Neil deGrasse Tyson reveals preference for burial over cremation
Updated
Updated · Upworthy · Apr 30
Neil deGrasse Tyson reveals preference for burial over cremation
4 articles · Updated · Upworthy · Apr 30
In a recent StarTalk clip, the astrophysicist said decomposition lets microbes, flora and fauna absorb the body's stored energy, while cremation radiates it into space.
Tyson said cremated remains from four years ago could, in theory, have reached Alpha Centauri, framing death as transformation rather than disappearance.
The post drew more than 3,000 Facebook comments, with some viewers linking his remarks to green burial or human composting because sealed coffins can delay nutrients rejoining ecosystems.
As eco-friendly death care rises, are we creating a new form of post-mortem environmental privilege?
Your atoms journey to the stars after death, but what does science say happens to your consciousness?