The Edge of Our Understanding with Brian Greene & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Are humans smart enough to uncover the secrets of the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the singularity, string theory, free will and more with theoretical physicist Brian Greene. Does quantum mechanics prevent an infinitely small singularity in a black hole if nothing can be smaller than a Planck length? Explore with us the mathematical breakdown at the singularity and what we know about what goes on there. Can relativity and quantum mechanics ever truly meet? We discuss if anything in our universe truly has free will. What is free will to a photon that does not perceive time? We discuss the role of aesthetics in theoretical physics, whether string theory is right, and why it's taking so long to uncover the entire universe. How is E = mc^2 actually used? We break down the mass-energy equivalence and how it is demonstrated in everyday life. What would a scaled-up atom look like? Is there a geometric center of the universe? Will we ever reach a point where quantum physics can no longer be proven experimentally? All that, plus, we explore what the next major breakthrough might be and whether it will shatter our understanding of the universe as we know it. Thanks to our Patrons Christian Attwood, Tyler Loveland, Ruhan Periyacheri, Jeff Parker, Ed Thorton, and Dakota Ponder for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free 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 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Brian Greene 7:26 - Does Quantum Mechanics Prevent an Infinitely Small Singularity? 15:07 - Are We Predestined? 19:45 - Why Strings? Why Not Another Smaller Particle? 27:29 - How is Mass-Energy Equivalence Used? 32:47 - What Would a Scaled Up Atom Look Like? 35:48 - What’s At The Center of the Universe? 38:44 - Will We Reach a Point Where Quantum Mechanics Can’t Be Proven? 41:30 - What Will the Next Breakthrough Be?