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Spoiler alert - really long post ahead but worth reading, and also Tyson prefers dogs over cats.

I know lots of people here read reddit but I don't go too often and missed this a few days ago. Someone mentioned it in the space thread on here. Figured I'd round up most of the question/answers so gaf could read if interested. I've bolded the ones I think are particularly important/interesting.

antaresiv

Who are the unknown scientists of the 20th Century that people should know?

M. Burbidge, G. Burbidge, W. Fowler, & F. Hoyle. Google them.

Redwater

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.

guitard00d123

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

MasterOfWomen

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"

izibo

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.

dahud

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.

agoody117

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.

bluengreen7

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.

climberslacker

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.

pneumo

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.

h3h

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.[/B]

Malfi

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.

iamseb

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.

ooohhhhhhh

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.

BonzTM

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.

therosetta

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.

epicjackson

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.

torchestogether

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.

fluterecorderdecool

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.

epohs

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.

lordatlas

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.

VikingMop

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.

kPat93

What do you prefer NASA to explore more of?

Asteroids that might one day hit us.

lionbologna

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.

nortab

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.

imnottouchingyou

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.

lambo91

What are your thoughts on cryogenic preservation and the idea of medically treating aging?

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.

themantis5000

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.

jesusismoney

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.

scurvydog00
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.

FoxHarem

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.

Reasonable_Roger

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.

darkerside

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.

LoveBy137

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?

psyced

What exactly do you do these days?
Are you a fan of cats?
What do you think of the current space-travel situation?

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.

KrapBag

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.

projectFT
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?

radioscott

What are you scared of?

I'm too rational to be deeply scare of anything. But I'm deeply worried for America.

starcadia

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.

antaresiv

Favourite Star Trek character?

I'm old-school: Kirk. Then Spock a distant second. Then the tribbles.

Hetero_For_Homo

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.

mortalum

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.

Xianeia

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.

kwikade

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.

dustbin3

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.

chewyspongetarts

What food do you never get tired of eating?

Strawberry Malt.

worldsbestuser

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.

frankdozier

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.

WhatHadHappenedWas

Where are the aliens?

We are too stupid to interest them. So they go elsewhere.

ngold5

What are some of the best research opportunities for undergraduate students in physics?

None. They are all in astrophysics.

mattpicasso

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.

sweettooth606

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.

bigpenisdragonslayer

Who is your favourite pokemon?

I'm a simpleton there. It would have to be the the yellow fellow with the electric tail.

kevinmw1987

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.

Bangadang

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.

Kattelox

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.

JRockstar50

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.

JackTR314

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

meowmeowmix

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.

quadsidecreeper

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.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/mateq/i_am_neil_degrasse_tyson_ama/

 

[Veidt]

Read thread title as 'Mike Tyson' and read OP before I realised it was Degrasse Tyson..


Okay...OP makes a whole lot more sense now...

 

[Adam Blade]

Pika Pika

 

[Haly]

That quark thing.

THAT QUARK THING.

I had to sit back and think about it for a minute or two.

(<3 tyson)

 

[nubbe]

Black holes are other universes.
That would explain the string theory of multiverses

 

[Stumpokapow]

Things people should have told Michael Jordan more often:

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.

 

[Hot Coldman]

So this guy seems awesome. I'd sure love the uni course he suggested.

 

[Haly]

So this guy seems awesome. I'd sure love the uni course he suggested.

The assignments could involve grading student research papers on a scale of 0-10, where 10 is "complete and utter bullshit".

 

[WillyFive]

<3 Tyson

He's awesome all the time.

Excellent answers to all of those.

 

[Davidion]

I'm always skeptical of these things now since, IIRC, there were some occasions where the guests turned out to be fake.

That having been said, the responses he gives, outside of some of the science-specific ones that I can't comment on, makes him seem really affable and also makes me want to read more of his writings and commentary.

Score one for Bronx Science.

 

[LCfiner]

this quote is so true and so depressing

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.

