Serious Inquiries Only SIO461: So You Want To Destroy the Earth...
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Oct 1, 2024 Astrophysicist Dr. Bryan Gillis returns to craft wild, hypothetical ways to obliterate our planet. From halting the moon's orbit to launching nuclear weapons, he discusses the complex physics behind these catastrophic ideas. They dive into the hilarity of a moonfall scenario, juxtaposed with serious reflections on humanity’s fragile future. The conversation also highlights the dangers of AI and cosmic threats, all wrapped in a playful, light-hearted banter that blends science with absurdity.
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Babylon 5 and the Falling Moon
- Dr. Brian Gillis's idea for this episode came from a Babylon 5 movie.
- In the movie, aliens destroy Earth by making the moon fall.
Orbital Mechanics
- Ejecting an object from orbit is easier than making it fall into the central body.
- This is due to the existing angular momentum in the orbit.
Moon's Distance and Speed
- The moon is much farther from Earth than commonly visualized.
- This distance and the moon's speed make manipulating its orbit difficult.