Understanding Infinity with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Stephon Alexander – Cosmic Queries

What is infinity? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Negin Farsad explore whether we are in a finite universe, the issues with infinity, string theory, and more with theoretical physicist Stephon Alexander. Is infinity just a cop-out for something we don’t understand? Learn some everyday examples of infinity and how Einstein’s relativity led to the singularity. Is it real? How can you have infinite anything? Could there be new physics in the middle of black holes? What are some other singularities in physics? Discover how quantum physics was supposed to fix classical physics and how it continues to get more complicated from there. Is infinity inevitable? How could multiple universes exist within a finite universe? Find out ways that the Earth is infinite. How does string theory work and what does it have to do with music? How do we compensate for human biases and deficiencies when tackling the concept of infinity? What is quantum loop gravity? Finally, if the universe is under no obligation to make sense to you, can you still make it make sense? Thanks to our Patrons Ken Duffy, Austin Newman, Melvin Guerra, MirandaJanell, and Jeff from Titan for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF 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 00:00 - Intro to Infinity 12:30 - How is infinity possible? Singularities & Black Holes 25:45 - How do multiple universes fit into infinite universe? 31:35 - Can string theory be represented by music? 40:23 - Can infinity actually make sense to us? 44:29 - What the heck is quantum loop gravity? 46:50 - Is there an easier way to think about spacetime? 50:01 - How do we know infinity exists?