Invisibility: The Science of How Not To Be Seen with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Greg Gbur

Can you make something invisible? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Negin Farsad discover the science behind invisibility with professor of physics and optical science, Greg Gbur. What would real-life invisibility look like? Can you be invisible in other parts of the magnetic spectrum? We discuss transparency versus invisibility and how metamaterials help us interact with different wavelengths. What does light have to do in order to make something invisible? We break down invisibility cloaks and other invisibility devices from fiction. Could you make yourself invisible to all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? We explore the main challenges in achieving invisibility and the difference between passive and active invisibility. How useful of a power would it be? We discuss the interaction between waves and matter. What makes some waves reflect off matter and others pass through? Learn about x rays and how they work, plus, an at-home invisibility trick using prisms. Finally, could you make someone invisible to time? Thanks to our PatronsDan, Nick Taylor, Beth Fitzpatrick, Jim, Laura Gilsman, and Gregory Greenwood 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 Invisibility 4:04 - Can you be invisible in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum? 09:00 - Altering the path of light 15:02 - If a device uses energy wouldn't that come up in infrared? 18:20 - How could you make something invisible to all parts of the spectrum? 23:58 - Would someone who is invisible be able to see? 28:40 - Active vs. Passive Invisibility 35:32 - The interaction between waves and matter 44:17 - Is it possible to make someone invisible to time?