StarTalk Podcast: Physics All Around Us, with Neil deGrasse Tyson

The script begins with an introduction to StarTalk, a show hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist from the American Museum of Natural History. The episode is a Cosmic Queries edition focusing on the physics of everyday life, co-hosted by Chuck Nice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding physics not just as a collection of facts, but as a foundational knowledge that applies to all experiences and observations in the universe. The hosts discuss the interconnectedness of physics with other fields like biology and chemistry, and how learning the basics can lead to a broader understanding of the world.

The conversation shifts to discussing the asymmetry found in nature, using the example of the periodic table of elements not being a perfect rectangle. The hosts explore the concept of beauty in symmetry and how nature often defies this expectation. They discuss the molecular structure of spearmint and caraway, highlighting the importance of the mirrored image in chemistry and how it affects taste. The discussion extends to the chirality of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and how this could indicate extraterrestrial life. The periodic table's structure is explained, with elements arranged based on their properties rather than a strict symmetry, reflecting the underlying complexities of nature.

The hosts delve into the complexities of life and the human body, discussing the asymmetry present in our organs and the philosophical expectations of symmetry in nature. They touch on historical perspectives, such as Isaac Newton's views on the beauties of nature as God's handiwork and Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, which idealizes human proportions. The conversation highlights the imperfections and asymmetries in the human form and the universe, emphasizing that seeking perfection in nature often leads to incorrect conclusions.

The discussion turns to hypothetical questions about how advanced alien civilizations might view human achievements. The hosts humorously suggest that aliens might be impressed by human engineering feats and our capacity for innovation, despite our self-destructive tendencies. They also contemplate the vast amount of resources spent on military and destructive purposes, and how reallocating these resources could have accelerated human progress. The segment ends with a reflection on the importance of intellectual and political energy in driving humanity forward.

The hosts address a humorous question about what would happen if the Earth were flat and ice from the poles melted. They then transition into a more serious discussion about black holes, explaining their nature and how they function. They clarify that black holes are not giant sucking machines but rather have gravity proportional to their mass. The conversation includes a hypothetical scenario of a black hole merging with Earth and the concept of spaghettification, where objects get stretched out due to the extreme gravitational forces near a black hole.

The hosts discuss the employability and value of degrees in physics and mathematics. They argue that both fields produce problem solvers who can see solutions from unique perspectives. While physics may offer more direct applications in society, both fields are highly respected and necessary. The conversation also touches on the role of art and science in civilization, with a focus on how societal needs and interests can drive the demand for certain professions and areas of study.

The hosts tackle the question of why there haven't been more advancements in solar energy despite it being a constant resource. They discuss the economic challenges and the historical subsidization of the oil and gas industries. The conversation highlights the need for society to potentially subsidize solar energy in the same way to tip the economics in favor of renewable energy sources. The segment also touches on the limitations of battery technology and the potential for it to improve alongside the growth of solar power.

The hosts address whether established rules and laws of physics, such as laws of motion and thermodynamics, can be changed. They explain that while the term 'law' has been used less frequently in modern physics, this doesn't mean that scientific understandings are static. Instead, as new evidence emerges, our understanding expands and evolves, incorporating new insights without completely discarding previous theories. The conversation emphasizes the iterative and cumulative nature of scientific progress.

The hosts conclude the episode by explaining the science behind thunder. They describe how lightning, which is a discharge of electricity, heats the air around it, causing it to expand rapidly and create a shockwave. This shockwave is what we perceive as thunder. The hosts discuss how the timing of lightning and thunder can be used to estimate the distance of a storm and the nature of lightning as a discharge seeking to balance electrical charges. The segment ends with a reflection on the beauty of natural phenomena and the importance of scientific understanding.