Jonathan McDowell

Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, discusses the escalating issue of space debris and its implications. The conversation delves into how satellite proliferation, particularly from companies like Starlink, has intensified debris challenges. McDowell emphasizes the complexities of tracking this junk and the potential military ramifications of anti-satellite tech. He also highlights innovative solutions and collaborative efforts needed to tackle this growing environmental crisis in orbit.

Leah and Chelsea discuss the idea of destroying the moon with astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell and Haym Benaroya. They explore methods such as splitting it with lasers, explosives, and space tugs, and discuss the consequences of having moon fragments orbiting Earth. They also explore the impact of having two moons on tides and the visual aesthetics of the night sky.