TED Talks Daily How sci-fi inspired us to go to the Moon | Alexander MacDonald
Apr 1, 2019
Alexander MacDonald, an author and NASA economist, delves into the incredible influence of three centuries of science fiction on our journey to the Moon. He reveals how imaginative tales from writers like Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells ignited the spark for space exploration. The podcast explores storytelling's pivotal role in shaping ambition and technological advances in lunar exploration. Listeners will discover how fiction not only inspired real science but also continues to guide humanity's dreams of reaching the stars.
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The Goose Machine
- Bishop Francis Godwin wrote "The Man in the Moon," featuring a space voyage via a goose-powered machine.
- This story, published in 1638, introduced the concept of reaching the moon through human invention, not magic.
Early Spaceflight Ideas
- Godwin's "The Man in the Moon" sparked interest in space travel through invention.
- John Wilkins, influenced by Godwin, explored practical spaceflight methods in his non-fiction work.
Poe's Balloon Voyage
- Edgar Allan Poe's story, "The Unparalleled Adventures of One Hans Pfaall," features a balloon trip to the moon.
- Poe's detailed description, influenced by Godwin, made his story technically plausible for its time.
