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What Would Happen if the Moon Were 20 Times Closer?

2026-03-26 Science & Technology
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Description

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. https://T-Mobile.com/HomeInternet What would happen if the moon got closer to Earth? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explain Roche Limits, the formation of the moon, and how Roche Lobes power binary star systems. Timestamps: 00:00 - Edward Roche 00:53 - Making Spheres 01:53 - What Happens if the Moon Got Closer? 04:00 - Increasing Tidal Forces & Roche Limits 06:03 - Where the Moon Formed 07:25 - Roche Lobes & Binary Star Systems 09:20 - T. Coronae Borealis Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

Top Comments (10)

@davej9228 2026-03-26

So this short tutorial could be called a Roche clip?

241 23 replies
@sidneycarthell945 2026-03-26

I need french chuck voiceover in an animation asap

156 4 replies
@MrAshtute 2026-03-26

In chocolate spheres is there a ferrero roche limit?

129 7 replies
@equesdeventusoccasus 2026-03-26

Chuck: That's so cool that's a real Life magazine.

96 2 replies
@imjusttoby1 2026-03-26

I could listen to Neil talking about space for hours!

75 5 replies
@superchi31 2026-03-26

Being on the moon as it reaches the limit would be a wild ride!

11 2 replies
@joeb_says_hey 2026-03-26

Chuck dropping a Kurgan voice/quote from Highlander? I always liked Chuck, but I am impressed.

7
@JordanHafford 2026-03-27

3:07 dont worry chuck, that joke didnt go over my head 😂

6
@Flamming_Phoenix 2026-03-26

5:49 when you reach the roach limit you float away (sounds about right) 😂😂

3 1 replies
@tenkaraintheiowadriftless 2026-03-27

Six advertisement breaks in a 12 minute video? It's at the edge of my tolerance level.

2

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