#8557
Mentioned in 4 episodes

The Black Cloud

Book • 1957
In 'The Black Cloud', Fred Hoyle crafts a gripping narrative about a colossal interstellar cloud that approaches Earth, causing catastrophic climate changes.

As scientists attempt to communicate with the cloud, they discover it is a sentient being.

The novel delves into the contrast between scientific reasoning and political decision-making, offering a blend of hard science and speculative fiction.

It explores themes of existential crisis, the nature of intelligence, and humanity's place in the universe.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by
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Nick Lane
, referencing its exploration of a life form based on interstellar dust.
334 snips
#318 – Nick Lane: Origin of Life, Evolution, Aliens, Biology, and Consciousness
Mentioned by
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Richard Dawkins
as a source of scientific and fictional inspiration.
72 snips
#87 – Richard Dawkins: Evolution, Intelligence, Simulation, and Memes
Mentioned by
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Brian Keating
as Hoyle's first and perhaps best science fiction novel.
The Man Who Named the Big Bang… and Hated It! Fred Hoyle
Mentioned by
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Lawrence Krauss
in a discussion about a conscious being that doesn't resemble humans, referencing Hoyle's science fiction story.
Lawrence Krauss: Multiverse, Dark Energy, Living Forever
Recommended by
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Lawrence Krauss
for its accurate portrayal of scientific discussions.
LAWRENCE KRAUSS: our cosmic significance in an indifferent universe

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