StarTalk Radio: “Things You Thought You Knew – Faster Than Light”

Host: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Guests: Joel Cherico & Chuck Nice
Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction to Dimensions

Timestamp: 01:47 – 04:05

The episode kicks off with Joel Cherico introducing the topic of dimensions, isotopes, and tachyons. He emphasizes the often-overlooked complexity of dimensions beyond our familiar three.

Joel Cherico (01:47):
"Plus coming up on StarTalk, we've got another things you thought you knew episode. This time we talk about dimensions, isotopes and tachyons. Check it out."

Chuck Nice engages humorously, mistaking "dimensions" for "dementia," which lightens the atmosphere before delving into the scientific discussion.

Chuck Nice (02:22):
"Dementia, huh?"
Joel Cherico (02:23):
"No, no. I can say to you, Chuck, I'll meet you tomorrow at Starbucks, right? And what's your reply to me?"

They explore the concept of world lines, explaining how space and time coordinates must intersect for events to coincide.

Joel Cherico (03:03):
"So for our world lines to intersect, we have to be at the same place at the same time."
Chuck Nice (03:10):
"See, now, fellas, if you're smart and you're single, you will hold this one in the back. Put it away in your back pocket, okay, girl? I just need you as a part of my world line. You know."

Exploring Dimensions Beyond the Third

Timestamp: 04:15 – 10:04

Joel breaks down dimensions starting from one to four, using relatable analogies to illustrate how higher dimensions would perceive and interact with lower-dimensional beings.

Joel Cherico (05:18):
"If we live in three dimensions, you get to look down on that flat world and see all the inner guts of every living creature in that universe."

They humorously discuss the implications of higher-dimensional beings performing surgeries without invasive procedures, highlighting the fascinating possibilities of understanding and manipulating dimensions.

Chuck Nice (07:32):
"Anyone from the fourth spatial dimension has full access to your entire body's innards. Oh, they could pull stuff out, put stuff in, operate whatever."

The conversation shifts to how our perception of time confines us, comparing it to being imprisoned within temporal boundaries.

Joel Cherico (09:35):
"So time can serve that same role if you had access to the past and to the future."
Chuck Nice (10:04):
"That's pretty cool, man."

Unraveling Isotopes

Timestamp: 24:45 – 34:39

Joel introduces isotopes, explaining the fundamental structure of elements based on the number of protons and neutrons in their nuclei.

Joel Cherico (24:53):
"It's all about isotopes. There's a sequence of elements beginning with hydrogen, and they get sort of heavier and heavier and heavier."

They discuss specific isotopes like deuterium and tritium, and how these variants play a crucial role in applications such as carbon-14 dating. This segment elucidates how isotopes decay over time, allowing scientists to date archaeological finds accurately.

Joel Cherico (30:17):
"Carbon 14 is an isotope of carbon... its half-life is around 5,000 years."

Chuck humorously suggests creative applications for isotopes, blending scientific facts with light-hearted banter.

Chuck Nice (30:17):
"Carbon 14 as in carbon 14 dating? Maybe a Carbon 14 app. A dating app. That'd be kind of cool."

Faster-Than-Light Travel and Tachyons

Timestamp: 14:12 – 23:02

Delving into the realm of theoretical physics, Joel and Chuck explore the concept of traveling faster than light. They discuss the limitations imposed by Einstein's theory of relativity, where approaching the speed of light results in time dilation, length contraction, and infinite mass.

Joel Cherico (15:42):
"Your time slows down as you near the speed of light."

The conversation progresses to the hypothetical existence of tachyons, particles that travel faster than light, moving backward in time. They humorously personify tachyons, highlighting their elusive and unpredictable nature.

Chuck Nice (16:59):
"But electrons are protons. They're badass."
Joel Cherico (17:15):
"So tachyons, don't invite them to the... of course they'll come late, come early."

They further examine Cherenkov radiation, the phenomenon that occurs when particles exceed the speed of light within a medium like water or glass, analogous to a sonic boom but with light.

Joel Cherico (21:33):
"So you get a... get a four bend path on that... think of it as kind of a light shockwave."

The duo ties these concepts to practical applications and theoretical possibilities, such as wormholes, which could allow instantaneous travel across vast distances without violating the speed of light in a vacuum.

Joel Cherico (22:13):
"You don't need rockets, you don't need transporters like what they have on Star Trek. Just open a portal, step through, you're there."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 33:29 – 34:39

Joel wraps up the discussion by revisiting key points about isotopes and their significance in the periodic table, emphasizing the immutable nature of protons in defining elements.

Joel Cherico (33:30):
"So the moment you die, you no longer refreshing the carbon. And the carbon 14 then decays."

Chuck adds his signature humor, keeping the conversation engaging and accessible.

Chuck Nice (33:55):
"Helium three is one of the particles ejected by the sun and it gets embedded into the lunar surface."

Neil deGrasse Tyson concludes the episode with his signature sign-off, encouraging listeners to keep exploring and staying curious.

Neil deGrasse Tyson (34:39):
"Things you thought you knew. Neil Degrasse Tyson here as always. Keep looking up."

Notable Quotes

• Joel Cherico (03:03):
  "So for our world lines to intersect, we have to be at the same place at the same time."

• Chuck Nice (07:32):
  "Anyone from the fourth spatial dimension has full access to your entire body's innards. Oh, they could pull stuff out, put stuff in, operate whatever."

• Joel Cherico (15:42):
  "Your time slows down as you near the speed of light."

• Joel Cherico (21:33):
  "Think of it as kind of a light shockwave."

Key Takeaways

1. Dimensions Explained: Understanding higher dimensions offers profound insights into the nature of our universe and the limitations of our perception.

2. Isotopes' Role: Isotopes are critical in various scientific applications, including dating archaeological finds and understanding atomic structures.

3. Faster-Than-Light Concepts: While current physics prohibits conventional faster-than-light travel, theoretical particles like tachyons and phenomena like Cherenkov radiation provide fascinating avenues for exploration.

4. Interconnectedness of Space and Time: The discussion underscores the intricate relationship between space and time, highlighting how advancements in one can influence our understanding of the other.

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