"The Most Astounding Fact about the Universe"

Astrophysicist Dr Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked what he thought was the most astounding fact about the universe by Time magazine. This is what he said:





Just wondered what you make of it.

Also, do you have any facts that you think are equally interesting or astounding about the world or universe?

Oysters can jump, but elephants can't...

I don't get why he thought that was astounding. I thought it was already common knowledge that stars create the elements needed for life. However, most people I guess don't really see the big picture in that way.

Is this guy starting a new age cult of some kind?

It's not supposed to be groundbreaking. It's just incredible to think that our origin stems from something like that. I think we take so much in science for granted that when you actually take the time to study these things and think about them you can see things in a whole new way. It's an example of why knowledge can be awe-inspiring I think.

This is a science thread so I'd appreciate if you could keep the whole new age/religion stuff out of it please.

That's probably for the best really

I still find it odd that sponges are living things (at least at first).

I wonder if Spongebob ever visits his old neighbourhood to rub his wealth in the other sponges faces.

I remember Brian Cox saying it on Wonders of the Universe and thinking how amazing it was....that clip was very similar to the format on Wonders.....except he sounded like Seth Rogen!! Are you sure it wasn't him?

I thought that actually They do sound similar

I've yet to watch Brian Cox's shows but I did see him give a talk at Glastonbury last year. I like how he's making science more accessible.

I've seen some of Prof Brian Cox's shows - personally, I felt as if I were being talked down to like back in kiddy school. lol. He dumbs science down too far.

I guess it's hard to get the right balance when you're marketing it to such a wide audience. I'd imagine it's a good point of departure though- if people enjoy it then they'll be more motivated to look at more in-depth stuff.

Yeah - if it triggers that then fine, no problems there.

The risk is, though, that dumbing down too far gives some people the impression that science knows more than it really does, if they are unfamiliar with the material. I think it should always at least state that science is progressive, not absolute.

My mind bubble was blown when I saw this: