House Science & National Labs Caucus: Neil deGrasse Tyson

Congressman Randy Hultgren introduces himself and discusses the importance of the newly created bipartisan House Science and National Labs Caucus. He praises Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson as an influential figure in science communication, highlighting his various achievements and widespread influence. The congressman emphasizes the significance of basic research and scientific exploration as integral to the nation's identity and economic growth, advocating for continued investment in these areas despite political and economic challenges.

Dr. Tyson shares his experience of being asked to write a chapter for the Columbia History of the 20th Century. He decided to write about the transition from physical exploration to the exploration of ideas. He discusses the historical motivations for large, expensive projects, such as the pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and the Manhattan Project, identifying three main drivers: the threat of war, the promise of economic return, and the praise of royalty or deity. Dr. Tyson suggests that modern projects, like Mars exploration, need to align with these motivations to secure funding and support.

Dr. Tyson explains the concept of National Labs, highlighting their role in significant scientific discoveries and advancements, particularly in physics. He notes the shift from military-driven research during the Cold War to peaceful exploration and the resulting challenges in securing funding for basic research. He argues that National Labs should be leveraged to address the country's needs in areas such as energy, battery technology, and biofuels, emphasizing the long-term benefits of government investment in science.

Dr. Tyson discusses the discovery of elements and the contributions of American scientists to the periodic table, particularly in the heavy elements. He expresses disappointment that the discovery of the Higgs boson, a particle crucial to understanding the universe, was made at CERN rather than in the United States. He uses the Higgs boson as an example of how basic research, even when it doesn't immediately seem practical, can lead to significant scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements.

Dr. Tyson traces the historical understanding of energy, from Isaac Newton's time to the Industrial Revolution, and the subsequent development of technologies like the steam engine and electricity. He highlights the transformative impact of these scientific discoveries on society and the economy, emphasizing the importance of basic research in driving innovation and societal progress.

Dr. Tyson recounts the birth of quantum physics in the 1920s and its profound impact on the world, particularly in the field of information technology. He discusses the initial skepticism and lack of understanding surrounding quantum physics, yet notes how it laid the foundation for the IT revolution and the modern economy. He argues for the value of curiosity-driven research and the unforeseen benefits it can bring to society.

Dr. Tyson discusses the launch of Sputnik and the subsequent reaction in the United States, leading to the creation of NASA. He clarifies that the moon landing was driven by a perceived threat and the 'I don't want to die' motivator, rather than pure exploration. He reflects on the economic and cultural impacts of the space race, and how it led to a new understanding of Earth and the beginning of the environmental movement.

Dr. Tyson argues that space exploration not only drives the economy but also transforms culture and perspectives. He suggests that investing in science and technology is essential for a nation's future economic stability and innovation. He criticizes the short-sightedness of politicians who fail to see the long-term benefits of scientific research and calls for a new law that encourages investment in initiatives with long-term benefits beyond their reelection cycles.

Dr. Tyson shares his vision for the future of space activities, emphasizing the need for a suite of vehicles and technologies to explore and utilize space resources. He discusses the potential for asteroid mining and the importance of deflecting potential asteroid threats. He also highlights the role of government in leading space frontiers and the potential for private enterprise to support these efforts.

Dr. Tyson reflects on his ability to communicate science to the public and the importance of scientists engaging with non-scientists. He discusses the cultural shift in the perception of scientists in the media and the need for scientists to fulfill their duty to share their knowledge. He also touches on his own experiences and methods in science communication, including his radio show and interactions with various public figures.

Dr. Tyson clarifies a misunderstanding about his involvement with rapper GZA's album about space. He explains that while he did have GZA on his radio show, they are not collaborating on the album. He expresses appreciation for GZA's decision to use cosmic themes in his music, as it indicates the mainstream acceptance of scientific concepts in popular culture.

Dr. Tyson discusses the fascinating nature of black holes, describing the process of spaghettification that occurs when a planet like Earth approaches a black hole. He explains the extreme density of black holes and the one-way trip to certain destruction that they represent. Despite the grim outcome, Dr. Tyson expresses his personal fascination with the concept of dying by black hole, highlighting the unique scientific experiences it would offer.

The session concludes with a round of applause for Dr. Tyson's engaging and insightful presentation. The moderator encourages the audience to continue their interest in science and to support the House Science and National Labs Caucus. The event is recognized as a valuable contribution to public understanding and appreciation of science.