Roman numerals and astrophysics: Neil deGrasse Tyson nerd-tweets the Super Bowl
Neil DeGrasse Tyson (Bruce Press/Wikimedia Commons)

While most of America was settled back eating nachos while watching the Super Bowl, popular astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson dispensed informational tidbits about the physics of football along with discussing how unwieldy Roman numerals are to his followers on Twitter.


Tyson launched his tweeting of the game by announcing, "The @SuperBowl, seen through the lens of an astrophysicist. Starting now," before delving right in, discussing the speed of the F16 jets that flew over host University of Phoenix Stadium.

Tyson then turned to Roman numerals; how do they work?

Tyson turned to the topography of Arizona, linking it to his favorite subject: space.

Then time and space:

Physics, as it relates to the New England Patriots' "Deflategate" scandal:

The chemistry of fireworks during Katy Perry's halftime show:

Zombies playing football because, why not?

Back to physics:

Before concluding that all is well with the universe after NBC announcer Al Michaels mentioned "astrophysics" during a Super Bowl game: