First question... you are who?
I have a PhD in astrophysics and I am often called to bring the universe down to earth for the media and documentary makers. I have also written books and lecture widely on the universe, america's space program and the failure of our educational system
Have you fixed your time machine yet?
Yup. That's what happens when I let Stewie touch my stuff.
Have you fixed your time machine yet?
Yup. Stewie was meddling with it. But he's gone now.
What do you think it will take for the US to seriously reinvest in the space program?
A foreign threat. That seems to be the only thing around that motivates bickering political parties to act in harmony.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment scientifically? In life as a whole?
Made a prediction some years ago that there were 10x as many galaxies in the universe than had then been catalogued. based on a careful review of observation bias in how people obtained data on the universe. The actual number turned out to be about 5x as many galaxies. I got the wrong answer but for the right reasons, and it stimulated much further work on the subject.
Mad predictions are often the best. Especially Grade A ones.
Agreed.
If you appeared on the game show Jeopardy, how do you think you would do?
I've appeared on the Jeopardy board (a video clue) about three or four times. I think one was even a daily double. If I were a contestant, I'm sure I would make the first few rounds, but would surely lose in any tournament. The people who win these things have a different brain wiring than I have. Part of me echoes Einstein's edict: never memorize what you can look up in a book.
Will our minds ever be able to truly comprehend the vastness of the universe?
I lose sleep worrying that we, as a species, are indeed simply too stupid to figure out the universe. There's even some YouTubes of me offering this lament. I other words, we are not as candid as we should be about our neuro-biological limitations.
Can we inspire more kids to pursue space-related science and research? If so, how?
Kids are never the problem. They are born scientists. The problem is always the adults. The beat the curiosity out of the kids. They out-number kids. They vote. They wield resources. That's why my public focus is primarily adults.
If you could change one thing about how the sciences are taught to American children, what would it be?
Create a goal state for educational pipeline to see in broad daylight - some ambitious mission - like a voyage to mars - that is so compelling that the quality of your science teacher is irrelevant. Your consequent ambitions trump all other forces.
What never fails to blow your mind in physics?
1) The fact that an electron has no known size -- it's smaller than the smallest measurement we have ever made of anything.
2) That Quarks come only in pairs: If you try to separate two of them, the energy you sink into the system to accomplish this feat is exactly the energy to spontaneously create two more quarks - one to partner with each of those you pulled apart.
3) That the space-time structure inside a rotating black hole does not preclude the existence of an entire other universe.
MindBlown x 3
When will Cosmos series 2 air, and will it air in the UK?
Thanks for asking. Spring 2012. On FOX network. Likely primetime. UK will likely follow shortly thereafter.
1) My life is not especially private of late. So everything you see me do it what I do.
2) cats can be cute, and all. But in the end, I think there's no substitute for a dog. I walked dogs for money as a kid to pay for a telescope and my first SLR camera.
3) Current space travel situation is fine, if you are not American.
What is your favorite short science fact you like to tell people to really make them think?
That our bodies atoms are traceable to supernova stars that scattered their chemical enrichment across the cosmos, spawning the birth of star systems that contain planets, at least one of them containing life.
Since time slows relative to the speed of light, does this mean that photons are essentially not moving through time at all?
yes. Precisely. Which means ----- are you seated?
Photons have no ticking time at all, which means, as far as they are concerned, they are absorbed the instant they are emitted, even if the distance traveled is across the universe itself.
Your thoughts on the upcoming Cosmos series? And thanks for all you do, you are like a rockstar in our household!
Loooong overdue. Last one was 31 years ago. A generation, that it.
Would you run for president?
What's it like to be so awesome?
No. It's the universe that's awesome. I'm jus revealing that fact to all who will listen.
What seemingly far-fetched aspect of science fiction do you think humans will reach first? (For example: Time Travel, lightsabers, invisibility, etc.)
None of it. Not even the costumes.
When do you think we would be able to explore Europa, given the current pace and funding of space exploration?
