Neil deGrasse Tyson

Date: 2019-09-05 | Duration: 2h 24m

Episode Overview

Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to the Joe Rogan Experience to explore a wide range of scientific topics with his trademark clarity and enthusiasm. The conversation delves into the nature of water and ice, explaining why ice floats and how this property is crucial for life on Earth. Tyson also discusses the challenges and potential of desalination technology, emphasizing the growing importance of fresh water access in the future. The episode highlights the intersection of science and society, touching on the rise of science denialism and the critical need for scientific literacy in leadership to ensure continued progress. Astrophysics takes center stage as Tyson recounts the historic achievement of capturing the first image of a supermassive black hole, illustrating the collaborative spirit of modern science. He reflects on the spiritual and cultural significance of sacred lands like Mauna Kea, where powerful telescopes peer into the cosmos, and the tensions that arise between scientific advancement and indigenous rights. The discussion also ventures into gravity’s mysteries, the nature of dark matter, and the limits of human understanding, all framed with Tyson’s accessible explanations and thoughtful insights. Throughout, Tyson shares personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, making complex ideas relatable and inspiring curiosity about the universe.

About Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, cosmologist, and prolific science communicator, celebrated for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the public. He earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia University and has served as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. Tyson is widely recognized for his engaging books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry," and his role as host of the acclaimed reboot of Carl Sagan’s "Cosmos." Known for his charismatic presence and thought-provoking insights, he has become a prominent figure in popular culture, advocating for scientific literacy and inspiring curiosity about the universe. His appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience exemplifies his ability to spark lively discussions about science, philosophy, and the cosmos.

Key Moments

– Astrophysics
– Black Holes
– Scientific Literacy
– Climate Science
– Water Properties
– Space Exploration
– Indigenous Rights
– Renewable Energy
– Gravity
– Science Denial
– Desalination
– Electric Vehicles
– Surveillance
– Relativity
– Dark Matter
– Science Communication
– Environmental Impact
– Science and Religion
– Data Privacy
0:00:00 – Introduction and greetings
0:02:53 – Discussion on visibility of stars and atmospheric conditions
0:07:37 – Explaining STEAM and interdisciplinary science
0:09:18 – Science's impact on humanity and pollution
0:11:28 – First image of a supermassive black hole revealed
0:13:16 – Importance of electing scientifically literate leaders
0:15:18 – Ice melting experiment and water density explained
0:26:52 – Why ice skating works based on ice properties
0:28:19 – How dry ice sublimates under Earth’s pressure
0:31:25 – Triple point of water and Mars environment
0:33:00 – Ozone’s interaction with ultraviolet light and life protection
0:36:15 – Speculation on how water arrived on Earth
0:39:18 – Decision-making processes for scientific projects
0:42:46 – Spiritual significance of mountaintops for indigenous people
0:46:26 – Perspective gained from visiting the Keck Observatory
0:49:32 – Indigenous concerns about telescope construction
0:53:49 – Comparison of sacred sites like Uluru
0:59:03 – Water molecule abundance and environmental implications
1:03:15 – Future conflicts over fresh water resources
1:06:26 – Using steam to generate electricity and desalinate water
1:09:05 – Global air movement and weather patterns
1:12:37 – Full cost accounting of fossil fuels and health impacts
1:18:37 – Electric car charging times and infrastructure
1:21:13 – Market dynamics of electric vehicles
1:23:46 – Tesla’s ideas and comparison to Edison
1:27:32 – Wireless energy transmission challenges and health concerns
1:29:58 – Discussion of 'ultimate black' materials
1:32:01 – Light absorption and energy redirection techniques
1:34:02 – Concerns about smart devices and privacy
1:39:24 – Algorithmic advertising and user profiling
1:41:32 – Surveillance and data collection parallels with Cold War
1:44:45 – Balancing essential liberty and security
1:47:47 – Creating compliant societies through surveillance
1:53:07 – Dark matter and its gravitational effects
2:01:04 – Understanding gravity from Newton to Einstein
2:05:05 – Exploring the 'why' behind physical phenomena
2:14:40 – Supermassive black holes and their characteristics
2:19:43 – StarTalk podcast as a science communication platform
2:20:16 – Importance of science communication in public understanding

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hello. Starting point is 00:00:10 You look good. Starting point is 00:00:19 Yes. Starting point is 00:00:35 Oh, okay. Starting point is 00:00:53 to a slightly other kind of dimension Starting point is 00:01:23 Yeah. So there's a town there. There's a cypress tree. Starting point is 00:01:44 That's my point. And in this particular case where the title is the background? That's my point. Starting point is 00:02:07 If it's not, what are you doing? Starting point is 00:02:24 Somebody did. Look. Dig itry Night in bacon? Somebody did. Starting point is 00:02:33 Yeah, so- Starting point is 00:02:53 is not wind and it's not clouds because if it was if it was clouds you wouldn't see the stars right Starting point is 00:03:15 And that enables us to trace over what set of weeks Starting point is 00:03:35 I mean, it was- Starting point is 00:03:48 The cool stuff is something that they felt and it came out of them. Starting point is 00:04:06 but to be able to express it, Starting point is 00:04:24 where a household name is the name of the person who told other people the enemy was coming? Starting point is 00:05:06 You drive by trees. You don't even know they're there. Yet a poem about a tree. I'll never see something as lovely as a tree. Oh my gosh. Starting point is 00:05:49 I'm just guessing. Starting point is 00:06:01 The definition. Starting point is 00:06:28 ahead of it. The definition of beatify. Starting point is 00:06:44 consecrate. So I think if you take something ordinary and you subject it to the interpretation of Starting point is 00:07:11 I'm the sibling scientist. Starting point is 00:07:37 It's a STEAM. Starting point is 00:07:56 Things get really squirrely when you start adding more letters. Starting point is 00:08:30 Just think about it. Starting point is 00:08:50 And how do they express this? Starting point is 00:09:02 But I've got it. Starting point is 00:09:18 He just says, I hate that science brings some of the worst things that's...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1347?

Neil deGrasse Tyson was the guest on JRE #1347. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1347?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1347 with Neil deGrasse Tyson, topics include Astrophysics, Black Holes, Scientific Literacy, and Climate Science.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1347?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1347 with Neil deGrasse Tyson is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.