Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Why Craters Are Round

Why are craters round? Even when asteroids hit surfaces at different angles and speeds, all craters end up round. Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are ready to investigate. To start, Neil tells us why the original scientific thinking behind the shape of craters had to do with volcanoes. You’ll find out why the invention of computers, and the use of simulation, allowed us to advance the science forward. Discover more about “high-speed collisions” and why kinetic energy has an important role to play when it comes to crater shape. Neil also tells us why the same thing that happens to craters happens to snowballs when you throw them against a wall. All that, plus, does the atmosphere have anything to do with the shape of craters? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson