In Seattle, two legends came together for a fascinating event. William Shatner, known for his role in “Star Trek,” and Neil deGrasse Tyson, a prominent astrophysicist, shared the stage to talk about the universe and exploration.
Tyson amusingly noted, “It’s a bromance.” Shatner graciously agreed, saying, “I’d be very privileged.” Their friendship began last year on a cruise to Antarctica, where they ended up entertaining guests together. This sparked the idea for their show, “The Universe Is Absurd!”
During their performance, an audience member shouted “Pluto!” Tyson seized the moment, explaining that if Pluto were closer to the sun, it would create a tail due to melting ice. “That’s a sound bite!” he exclaimed.
Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, admired Shatner’s curiosity. At 94, Shatner’s perspective is unique. Tyson joked about Shatner having lived three billion seconds, prompting laughter about the depth of his experiences. Shatner expressed regret for not diving into astrophysics earlier, acknowledging the spellbinding nature of the universe.
Shatner, who famously became the oldest person to go to space four years ago, often reflects on life and death. He shared, “I have so much love around me,” highlighting the joy found in family and pets. When asked about curiosity beyond death, Shatner lightly replied, “Not enough to die!” This showed his playful take on deep topics.
Tyson emphasized that scientists must embrace unanswered questions, like what happened before the Big Bang. They acknowledge the mystery of the universe, something the public often finds captivating.
As the show ended in Seattle, Shatner performed a poignant spoken-word piece, wrapping up a night of humor, curiosity, and friendship. “The universe might be absurd,” he mused, “but what an interesting ride!”
This event connects historical fascination with space to present-day conversations about science. It reminds us that curiosity transcends age, and while we may not have all the answers, the exploration continues. For more about Shatner’s journey to space, check NASA’s website for insights on human spaceflight.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson, William Shatner