 

[CF_Fighter]

Awesome thread, thanks for putting this together OP. Can't wait for Cosmos to premiere. He has the exact same view on Ancient Aliens as I do, it's really discounting the ingenuity humans are naturally born with.

 

[Maleficence]

Dude is pretty awesome. Nice responses, and yes the quark thing blew my mind.

 

[zomgbbqftw]

Awesome thread!

Love the part about physicists seeing everything as a problem that requires solving. I certainly think like that and currently work in finance which has little to do with my BSc in Chemistry and Physics. I have yet to come across a field where I think "I'm unable to do that because I haven't been taught it formally" so I definitely agree with that sentiment about physicists (science in general).

Also, if that CERN finding does turn out to be a particle travelling back in time, it would be super awesome.

 

[marrec]

I love NdGT don't get me wrong, but man... reading this makes me really miss Sagan. It would be fantastic if he were involved in the new Cosmos.

Tyson has the approachability and charisma of Sagan, but now where near the ability to put together a thought into a beautiful string of words. That said, can't wait for new Cosmos.

Also, one of his favorite Sci-Fi movies is Deep Impact? Plait will be livid.

 

[FantasticMrFoxdie]

Coolest thread I've seen in a while.

Inspirational, yet frightening stuff.

 

[RankoSD]

Awesome read, and for someone who wants to know more about space I present to you his 12 lectures, each about 30 minutes long:

On Being Round

On Being Rarefied

On Being Dense

Death by Black Hole

Ends of the World

Coming Attractions

Onward to the Edge

The Big Bang

Greatest Story Ever Told

Forged in the Stars

Search for Planets

The Search for Life

 

[Cipherr]

Three-way tie: The Matrix - The first one, of course. Contact Deep Impact.

YEAH!, and to hell with everyone who disagrees.

 

[wonderkins]

His twitter feed is regularly awesome, as well.

Edit: http://twitter.com/#!/neiltyson

 

[Bananakin]

lambo91

What are your thoughts on cryogenic preservation and the idea of medically treating aging?

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.

Disappointing, I expected better of him here.

 

[teruterubozu]

His book kicks ass and is funny as hell - very informative too.

I enjoyed it much more than Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, etc.

 

[DevelopmentArrested]

I fucking love this dude.

 

[YYZ]

Disappointing, I expected better of him here.

Did he not say what you wish he would say?

 

[UraMallas]

I don't necessarily love the man but he is very smart. Looking forward to his newer, updated verson of The Cosmos.

 

[NEOPARADIGM]

I don't do the things I am not amazing at ...

See, this is what's wrong with my life. I do am forced into doing things I'm not amazing at all the fucking time.

 

[NihonTiger90]

One of my favorite people ever.

 

[BorkBork]

Those are some awesome answers. I like this one the most:

Q:If you could add one course to a student's curriculum, what would it be?

A: Course title every university should offer: "How to tell when someone else is full of shit"

 

[bubnbob]

Disappointing, I expected better of him here.

Scared of death? It's gonna GETCHA

 

[Count Dookkake]

Those are some awesome answers. I like this one the most:

Ditto.

 

[marrec]

Those are some awesome answers. I like this one the most:

That was one of my least favorite ones. A bit too on the nose.

 

[Count Dookkake]

That was one of my least favorite ones. A bit too on the nose.

What's wrong with teaching students to use methods to detect bullshit?

It's a good idea to consider why someone is selling or telling you something. It's good to consider what their qualifications are. Shouldn't people about to enter society be armed with such tools?

EDIT - TBH, I don't think it should be limited to college students. Should start from grade school.

 

[pxleyes]

One of the coolest and most interesting intellectuals living today. I think he, above so many others, does an amazing job of getting you interested in what he is talking about, even if the topic at hand is quantum physics.

 

[marrec]

What's wrong with teaching students to use methods to detect bullshit?

It's a good idea to consider why someone is selling or telling you something. It's good to consider what their qualifications are. Shouldn't people about to enter society be armed with such tools?

EDIT - TBH, I don't think it should be limited to college students. Should start from grade school.

I'd rather see Ethics taught is all. 'Recognizing Bullshit' is the kind of stock, hokey answer I'd expect from Michio Kaku. Should have answered 'Critical Thinking'.

 

[BorkBork]

I'd rather see Ethics taught is all. 'Recognizing Bullshit' is the kind of stock, hokey answer I'd expect from Michio Kaku. Should have answered 'Critical Thinking'.

That's what I thought he was saying. That or Understanding how Science works 101.

 

[Count Dookkake]

I'd rather see Ethics taught is all. 'Recognizing Bullshit' is the kind of stock, hokey answer I'd expect from Michio Kaku. Should have answered 'Critical Thinking'.

Bolded mean the same thing.

 

[Scarecrow]

Awesome read, and for someone who wants to know more about space I present to you his 12 lectures, each about 30 minutes long:

On Being Round

On Being Rarefied

On Being Dense

Death by Black Hole

Ends of the World

Coming Attractions

Onward to the Edge

The Big Bang

Greatest Story Ever Told

Forged in the Stars

Search for Planets

The Search for Life

Going through these one by one as I play some MW3.

 

[Something Wicked]

While some the smartest people on this earth, I always get the impression with answers like those above that astrophysicists are not exactly the most well-rounded people with technical backgrounds. For Dr. Tyson, I mean does he really think "life on Mars" will be the most likely biggest scientific breakthrough of the next 50 years? Has he been following the bio-tech industry at all? And 10% of the US annual budget on R&D? Well, that's not specific at all, but then again, the US technically already does that with its defense budget- many top physicists work for the defense contractors.

 

[marrec]

Bolded mean the same thing.

Not the same thing, teaching someone to think critically has more use than 'Recognizing Bullshit'.

 

[Throavium]

His book kicks ass and is funny as hell - very informative too.

I enjoyed it much more than Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, etc.

I have this book, I should get to finishing it.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

Is there a more universally well-liked guy than him? I know he's not a mainstream figure, but as far as those who are familiar with him, does ANYBODY dislike him?

 

[Count Dookkake]

Not the same thing, teaching someone to think critically has more use than 'Recognizing Bullshit'.

No, they are the same thing. One is just a bit more colloquial.

Why does NdGT's terminology upset you so?

 

[Throavium]

Is there a more universally well-liked guy than him? I know he's not a mainstream figure, but as far as those who are familiar with him, does ANYBODY dislike him?

Not sure, but a big part of why I like him is because of his personality. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiOwqDmacJo

 

[marrec]

No, they are the same thing. One is just a bit more colloquial.

Why does NdGT's terminology upset you so?

It doesn't upset me, just a bit too on the nose is all. Like 'I'm going to seem cool by saying Recognizing Bullshit!'

I get that feeling from Tyson a lot though, don't mind me. It's still fantastic that a guy as smart and eloquent as Tyson is getting mainstream recognition. Any kind of science education is alright by me!

Spoiler

philplait>NdGT

 

[Rentahamster]

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.

Sounds like we got a Bablyon 5 fan here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkhx3dGKz3k

(yeah yeah I know they weren't they first to say that)

 

[.GqueB.]

Id like to suggest that everyone youtubes him before reading these. The answers are even more entertaining when you read it in his style of speech.

 

[Cyan]

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.

Nicely said.

 

[Davidion]

Listening to his lecture at work is so strangely soothing.

 

[BorkBork]

It doesn't upset me, just a bit too on the nose is all. Like 'I'm going to seem cool by saying Recognizing Bullshit!'

I get that feeling from Tyson a lot though, don't mind me. It's still fantastic that a guy as smart and eloquent as Tyson is getting mainstream recognition. Any kind of science education is alright by me!

Spoiler

philplait>NdGT

Sorry as an aside, I took the expression "on the nose" as "hitting too close to home". Obviously that's not the case. Do you take it to mean "too colloquial?"

 

[Divvy]

I'm gonna use this in the next Big Bang Theory thread:

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?

 

[acheron_xl]

I agreed with everything I was qualified to have an opinion on. What a great dude.

His take on Gingrich made me think a bit.