What is the science behind white noise? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice break down frequencies and what defines white noise.

What makes white noise? We explore high energy versus low energy sound and the frequencies that contribute to white noise. Do kids these days even know anything about TV static? We go back to the days of TV antenna and back even farther to the age of Isaac Newton. When did we first start to figure out frequency and the electromagnetic spectrum? Where did we get ROYGBIV from? What is black noise? Finally, how are white light and white noise related?

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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!

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0:00 - Introduction
1:29 - White Noise
2:24 - Television Static
3:51 - Isaac Newton’s Light Experiment
6:29 - White Light
7:30 - Equal Frequencies
10:50 - Closing Notes