Explaining the Science of El Niño, with Adam Sobel

Adam Sobel, Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics and of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia Engineering, recently appeared on StarTalk with host Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice to explore a major climate phenomenon: the “super El Niño.”

In the episode, Sobel, a climate scientist, breaks down what El Niño is, what makes an event especially powerful, and what we might expect from this unusually strong climate pattern. The conversation explores the science behind El Niño and why its impacts can extend far beyond the tropical Pacific, influencing weather patterns around the world.

With El Niño drawing attention for its potential strength, Sobel helps make a complex climate phenomenon accessible, explaining what distinguishes a “super” event and why scientists are watching closely.

Watch the full conversation on StarTalk to hear Professor Sobel discuss the science behind this potentially historic El Niño.