#093: Going to Mars & the Elon Musk Paradox Feat. Lindsay DeMarchi - recorded 9th July 2022

With astrophysicist and poet Lyndsay, we take a deep-dive into the benefits and harms that come from the Mars exploration & her unusual journey into academia. This is part 1 of a two-part series.

We cover:

// Her unusual journey into academia.

// How we are related to dead stars. 

// The ethical issues on the mission to Mars. 

// The colonial language & attitude that is continually applied to space exploration. 

// Elon Musk’s mission and the lack of scientists being part of the big decisions. 

// Starlink’s satellites posing a huge threat to observational physics.

// Who does Starlink’s satellites truly benefit?

// The benefits and harms that come from Mars exploration.

// A lawless Mars. 

// Why are we so curious about finding life on other planets?

// Is an Armageddon-like event a likely threat? 

Timestamps:

[00:17:01] "The intersection of science and spirituality: Exploring near-death experiences"

[00:21:57] "Embracing the Unknown: A Personal Belief on Death"

[00:35:43] "Elon Musk and the ethics of space travel"

[00:44:16] "Surviving a 7-month trip to Mars"

[00:50:32] "The Cost of Colonizing Mars: Private Whim?"

[00:55:26] "Contemplating Life: Poets and Physicists' Perspectives"

[01:03:51] "Can Life on Other Planets Save Humanity?"

Next week in part 2: 

// What are black holes and how are they created?

// What’s behind a black hole? 

// What happens to the content in the black hole?

// What happens to the spatial coordinates after a black hole has gone through it?

// Multiverses. 

// String theory for beginners. 

// How are we still around as a species?

Find Lindsay https://www.lindsaydemarchi.com Her podcast: Go Ask Alice.

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