Europa is not on the planetary scientist's priority list, for an obscure combination of reasons that relate to cost and whether we are technologically prepared to undertake such mission versus missions to other tasty targets in the solar system.
What is your favorite fact about the Universe?
That is will never end. That it's on a one way trip of expansion. Something that many find to be philosophically unsettling. My view is that if your philosophy is not unsettled daily then you are blind to all the universe has to offer.
Just checking in today me and the wife adore you and we are thankful for all you're doing for a better understanding of science.
Cheers from Brazil.
Gotta love Brazil: Soccer. Mardi Gras. Thong bikinis. And the third largest aerospace industry in the world.
Holy crap. I don't know what to ask you but I.. I just wanted to say hi Neil.
Edit: What is one thing that you recently learned and blew your mind?
Yo. I suppose you can live vicariously for these next few moments.
What are you most proud of at the Hayden Planetarium? What current exhibit should a visitor absolutely not miss?
Birthing a scientific research department of Astrophysics. You don't see them but it's a thriving department with faculty, postdocs, graduate students, research publications etc. In this world administrative victories are always the greatest.
What is your opinion of the Symphony of Science videos?
Only when creative people take ownership of cosmic discovery will society accept science as the cultural activity that it is.
And so I applaud all such efforts of artists.
What do you think about Ancient Aliens?
It's what people say when they can't figure out how ancient humans accomplished something.
Rather than say, "I'm too stupid to figure this one out on my own", they say, "I am smarter than these ancient humans, and since I can't figure out what's going on here, they must have had help from aliens."
We need more hubris in this world.
Hello! What inspired you to be an astronomer? How old were you when you decided to do this career path?
That's why I wrote this book: :"The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist" http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/buy/books/the-sky-is-not-the-limit
it all started at age Nine. And it was the universe that called me.
I just want to say that I can't wait for your new Cosmos series. And I also love it whenever you appear on The Daily Show.
That is all.
Thanks. We're all working hard on it right now. Except, at this moment, me.
What one improvement would you make to the way our society as a whole approaches science if it were within your power?
Society needs to see science not as a luxury of funding but as a fundamental activity that drives enlightenment, economics, and security. Science agencies should never have to go hat in hand to congress.
One idea would be for the USA (or any other country for that matter) to earmark 10% of its budget to R&D. Like a good startup company might do. That way everyone knows what to expect annually. And long term research projects will have some hope of funding stability.
No question, I just want to say thank you for sharing your breadth of knowledge with us and the rest of the world while being generally cool about it.
it's really a two-way street. If people didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. I'd just stay home and work.
What is your favorite sci-fi movie?
Three-way tie: The Matrix - The first one, of course. Contact Deep Impact.
And classical have: 2001 A Space Odyssey.
[deleted]
see above.
What is the most interesting fact you have come across about the universe?
see above
Why are you so amazing at everything you do?
I don't do the things I am not amazing at, leaving people with the impression that I'm good at everything. A common selection bias that afflicts us all.
What are some very interesting DIY science experiments that a person can do as hobby?
There's no substitute for Oobleck. Easy to concoct in the kitchen. Weeks of amazing experiments on the counter. Google it.
Is it possible for humans to ever discover the "edge" of the universe? Is there really any "end" to it?
No edge. Any more than the horizon at sea is an edge to the earth.
Who is your favourite Canadian?
Of those who I know are Canadian - because, of course, so many try to pass as Americans -- I'd say Peter Jennings and Alex Trebek.
Do ever feel pressured into being the figure-head for promoting people into supporting astronomy? That's how I view you. :D
No pressure at all. Instead, I feel compelled to get people to support science for their own survival.
What is the simplest thing in your life that makes you happy?
Watching a person learn something new - not simply a new fact (those are cheap and easy) -- but achieve a new understanding for how the world works. That's the only reward a (true) educator ever seeks.
Who are the unknown scientists of the 20th Century that people should know?
M. Burbidge, G. Burbidge, W. Fowler, & F. Hoyle. Google them.
Do you agree with the idea (Carl Sagan was a proponent) that humans should prepare to, one day, forever leave the surly confines of Earth? In other words, should we plan to colonize other planets?
Because it would be fun. And because we will probably learn something new about ourselves and our own planet. But not as a place to escape from an incoming asteroid. For that I'd rather stay on Earth and deflect the damn thing.
Can you recommend an affordable, yet quality backyard telescope I can buy my 7-year old who can already name all of the constellations on sight? I don't want to spend money on junk, but I'm willing to spend on something that will allow him to explore.
Start here: http://bit.ly/sG1SKn
If you could impress one thing on young people today, what would it be?
That adults are not all they're cracked up to be. And most of them are wrong most of the time. This can be quite revelatory for a kid - often launching them on a personal quest of exploration, rather than of Q&A sessions with their parents.
How was it being a guest star on The Big Bang Theory? Do you think the show hurts or helps the perception of physicists?
The funnest 24 hours I ever spent in my life. Flew to LA from NYC in the AM. Returned on the RedEye. It's mainstreaming the culture of science. Note to those who criticize it: Where were you when scientists were always portrayed as lab-coat donning crazy people hell bent on destroying the world?
What food do you never get tired of eating?
Strawberry Malt.
Hey Neil! Saw your post on Twitter (Il_Cattivo_666 on there)
Following the massive downsizing of our space program here in America, who do you think is going to fill the gap that we've left, over the next 10 to 20 years? Will we see Russia re-emerge as the major space-goer? Or do you think the ESA will expand it's role in operating the ISS?
Forgive the cheap plug, but I just wrote a whole book on this, to appear in Feb 2012, titles "Space Chronicles".
I originally called it "Failure to Launch" but the publishers nixed the title, citing it was too depressing. Here's the listing for a pre-order, if interested. http://www.amazon.com/Space-Chronicles-Facing-Ultimate-Frontier/dp/0393082105
What do you prefer NASA to explore more of?
Asteroids that might one day hit us.
How did you know space was your thing!?!? BTW Huge fan!!!!!!
It called to me. I had no say in the matter.
What issues or ideas keep you up at night? Also, are you a Queen fan?
That America has lost its technological and scientific compass.
Gotta love Brian May and his PhD in astrophysics.
First heard Bohemian Rhapsody on the radio when I was only half asleep. An incident like that can accidentally alter your brain wiring.
Where are the aliens?
We are too stupid to interest them. So they go elsewhere.
You've always been an inherently funny guy. Will that transfer to your take on Cosmos, or will you seek to emulate Sagan's more sober wonder?
Excellent question. Sagan's "sober wonder" was a fundamental dimension of Cosmos's gravitas. Something that we all in this new production deeply respect. But I can't be something I'm not. Nor should I be. So right now we are exploring the best mix of sober wonder, charming humor, and intellectual depth. I think we'll land in a new place, respectful of Carl's legacy, but allowing me room to express my pedagogical enthusiasm for the subject.
[deleted]
A marvelous way to just convince people to give you money. Offer to freeze them for later. I'd have more confidence if we had previously managed to pull this off with other mammals. Until then I see it as a waste of money. I'd rather enjoy the money, and then be buried, offering my body back to the flora and fauna of which I have dined my whole life.
What are you feelings on religion and the afterlife, and are you scared to die?
I remain unconvinced that anything other than rapid decomposition is the fate of my body and mind after death. I've accomplished enough in life so that I do not fear death. In fact, I've left instructions for my Epitaph - a quote from the educator, Horace Mann: "Be Ashamed to Die, Until You Have Scored Some Victory for Humanity". That's the creed I live by. And will die by.
Not a question, just a thank you for inspiring thousands of teenagers like me to pursue science.
Keep it going. Thanks.
Neil- As a new social studies high school teacher, how can I best impart a love and respect for science and the importance of learning to my students who see school as a waste of their time? I struggle with this aspect of teaching more than any other.
