Could tinfoil hats actually save us from aliens? Neil deGrasse Tyson thinks so

On April 22, Neil DeGrasse Tyson joined Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (@colbertlateshow) to discuss the logic behind bizarre sci-fi elements. While talking about the release of his new book, titled 'Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter,' releasing on May 12, the American author and astrophysicist briefly mentioned how tinfoil hats can help protect humans in case of an alien invasion. So fascinated is he by these creatures that there is an entire chapter dedicated to 'alien powers' in Tyson's upcoming book.

Resisting mind-control

Tyson explained that the idea that tinfoil hats can help people avoid being controlled by aliens is actually backed by physics. 170 years ago, Michael Faraday, a physicist from the U.K., discovered that electromagnetic energy cannot pass through "shells of metal." He elaborated, "It could be a cage; it could be pure metal. The metal interacts with the field, preventing the field from entering what's inside the metal." They even had a name for it, called the Faraday Cage.

An example of the 'Faraday Cage' is the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), used by the military to have confidential conversations. Going by this science, Tyson went on to say that if aliens invaded the Earth, they could plant thoughts in human minds in order to control the entire population. In that case, Tyson said that only people who wore tinfoil hats would be "immune" to their powers. Colbert brought out two tin foil hats for them to wear and summed it up by saying, "So, they're not crazy. They're cautious," and the room erupted in laughter. 

What is a 'Faraday Cage'?

The Faraday Cage is also sometimes referred to as a Faraday Shield. It was built by Michael Faraday but inspired by Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of the Faraday Cage is to protect something from electromagnetic radiation, and it is usually made of solid or mesh metal. It is commonly used in everyday items such as a microwave oven, a car, or an aircraft. It is also used in vehicle cabins to protect passengers from lightning strikes, as well as MRI or telecom test rooms. People also use it in RF testing labs, while handling confidential data to ensure there is no remote wiping or hacking, in high-voltage environments, and to protect one's privacy.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson's love for aliens

'Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter' is Tyson's 20th book. It is a "practical guide" on what to do in case of alien visitors and how such an event might come about. Tyson's work is inspired by history, literature, pop culture, and films. In the book, he writes, "Ever since childhood, I've wanted to be abducted by aliens." Tyson managed to compile factual information about extraterrestrial life and make it fun at the same time in his upcoming book. 

Viewers' reaction

Netizens loved Tyson's idea, while others thought it was hilarious seeing two grown men wearing tinfoil hats. @4uparties_murder_mystery_kits noted how the tinfoil hat looked like a Hershey kiss candy. They wrote, "I didn’t think Stephen could get any more delightful! But now he’s a life-size Hershey’s kiss." @juleszmac humorously added, "@neildegrassetyson What about the influence your GI tract bacteria have on your mind? If the aliens target those bacteria, couldn’t they still control or influence your mind? Is it time for a tinfoil bodysuit!? (Thank you for sharing science and your playful spirit with the world)."

You can follow Stephen Colbert (@colbertlateshow) on Instagram for more interesting interviews

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