Podcast Summary
Science Fiction and Real Science's Interconnected Loop: Science fiction and real science influence each other, with fiction inspiring technology design and scientific advancements inspiring groundbreaking stories
Science fiction and real science influence each other in a continuous loop. While it's challenging to find instances where fiction directly triggers scientific discoveries, the imagination and creativity of science fiction authors have significantly impacted the look, feel, and design of technology. Conversely, scientific advancements have inspired science fiction writers, leading to the development of groundbreaking stories. Neil deGrasse Tyson shared his personal experience with Ray Bradbury, who acknowledged the interconnectedness of fiction and science. Bradbury's works, such as "The Martian Chronicles," were inspired by scientific discoveries and, in turn, inspired scientists. This symbiotic relationship between science fiction and real science continues to shape our understanding of the universe and the technologies we create.
Science Fiction Inspiring Technology: Science fiction often inspires technology development by inspiring scientists and engineers to push boundaries, but scientific breakthroughs are less likely to be directly inspired.
While science fiction may not directly lead to scientific discoveries, it often influences technology development by inspiring scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible. Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" is an example of this, as the concept of a powerful submarine inspired the naming of the first nuclear submarine, even though Verne did not have knowledge of nuclear power. Similarly, technologies depicted in science fiction, such as drones and autonomous surgery, have inspired real-world developments. However, scientific breakthroughs are less likely to be directly inspired by science fiction, but there are rare exceptions like the development of wormhole calculations inspired by the movie "Contact."
Using conductive materials for energy-absorbing armor: Electrically conductive materials can protect against energy attacks, but creating a functional energy suit faces challenges in storage, conversion, and energy loss.
Materials like vibranium, which are capable of conducting electricity, can be used to create armor that protects against energy-based attacks, such as bullets or lightning bolts. This is due to the Faraday cage effect, which causes the electricity to be conducted to the outer layer of the material and not penetrate to the wearer. However, creating a suit that can effectively store, convert, and release this energy back as a weapon presents technological challenges and energy loss issues. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the importance of reading various sources, as different versions of a character or storyline can offer unique perspectives.
The unique properties of materials go beyond hardness: Effective protective materials depend on how they distribute energy, not just their hardness.
The unique properties of a material, such as vibranium in the Black Panther universe, go beyond just its hardness. Instead, it's important to consider how the material distributes energy and whether it's flexible. Vibranium, though not the hardest metal, has the ability to absorb impact. However, if it's bulletproof, the energy of the bullet can still transmit into the body. Kevlar, on the other hand, distributes the energy of a bullet across its surface, preventing it from penetrating the body. The Black Panther movie transcended the technology and superheroism, using vibranium as a plot device rather than the focus. Ultimately, it's the distribution of energy that's crucial in creating effective protective materials. Charles Liu, a resident deacon and frequent StarTalk question reader, suggested that if Neil deGrasse Tyson could be any superhero, he would be Batrock the Leaper due to his ability to leap great distances.
A Marvel Character's Transformation from Terrorist to Hero and Understanding Photon Energy: In Marvel's Captain America movies, Batroc the Leaper transforms into 'The Bloke,' a heroic character, while photon energy refers to any carrier of light energy, some of which can be harmful to humans
Batroc the Leaper is a terrorist and skilled martial artist from the Captain America movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He's known for his agility and roundhouse kicks. If we were to create a heroic version of him, he would be called "The Bloke," an articulate and strong character who warns opponents to back off before delivering a powerful attack. Photon energy, on the other hand, is any carrier of light energy, and while some photons pass right through us, others, like ultraviolet and X rays, can have harmful effects on the human body by penetrating the skin or absorbing in denser materials like bones.
Differences in Energy and Quantity of Photons: Visible light photons need fewer electron volts while gamma rays have much higher energies, affecting matter differently and requiring specialized detectors and safety measures.
Photons, whether visible light or gamma rays, have vastly different energies and quantities are required to have an effect on matter. While a typical visible light photon may only require a few electron volts, gamma ray photons can have energies equivalent to a thrown baseball or even cosmic rays, which are extremely penetrative particles. This difference in energy and quantity is crucial in fields like astrophysics, where detectors are designed to capture these photons. Additionally, high energy photons like gamma rays can potentially cause significant damage if absorbed in large quantities, requiring advanced technology like lasers to harness and use safely. Furthermore, these high energy photons have been linked to mutations and the creation of superhuman abilities, as depicted in comic books like X-Men, where characters possessing such abilities are referred to as homosuperior.
