StarTalk Radio Cosmic Queries – Gravitons & Hyperspeed
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Mar 10, 2026 They tackle wild what-ifs from moving Earth to throwing Jupiter into the Sun. Topics range from gravitons and why they evade detection to the physics behind hyperspeed and artificial gravity. There are deep dives on galaxy spins, black hole optics, and whether cosmic expansion stops galaxies from colliding.
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Generate Power In Space With Solar Farms Not Perpetual Turbines
- Use turbines or photovoltaic panels depending on environment to generate electricity in space.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson explains motion-driven turbines work like on Earth but recommends space-based solar farms beamed to Earth via microwaves as practical solution.
Stirring A Star Can Prolong Fusion Like Blue Stragglers
- Feeding a star's core by stirring outer hydrogen inward could prolong fusion, as seen in blue straggler stars formed by stellar collisions.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson notes Jupiter's mass is negligible compared to the Sun, so throwing planets in yields only minor effect.
Artificial Gravity Won't Stop Jolts From External Forces
- Artificial gravity doesn't prevent jolts from external forces; occupants still experience jerks from sudden accelerations or impacts.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson compares it to bus stops and highlights warp (space-warping) vs. hyperspace differences for crew survival.