Joe Rogan: Neil deGrasse Tyson on How Columbus Used Astronomy to Manipulate Indigenous People

The Unspoken Alliance of Science and Military

• 💡 Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses his book, "Accessory to War," which explores the often-unacknowledged connections between scientific fields and military power.
• 🧠 He highlights how scientists, often seen as heroes, have historically contributed to military advancements, from bombs to biological weapons.
• 🎯 The book argues that even astrophysics, seemingly detached, has an unspoken alliance with military strength and empire building.

Columbus's Astronomical Manipulation

• 📜 During a voyage in 1504, Christopher Columbus faced a food shortage for his crew while interacting with indigenous people who had no surplus.
• 🔭 Columbus, aware of an upcoming total lunar eclipse from eclipse tables, threatened the natives that his God would make the moon disappear and turn blood red if they refused aid.
• 🌕 When the moon indeed turned a deep red amber hue during the eclipse, the scientifically illiterate natives were intimidated and provided the necessary resources.
• ⚠️ This event is presented as a microcosm of how scientific knowledge can be invoked to dominate those without it.

Astrophysics and Nuclear Power

• 🔬 Tyson reveals that Los Alamos National Lab hires astrophysicists to track the US nuclear arsenal.
• 💥 Astrophysicists' expertise in calculating the energy yield of hydrogen fusion is directly applicable to understanding both stellar phenomena and hydrogen bombs.
• 🤝 This illustrates a "two-way street" where fundamental scientific research can inadvertently or directly contribute to military projects and capabilities.