Energy as a Weapon and Celestial Systems: Energy can have various applications as weapons, but practicality depends on the type and amount. Celestial systems' unpredictability can influence fictional storytelling through erratic planetary orbits.
Energy, whether it's light or heat, can be used as weapons, but their application requires careful consideration. For instance, using photonic energy to blast people would require huge amounts of energy, making it impractical as a weapon. On the other hand, non-lethal weapons like microwave beams can disperse crowds by heating up the skin, causing people to run in response to the heat. In the context of the fictional world of Game of Thrones, the unpredictable changes in seasons could be explained by the presence of other celestial bodies with significant gravitational pull, causing erratic tilts in the planet's orbit. This hypothesis is based on the real-world concept of chaotic systems in astronomy, where small perturbations can lead to large-scale effects. In summary, understanding the properties of energy and the complex dynamics of celestial systems can provide insight into both practical applications and fictional storytelling.
Making Science Comprehensible Through Pop Fiction: Pop fiction can make science more accessible by telling compelling stories, but it's crucial to distinguish between real and speculative science.
Pop fiction, including movies, can make science more comprehensible to audiences by telling compelling stories that spark curiosity and inspire self-learning. However, it's important to distinguish between real science and science fiction in these stories. While real science can be presented in movies, it should be communicated accurately. Science fiction, on the other hand, can be used to explore new ideas and concepts, but it's essential to make it clear to the audience when the science being presented is speculative. Overall, the goal is to engage and educate the audience, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and enjoyable.
Exploring the Power and Pitfalls of Time Travel in Storytelling: Use time travel to enhance stories by exploring complex themes and building a cohesive narrative, not as a crutch to undo mistakes or restore the status quo.
Time travel can be a powerful storytelling tool when used thoughtfully and as a core element of a narrative, creating intricate paradoxes and imaginative possibilities. However, it can also be considered lazy writing if used as a simple plot device to undo mistakes or restore the status quo without considering the consequences. Well-executed time travel stories, like "The Terminator," use the concept to explore complex themes and build a cohesive narrative. On the other hand, less serious approaches, such as "DC Legends of Tomorrow," can make time travel an entertaining element by embracing the absurdity and not taking themselves too seriously. Ultimately, the key is to use time travel in a way that enhances the story rather than relying on it as a crutch. As for personal favorites, classics like H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and Star Trek: Voyager's use of time travel demonstrate the potential of this narrative device.
Interviewee expresses interest in iconic sci-fi roles: The interviewee desires to act in Star Trek and Star Wars, preferably as human characters, and is fascinated by roles like Lando Calrissian and Han Solo. They also express a desire to play a two-headed alien character for comedic interactions.
The interviewee expresses a strong desire to act in iconic science fiction franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars, preferably as human characters rather than aliens or with heavy prosthetics. They express a fascination with playing roles like Lando Calrissian, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. However, they also express a desire to play an alien character with two heads, which they believe would allow them to explore unique and comedic interactions. Additionally, they mention their past disappointment with a scientist dismissing the possibility of tachyons, particles that can travel faster than the speed of light, and express skepticism towards time travel as a plot device.
Exploring science fiction beyond tropes: Consider stories where characters are active participants and consequences of scientific discoveries aren't always positive. Delve into time travel's potential implications and approach science fiction with a critical yet imaginative mindset.
The use of certain tropes in science fiction, such as radiation leading to superpowers or the damsel in distress, can be frustrating for some, as they go against the laws of physics and perpetuate outdated stereotypes. Instead, it's more interesting to explore stories where the characters are active participants in their own narratives and the consequences of scientific discoveries are not always positive. The discussion also touched upon the intriguing concept of time travel and the potential implications of encountering beings whose perception of time differs greatly from ours. Overall, it's essential to approach science fiction with a critical yet imaginative mindset and consider the underlying scientific principles while still allowing for creative storytelling.
Keep looking up: Find hope and growth in adversity: Focus on possibilities, not problems, for a positive outlook and reach out for support when needed.
No matter what challenges or obstacles we face, it's important to keep a positive attitude and look towards the future with optimism. Neil's words, "keep looking up," serve as a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always hope and the possibility for growth and improvement. This can apply to various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional goals. By focusing on the possibilities rather than the problems, we can overcome adversity and find success. Additionally, it's important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Reaching out to others for support and encouragement can make all the difference. So, let's all take a page out of Neil's book and keep looking up!