ESO/S.Brunier’s Image of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.
ESO/S.Brunier’s Image of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.

Cosmic Queries – Science is Cool 4

Photo Credit: ESO/S. Brunier, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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About This Episode

On this episode of StarTalk Radio, we’ve once again partnered with PocketLab by Myriad Sensors to answer Cosmic Queries submitted by teachers across the globe. Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are tackling questions on topics ranging from total solar eclipses to the science curriculum of today. They are also joined by Dave Bakker and Clifton Roozeboom, co-founders of PocketLab. 

We start with a question we’ve all wondered: What is the most beautiful and inspiring process in space? Neil tells us why a total solar eclipse should be on your bucket list of things to witness. We explore what happens when two galaxies collide together in a “cosmic ballet.” You’ll learn about satellite galaxies and the Magellanic Clouds. 

How does astronomy help civilization? Does astronomy have any economic value? Neil explains how the knowledge you learn studying the universe can be used in other parts of life. We discuss the long history between governments and astronomers, navigational tools created by astronomers, and why certain problems seem small on a celestial scale. 

Then, we dive into science curriculum. How do we train students to see through the noise? Neil tells us why science simply needs to be taught differently. You’ll find out why in order to be more creative you have to be less productive. We investigate personal truths vs. objective truths and tackling religion and science in the classroom. Lastly, you’ll find out the best ways to get science concepts across to students. All that, plus, you’ll also find out what Neil wants to know most about the universe. 

Thanks to our Patrons Steve Lindauer, Farid El Nasire, Kyle Marston, Russell House, William Martin, Sami Succar, Christopher Ludwig, David Root, Mike Staber, and Andy Green for supporting us this week.

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