Cosmic Queries – Astro-lore with Moiya McTier
Summary
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Matt Kirshen host astrophysicist and folklorist Moya McTeer to explore the intersection of science and mythology. McTeer discusses her work, including her book *The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy*, and explains how indigenous stories and ancient myths connect people to the cosmos. The trio answers listener questions about constellation naming conventions, the physical reality of star patterns, and the cultural roots of astrology.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and StarTalk Intro
Guest Moya McTeer and her podcasts
Moya's background in astrophysics and folklore
The Milky Way's Autobiography book
Cultural connections to astronomy and light pollution
Sponsors and Cosmic Queries Intro
Renaming constellations and asterisms
Mars over Orion and dark matter theories
Sponsors and break
White holes and mapping the Milky Way
Astrology as folklore and ancient astronomy
Life detection on Mars and redshifted photons
Ghosts, vampires, and closing thoughts
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