A Bit of Optimism

Digging Up the Past with Sarah Parcak

11 snips
Jan 31, 2023
Join Sarah Parcak, a pioneering space archaeologist, as she reveals how she uses satellites to uncover hidden ancient sites. She discusses the revolutionary shift from traditional archaeology to advanced technologies like drones, enhancing our understanding of human history. Sarah dives into lessons from past civilizations, such as the Khmer, emphasizing the dire consequences of overconsumption. With insights into ancient wisdom, she explores how human connection and community shape our future, offering a blend of hope and caution.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Space Archaeologist

  • Sarah Parcak's job title, "space archaeologist," was coined by NASA.
  • She uses satellite imagery to map and discover archaeological sites.
INSIGHT

Satellite Advantages

  • Satellites offer a unique perspective, pinpointing sites across vast landscapes efficiently.
  • They also act like "space-based X-rays," detecting buried features through infrared light.
ANECDOTE

Thousands of Discoveries

  • Parcak's team has discovered thousands of archaeological sites, including potential pyramids in Egypt.
  • A monumental structure, likely a temple, was also found in Petra, Jordan.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app