I thrive on exploring all the ways science impacts life, society, and culture. It's the founding principle of StarTalk radio: http://startalkradio.net/
So a goal as teacher, perhaps ought to include knowing as much as you possibly can about pop culture and referencing it at every turn as you teach the syllabus. I am there with my Tweets: http://twitter.com/#!/neiltyson Takes a while to build up that utility belt of songs, TV shows, harry potter, etc. But it pays great dividends.
If you could add one course to a student's curriculum, what would it be?
Course title every university should offer: "How to tell when someone else is full of shit"
Do you think that Humans in our lifetime will achieve the technology to be able to live forever?
If so, what is your greatest dream that you may someday be able to do that we don't yet have the technology to do?
Yes, I think it's inevitable. But that would eventually make for a very crowded Earth. So perhaps that's what we need to jumpstart the space program.
Would love to live long enough to know what dark matter and dark energy actually are.
What would you say the greatest inspiration that keeps driving you to continue educating the world in science is? Oh much has Sagan's work influenced you in your career decision?
Thanks for being badass!
I remain daily inspired by the depth of appetite the public expresses of the cosmos. That keeps me going. And it grants me the confidence that success is within reach.
Carl Sagan had no influence on my career choice. I was already formed when he went public. But he influenced me in important other ways: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqrN3Bfro8
What do you think will be the biggest scientific breakthrough upcoming in the next 50 years?
Life elsewhere in the solar system. Mars, most likely.
In all seriousness, who do you find as the most qualified Republican presidential candidate? why?
I typically vote Democrat, but if i had to pick a Republican from the current spate, I'd be Newt Gingrich -- primarily because deep down inside he's an academic sympathizer. He is genuinely curious about the natural world and the role science can play in those paths of discovery. (FYI: I know this first-hand). Also, he is probably least likely to resort to prayer to solve America's problems.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into a STEM field but is discouraged by the limited job prospects and America's lack of commitment to science?
Study STEM, but then do anything else -- and when you do, you'll be scientifically literate. A form of brain wiring that improves the depth and strength of every decision you will ever make in life.
Favourite Star Trek character?
I'm old-school: Kirk. Then Spock a distant second. Then the tribbles.
Who do you look up to?
My parents. Still alive and married 59 years.
What is your favorite celestial body? Why? (BTW just have to say I <3 the vest)
Saturn. Without a doubt. Just one peek at it through a backyard telescope and you might just agree with me.
I love you, just thought you should know.
Thanks. But it's probably the universe you love.
What do you think about the state of science reporting? Is there more of a burden on the scientific community to articulate their findings to the media, or on the media to be more informed before they report? Or should one side just step up?
It's much better than a few decades ago - in quality and especially quality. Documentarians have raise the bar on the depth of science that gets talked about on television. And there's no end of science on line. In the 1970s you could go months before you saw any news or treatment of scientific discoveries. Now you're treated to them weekly, if not daily.
What things encourage/discourage you about the roll science plays in American classrooms?
When people (teachers and parents) don't understand science, they have the urge to teach it alongside other things that are not science. And since education is funded locally, a community can unwittingly disenfranchise an entire generation of its youth from the scientific enterprise. it's the seeds of America's collapse as a sic-tech leader in the world.
[deleted]
Not enough space or time here to rant on that one.
What are you scared of?
I'm too rational to be deeply scare of anything. But I'm deeply worried for America.
What is your opinion on the whole idea of the technological Singularity and do you think such a monumental leap in science and technology is ever likely to happen to the degree that Moore's Law supposedly dictates (according to Kurzweil)?
I find the entire movement to be entertaining, in spite of my skepticism that the singularity will have the meaning ascribed to it. I'm primarily pissed off that they stole a perfectly good word from black-hole physics.
What do you think of the current downfall of the History channel and it's onslaught of psuedo-scientific programming on ancient aliens, monsters, ghosts and other ridiculousness?
Do we blame them or the viewers who watch it?
How do we fix education in America?
See above for the answer I did not give.
When I start feeling overwhelmed with school I watch your lectures and to put things in perspective. Thank you.
All good. If you are unfamiliar, The Teaching Company has 12 of my lectures, titled collectively "My Favorite Universe". They're on DVD, but I think they might also have an audio version for commuting. http://www.thegreatcourses.com/tgc/courses/Course_Detail.aspx?cid=158
what is the key to rooting out the anti-science view in America, especially in regards to things like evolution and climate change?
I don't mind anti-science views. We've all bought into America being free - which means, above all else, freedom of speech. What concerns me is when those who are anti science, try to prevent others from doing science. When that happens, that's the beginning of the end.
Thank you for being here, Sir. Your tweets are one of the highlights of my day.
I'm really looking forward to your upcoming Cosmo show. Sagan's is one of my favorite television broadcasts ever. Can you tell us what we can look forward to in yours?
Still baking the episodes. Trust that the "franchise" is in good hands and that we want to have the same impact on a next generation as the original Cosmos had on its generation.
What motivates you to keep going and doing what you do?
see above.
What is one of the most common misconceptions about space/time/astrophysics that you encounter, and how would you clear up that subject?
That the north star is the brightest in the night sky. I'd guess about 9 out of 10 people think this. But it does not require a grant from the National Science Foundation to learn the answer. The North Star is not even in the top 40 in the night sky. It's the 49th brightest star. Rather dull and boring by most measures.
Does the future scare or excite you? Why?
I love the future. Or rather, I love the future we might invent for ourselves that I have not yet dreamt of.
Hi Neil, I'm a massive fan! I'm currently a junior in college studying physics and want to pursue a PhD. Do you have any advice for the next generation of scientists like me?
There are street artists. Street musicians. Street actors. But there are no street physicists. A little known secret is that a physicist is one of the most employable people in the marketplace - a physicist is a trained problem solver. How many times have you heard a person in a workplace say, "I wasn't trained for this!" That's an impossible reaction from a physicist, who would say, instead, "Cool. A problem I've never seen before. Let's see how I can figure out how to solve it!". Oh, and, have fun along the way.
All in a book coming about in Feb 2012. See earlier reply.
What are your thoughts on the reports of neutrinos traveling faster than the speed of light?
Three options:
1) Mistake in the data
VERY DISTANT 2) New particle traveling backwards through time. No need to modify relativity.
EVEN MORE DISTANT 3) Need to modify Relativity.
Do you think Pluto not "clearing its neighborhood" is reason enough to declassify it as a classical planet? Or is it that we have to pick somewhere to stop at in case we discover more "planets"?
Clearing the 'hood turns out to be a quantifiable statement that I detail in "The Pluto Files" http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/buy/books/the-pluto-files
I think the argument is sensible, cogent, and not likely o require further adjustments.
What are your views on Mars? I read that a few volunteers in Moscow took part in a year-long experiment to replicate the time it would take to get to Mars.
Would it be worth it? Can it become a 'second' home of sorts in the foreseeable future? Or is it unfeasable? (Can America do the same would be secondary, after all the Cold War has ended, but that too would be cool)
Gotta love Mars. But it's colder and dryer than Antarctica. And I don't see people lining up to build condo's at the South Pole. So until we perfect Terraforming, I see colonizing Mars with civilization as a fun fantasy.
Don't really have much of a question, just wanted to say that you visited my undergraduate university (Western Kentucky University) and gave an electrifying discussion about how religion holds back scientific progress, while not making religion out to be the problem.
Thanks!
Just to be clear...
It's not that Religion holds back science, it's that dogma-in-charge holds back science. And since Religion is a form of dogma (almost by definition of the word), then if religion is ever in charge of a political state, it will most assuredly hold back science.
What is something everyone should know about the universe, and science in general?
Also, how long do you think it will be before current theoretical physics will effect our everyday lives, and how do you think it will?
On a side note, where do you get your ties? They're awesome.
1) See higher in the thread. 2) Time delays for theoretical physics tend to be 20-40 years. Much longer than the re-election time scales of the American Government. 3) My sources of ties are a state secret., But in the meantime, here's a good source: http://www.zazzle.com/ties?cg=103875384642388040
Thanks so much for doing this! I love your work. I have a few questions.
Do you see it feasible for us to set foot on Mars by 2050?
Do you envision a colonization on the Moon?
Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe mankind will be ready to start exploring the cosmos in person?
1) No. Unless China threatens to put military bases there. Then we'll be playing golf there in 18 months. 2) No. Too supremely hostile to biology. 3) See link to my upcoming book on space exploration - in an earlier entry.
What is the best way, in your opinion, to have the whole world realize that we are just a blip on the radar of the universe?
Do you think that the world would benefit from being able to experience the "overview effect" or "space euphoria" that astronauts have claimed to experience?
This should cure that problem: http://youtu.be/c8CgDGhYKe8
When will you and Stephen Colbert go to the moon together?
Sure. And do a show from one of the craters.
Hi! I really appreciate you pointing out how flawed our education system is nowadays! What, in your opinion, are some significant changes that could be made to fix it? Thanks!
Some suggestions made earlier. But I'm thinking of writing a book on the subject. But it's back burnered at the moment due to other priorities in the queue.
With the world population growing exponentially in recent years, how do you suppose humans go about organizing space settlement missions to other worlds?
Gotta exploit space resources and learn to terraform first. Without those two elements, we will stifle and starve ourselves.
If there is one single accomplishment you'd like to see in space exploration or discovery within your lifetime, what would it be?
Search for aquatic life in the oceans of Jupiter's moon Europa.
If the idea of a minimum amount of energy in space is true, how can that cause the acceleration of the universe?
If the space was already at minimum energy then how can it impart that energy on to the universe? Wouldn't that imply a lesser state of energy?
PS.
You have made a profound influence on my life.
Thank you for your dedication to the public understanding of science.
A state of negative energy means that you are essentially getting something for nothing. Confounds common sense, but so does most of 20th century physics. Modern science is under no obligation to satisfy the expectations of your five senses.
I don't actually have a question to ask but just want to say that you're a seriously cool dude.
Thanks. I accept "dude" as a high compliment.
What do you think is the single most important thing for people to understand about space?
Space wants to kill you every opportunity it can get.
Do you think there will ever be reasonable commercial flights into space in our lifetime?
Yes. Assuming your are not resident of an old-age home.
If a taco and a burrito are traveling near the speed of light and collide, will the result be delicious?
The result would be an explosion large enough to destroy a small village. high speed collisions do that, whether or not they are made of Mexican food.
Are there any more definitive conclusions regarding the neutrinos which were recorded as breaking the speed of light at CERN? It was big news for a couple of days, but I haven't heard anything recently about whether the results were actually valid. If they were valid, does this mean relativity is inherently flawed? Thanks!
See earlier entry.
How does it feel to be voted 'Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive'?
I always wanted to be respected for my mind...
But seriously, it turned out to be much more harmless than I had feared. More a fun novelty than either a curse or a burden to carry
Just wanted to say hello! Also, what books are you reading at the moment?
"Burgundy", by Robert Parker and "the Myth of Science Literacy" by Morris Shamos and back issues of Skeptical Inquirer magazine: http://www.csicop.org/si/
With NASA continually having budget cuts, how big an impact do you feel commercial space travel can have on future exploration?
All in my Feb 2012 book. Sorry to make you wait that long, but part of the (occasionally snarky) value of writing a book is not having to repeat anything that's in it.
Do you, both as a public figure and lecturer, have a plan of action that you would like see implemented to improve not only STEM classes/knowledge in K-12, but also retain students in STEM fields of study in university? according to the NYT it appears there's quite a drop-off but no real firm answer to that.
also, thanks for being alive.
