One of the most popular American scientists, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, sparked debates online after he explained, from a scientific perspective, what happens to the human body after death and why he prefers burial instead of cremation, reports the Daily Mail.
On his “StarTalk” podcast, Tyson detailed how the energy in the human body does not disappear with death, but transforms, according to a fundamental law of physics: the law of conservation of energy. It states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only converted from one form to another.
According to the researcher, the human body contains a significant amount of chemical energy accumulated throughout life through food and biological processes. After the cessation of vital functions, this energy remains stored in the molecules of the body, to be released through two main processes: natural decomposition or incineration.
Why did he choose the funeral?
Tyson explained that in a traditional burial, the body gradually decomposes under the action of bacteria, microbes and other microorganisms. They consume organic matter, converting much of the chemical energy into heat and transferring some to other life forms in the ecosystem. Thus, the body’s energy ends up being integrated into the food chain, contributing to the support of plants and animals.
“If I’m buried and I’m decomposing, all that energy is absorbed by the microbes and the flora and fauna that feed on my body, just as I’ve fed on them throughout my life. That way, I’m giving back to the Earth.”Tyson explained, emphasizing that this is his personal choice.
Incineration and the “travel” of energy in space
On the other hand, incineration does not mean the loss of energy, but its transformation into heat. Tyson noted that the energy released during combustion is emitted as infrared radiation, which propagates through space at the speed of light.
“The energy content of these molecules doesn’t go away. It turns into heat, which then radiates infrared energy—energy that was once the energy content of your body’s molecules—and propels it into space at the speed of light.”the scientist explained on his StarTalk podcast on March 31.
Theoretically, this energy can even reach other star systems.
The astrophysicist offered a suggestive example: the energy from a cremated person could reach Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to Earth, in about four years. “In a way, you remain part of the universe, just in a different form,” he said.
Live conversations online
Tyson’s remarks went viral, generating millions of views and intense public debate over the choice of burial. Many proponents of incineration were attracted to the idea of travel to the stars, while others favored a return to nature through decomposition.
“I will return among the stars”, someone commented.
“The idea of traveling to Alpha Centauri at the speed of light sounds far more romantic and appealing than being eaten by bugs,” another commenter said.
“Being eaten by insects and microbes, the particles of which you are made are recycled to Earth and remain a useful resource long after your death. One day you will be a small but functional part of billions of creatures and plants.” someone else retorted.
Discussions also brought to the fore the concept of “green burial”, an ecological alternative that involves burial without embalming chemicals, metal coffins or concrete structures. In many cases, a tree is planted over the grave, which benefits from the nutrients released into the soil by decomposition, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Thus, the scientific perspective offered by Neil deGrasse Tyson opens a wider reflection on the relationship between people, nature and the universe.
