logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
42m 42s

Cosmic Queries – Before the Big Bang

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
About this episode
What does it really mean for us to be made of stardust? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Paul Mecurio answer fan questions about particle colliders, time travel, and what existed before the Big Bang. 
Up next
Oct 6
Cosmic Queries – Light Sails & Quantum Scales
If the multiverse exists, where does our universe end and another begin? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice tackle a wide-ranging grab bag of fan questions covering bubble universes, the nature of now, fractals, Hoag's Object, and more.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can li ... Show More
1 h
Oct 2
What Is Intelligence? With David Krakauer
Why did intelligence evolve in the universe? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore the nature of intelligence, information theory, consciousness, and whether AI is actually intelligent at all with David Krakauer, evolutionary biologist and president of the Sa ... Show More
1h 17m
Sep 29
Quantum Anomalies with Lara Anderson
Why does string theory need ten dimensions? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Jordan Klepper sit down with Lara Anderson, string theorist and associate professor of physics at Virginia Tech, to tackle intersecting dimensions, the nature of gravity, and a unified field theory. ... Show More
54m 14s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
164. Neil deGrasse Tyson — Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going
<p>In this thought-provoking conversation on life, the universe, and everything, Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who w ... Show More
1h 47m
Mar 2025
AUA: The Early Universe, Quantum Interpretations, and Asteroids
To listen to our backlog of past ask-us-anything episodes for free, head to our Patreon, or join for $3/month to ask us questions: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse <p><a rel="payment" href="https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse">Support the show</a></p> 
29m 5s
May 2025
AUA: Changing Dark Energy, Twin Paradox, and What's Next for CERN
<p>We answer your questions. To listen to our backlog of ask-us-anything episodes for free, head to our Patreon, or join for $3/month to submit your questions: https://www.patreon.com/whythisuniverse</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse">Support the sh ... Show More
54m 36s
Sep 2024
Classic episode - What came before the Big Bang?
What could have caused the Big Bang, and what came before it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
25m 54s
Feb 2017
Do You Believe There Was Nothing Before The Big Bang?
In episode 2 Brian and Robin are joined by a very special guest, fellow particle physicist and Brian's regular co-author, Professor Jeff Forshaw. Recorded live from the shows in Preston and Reading they tackle questions of dark energy, the weight of the world, staring out of a bl ... Show More
26m 59s
Mar 2022
The multiverse, alien existence and fit astronauts
Today Dr Lucy and Dr Karl are joined by special guest astrophysicist Professor Geraint Lewis to answer all your questions from around the cosmos. Can you get moonburnt? Could we ever move at the speed of light? How did the big bang happen? What's on the other side of the universe ... Show More
38m 54s
May 2022
What came first matter or energy?
Daniel and Jorge answer listener questions about the solar system and the early Universe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
52m 23s
Sep 2024
88 - Why Does Our Universe Exist At All? (Ft. Sean Carroll)
Why does something exist, rather than nothing? Special guest Sean Carroll helps us explore this deep philosophical question.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse.Our merch is available here: https:// ... Show More
28m 1s
Aug 2023
Neil DeGrasse Tyson | Kid Questions
Stephen answers questions from the most curious of minds: kids! With some help from Jon Batiste and astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Original Air Date: May 13th, 2020.And 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry' author Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the science behind the first obse ... Show More
22m 7s