Comments scattered earlier on the subject.
Thank you. Just... thank you. You're one of my personal heroes.
...no pressure. _^
You should chose your heroes a-la carte. Picking and choosing from one and then another, thereby assembling a kind of composite hero. That way when you discover something reprehensible about any one of them it matters nothing to you because that's not the part of them that piqued your interest.
What is one specific point you would make to convince someone that believes astrophysics is a bunk science into actually recognizing it is a very valid science?
Send the person back to school.
first off, you are awesome man!
what do you think of ronald mallett and his search for time travel?
thanks for your time!
In physics, opinions don't matter, only demonstrated experiments. The day the fellow succeeds, if ever, he won't need anybody else's opinion.
What is your opinion about science/math education in high school? It seems to me like we emphasize far to much on facts that most people will never need, rather than encouraging people to think creatively and logically.
Agree 100%. Any time we are answer-driven rather than idea driven, we have lost the true meaning of education.
Do you believe that we will see civilian trips into space during our life time that aren't millions of dollars to book?
How about a manned trip to Mars?
No. But millions of dollars is a good start. I'd buy a lottery ticket for that.
What do you think about companies sponsoring private space missions in return for getting their logo on the craft? Could that be a new way of funding private space missions? There is enormous publicity surrounding each launch and so the sponsoring company would automatically get enormous publicity.
We are a capitalist nation, of which ads on the side of space craft are an inevitable consequence of free-market exploitations.
I just want to thank you for inspiring me to love science and the stars. Thank you for being part of my childhood.
Happy to have been there -- and made a difference. Although I still think of myself as a child.
Neil, can you confirm that Finland is pretty sweet?
Never been there. But my fondest memories are of Olympic distance runners from decades past.
Any chance you'll come visit Georgia Tech some time?
I show up wherever this page tells me: http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/upcoming-appearances
What is the single most interesting phenomenon in our universe for you?
See earlier post.
Any suggestions on how to get my friend to stop playing Skyrim? Football's coming on.
If it's just to go watch football then I'd leave him alone in his video universe.
What are some of the best research opportunities for undergraduate students in physics?
None. They are all in astrophysics.
What was your most memorable moment with Carl Sagan?
See link earlier.
What do you think we need to do to get people excited about space again?
That's half the theme of my Feb 2012 book on space. See links above.
If you think 5 and 10 years from now, what are you most looking forward to in science? Any expectations?
Cure for Cancer. Fully funded space exploration. Physics recognized as the foundation of chemistry. Chemistry recognized as the foundation of biology. And free market structured in a way that brings these discoveries to market efficiently and effectively.
Who?
Sorry to bother you.
How do you think we can encourage people to study science, when many college classes at the introductory level are considered to be "weed-out" classes?
The consequence of professors who would in a perfect world have no students at all.
Some colleges are changing that. And they know who they are.
Just wanted to say I love you and I appreciate what you're doing for the world by keeping science cool.
Thanks.
Okay, okay... where do you get your neato cosmic ties?
See earlier entry
I got really high one day and woke up a few hours later with "Gravity is like an ocean we swim in." written on a piece of paper on my coffee table. I know nothing about physics. Does this make any sense?
Okay, from a poetic-high point of view. But you can't drown in gravity. So the analogy breaks down fast.
Who is your favourite pokemon?
I'm a simpleton there. It would have to be the the yellow fellow with the electric tail.
What aspect of the universe do you find most exciting? and which part is the most mundane?
Mundane? Any place devoid of cosmic collisions. How dull is that.
Exciting? See earlier post.
You know what reddit is and are doing an AMA?
Watch out guys, we're dealing with a badass over here.
I've always admired the intensity of arguments that unfold on these pages. Happy to partake, even if only briefly. In fact it is here that I must resume my day and part ways with the Redditverse. Farewell to all. Maybe we can do this once a month. In the meantime, my tweets are live: http://twitter.com/#!/neiltyson
As always, keep looking up.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson