described as a 'mini-rock,' indicating a discussion about the terminology and significance of such space objects.
💡Asteroid
An asteroid is a large rocky object orbiting the sun. The script mentions an asteroid the size of Mount Everest, which is used to illustrate the scale of the object that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. This serves as an example to emphasize the potential impact of such celestial bodies.
💡Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The script discusses the significance of Earth Day, its origins in 1970, and the environmental legislation and awareness that emerged from that time, tying the celebration to broader themes of environmental stewardship.
💡Space Exploration
Space exploration is the investigation and discovery of celestial objects and phenomena. The script connects space exploration to a 'cosmic perspective' that can lead to a realignment of priorities regarding Earth's survival, suggesting that exploring space can have profound effects on our understanding of our planet and our role in its preservation.
Highlights

Neil deGrasse Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History and the host of 'Cosmos'.

Stephen Colbert jokes about Tyson being his favorite astrophysicist and the concept of 'favorite astrophysicists'.

Tyson discusses the global experiment of the coronavirus pandemic and the importance of listening to medical professionals.

The conversation highlights the public's response to scientific advice during the pandemic.

Tyson emphasizes the value of not living in fear and the importance of heeding scientific warnings for public health.

Stephen Colbert brings up the recent discovery of the largest explosion since the Big Bang, prompting an explanation from Tyson.

Tyson describes the observation of a gaping hole in a galaxy cluster, likely caused by an explosion from a central black hole.

The discussion includes the scale of the explosion, comparing it to the size of our galaxy.

Tyson uses the analogy of horse power to explain the challenge of describing the size of cosmic events.

The conversation shifts to a mini-moon in our solar system, with Tyson expressing skepticism about the term.

Tyson explains the concept of capturing a wayward rock in our solar system's orbit.

Colbert and Tyson discuss the difference between a mini-moon and space junk, with Tyson suggesting a more accurate term.

Tyson dismisses concerns about a large asteroid passing by Earth, emphasizing the reliability of physics.

The interview covers the significance of Earth Day, its origins, and the environmental legislation enacted around the time of the Apollo missions.

Tyson reflects on the impact of seeing Earth from space and the resulting global environmental awareness.

The conversation concludes with Tyson's thoughts on the importance of maintaining a cosmic perspective for the survival of the planet.

Transcripts

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Neil deGrasse TysonScience InterviewCoronavirusSpace ExplorationAstrophysicistCosmos HostGalaxy ClusterBlack HoleEarth DayEnvironmental ProtectionSpace Perspective