Renowned theoretical physicist Dr. Kip Thorne, a Nobel laureate and science advisor for 'Interstellar,' reflects on the film's 10th anniversary. He discusses how advances in astrophysics, like gravitational wave detection, could reshape the narrative if the film were made today. Thorne shares insights into the collaboration between scientists and filmmakers that elevated public interest in black holes. He also touches upon popular misconceptions in science and the continuing quest to explore cosmic mysteries, like the black hole at our galaxy's center.
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Interstellar's Genesis
Kip Thorne, a theoretical physicist, became the science advisor for Interstellar after his former girlfriend, Linda Obst, invited him to brainstorm movie ideas.
Director Steven Spielberg initially expressed interest but later dropped the project, leading Christopher Nolan to take over.
insights INSIGHT
Inspiring Scientists
Interstellar's scientific accuracy inspired many young people to pursue scientific careers.
Thorne finds this impact deeply satisfying.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Black Hole Research
Thorne collaborated with the visual effects team, providing equations for black hole behavior.
Their joint paper became the most downloaded in the journal's history.
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The book is a literary adaptation of the film 'Interstellar', staying true to the plot and narrative. It chronicles the journey of a group of astronauts, led by Cooper, who embark on an interstellar voyage through a newly discovered wormhole to find a habitable planet for the survival of humanity. The story delves into themes of time dilation, black holes, relativity, and the emotional bond between Cooper and his daughter Murph, as he navigates the challenges of saving humanity while dealing with the personal cost of his mission.
For its 10th anniversary, the science advisor for “Interstellar” discusses the film’s impact and how new information about gravitational waves could have changed it.
The science fiction film “Interstellar” turns 10 years old this month. For many of us, it was our first encounter with some pretty advanced astrophysics, taking sci-fi concepts like wormholes and time warping, and backing them up with actual science. Now, we’re revisiting the impact that movie’s science had on pop culture, and how astrophysics has advanced in the past decade. If it were made today, what would be different?
Ira Flatow sits down with “Interstellar” science advisor Dr. Kip Thorne, a professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology. Since the film’s release, he has won a Nobel Prize for his contributions to the detection of gravitational waves generated from black holes. They discuss how the film inspired people to pursue scientific careers and how recent astrophysics discoveries, like gravitational waves, could’ve made it into the movie.
Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.