When someone says that information is on a “need to know” basis, your mind might automatically think that the information is secretive, dangerous, etc. But, there’s another type of “need to know” information that involves different “levels” of information.

On this StarTalk explainer video, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic cohost Chuck Nice are exploring these different “levels” of information. We discuss why, in certain circumstances, an idea is better than the details. To understand these levels of information, we explore the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. You’ll learn why you can say the Earth goes in a circle around the Sun and be “correct” even though it’s actually an elliptical orbit. And you can say it’s an elliptical orbit even though it’s actually a loopdeloop!

Find out how Earth’s tilt influences our seasons. You’ll also find out about the “libration” of the Moon or as Chuck calls it “Moon twerking.” And, we discuss Earth’s precession around the Sun. Lastly, Neil uses the size of the Sun as another example of understanding different levels of information. All that, plus, we explore why the scientific method allows for the possibilities of change.

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About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
"Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/.

About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic cohosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson

0:00 Introduction
2:17 Earth’s Orbit
5:39 Earth’s Tilt
6:39 Orbit of Other Planets
7:13 EarthMoon Rotation
8:51 Precession
9:55 Libration
10:32 Levels of Detail
11:29 Size of the Sun
13:10 Variable Stars
14:10 Ideas
16:07 Closing Notes