Why is enriching uranium such a big deal? Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down uranium at an atomic level, its isotopes, and the science of how it gets enriched for uses in nuclear power plants, nuclear-propelled submarines, and for making atomic bombs. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Uranium Enrichment Programs 00:14 - Uranium in Nature 01:16 - Properties of Isotopes 04:09 - Getting Uranium 235 06:14 - Uses for Enriched Uranium 07:07 - Why Centrifuges Are a Big Deal Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk 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