Short Wave New Star Trek Season, Same Ol' Sci-Fi
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Jun 19, 2023 In this engaging discussion, Erin Macdonald, an astrophysicist and science consultant for Star Trek, along with theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, dives into the science behind the beloved franchise. They analyze the real-world feasibility of warp drive and the complexities of transporters, linking them to fundamental laws of physics. The conversation also touches on how Star Trek has influenced their careers and the blend of technology and identity in storytelling, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder about the future of sci-fi innovations.
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Early Star Trek Inspiration
- Chanda Prescod-Weinstein's earliest Star Trek memories are of watching The Next Generation with her dad.
- Seeing LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge, the first Black scientist she'd seen on screen, was impactful.
Janeway's Leadership
- Erin Macdonald wasn't initially a Star Trek fan but became drawn to Captain Janeway.
- She admired Janeway's leadership and how she incorporated her feminine qualities into it.
Warp Drive Feasibility
- Warp drive in Star Trek involves creating a space-time bubble around a ship, enabling faster-than-light travel.
- The math is theoretically sound, but the energy needed to bend space-time is currently unattainable.