Dr Karl Podcast Human cannonballs, outrunning the Sun and burning beds
Jan 8, 2026
Explore the physics of human cannonballs as Dr Karl details the escape velocity needed to soar high. Discover how fast you'd need to run to outrun the sun while learning about heartache's effect on the heart. Unpack the science behind hot air balloons' altitude limits and the intriguing geometry of squeezing circles through triangles. Plus, find out what makes a bed catch fire and the secrets of breath-holding records. It's a delightful mix of science and song lyrics!
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How Fast To Outrun The Sun
- To outrun sunrise at the equator you'd need about 1,600 km/h, much faster than normal running speeds.
- Closer to the poles the required speed drops dramatically, down to a few metres per day at the poles.
Emotions Can Physically Affect The Heart
- Strong emotions can trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and temporarily stun heart function via catecholamines.
- Emotional stress can reduce coronary blood flow and in rare cases lead to death even without prior heart disease.
Human Cannon To The Moon Is Lethal
- To reach the Moon you need about 11 km/s, a velocity impossible to give in an instant from a human cannon without lethal forces.
- Practical human cannon acts use springs and staged propulsion to mimic a blast without fatally crushing the person.