Anthropologist Hugh Raffles and astronomer John O'Meara discuss where the sky ends and the concept of distinguishing between sky and space. They explore the interactions between air and space, the multitude of sky inhabitants like insects, and the invisible world of air molecules. The podcast challenges conventional perspectives on the border between sky and space with insightful reflections and scientific analysis.
The boundary between the sky and space is complex, defined by factors like the Carmen line and satellite orbits.
Insects form a diverse ecosystem in the sky, showcasing intricate movements and adaptations for travel.
Deep dives
Exploring the Sky and Its Boundaries
The episode delves into the concept of the sky and where it meets space. Discussions with experts like Hugh Raffles and John O'Mira reveal how the boundary between the sky and space is not straightforward. Various definitions are highlighted, such as the Carmen line, based on physics, and international law defining the orbit of satellites. The density of air molecules plays a critical role in understanding this boundary.
Insects in the Sky: Beyond What We See
The podcast explores the invisible world of insects in the sky above us. Hugh Raffles' insights shed light on the astonishing number of insects present in the air, even at significant altitudes. Raffles narrates how insects navigate through the sky, showcasing their intricate movements and adaptations to travel vast distances. This hidden ecosystem challenges our perception of the sky's emptiness.
The Fascination of Ephemeral Spring Flowers
The episode transitions to the enchanting world of spring ephemerals, focusing on their brief but vibrant existence in the woods. Naturalist Jack Markoski's exploration of these short-lived flowers highlights their ephemeral nature. Describing their growth from the thawing ground to the emergence of leaves, the narrative captures the magic of discovering ephemerals during a walk in the woods.
Where is the border between sky and space? That's what 5-year-old Matthias of Durham, New Hampshire wants to know. Alesandra, 3 of Bella Vista, Arkansas wants to know why we can't hold air. In this episode from 2020, we’re joined by anthropologist Hugh Raffles, a professor at The New School, and by astronomer John O'Meara, chief scientist at the Keck Observatory. And we have special scoring by cellist Zoë Keating.