Real astrophysicist reacts to Netflix's Don't Look Up

Dr. Becky・2 minutes read

A comet worth trillions in critical materials prompts a mining mission that is abruptly halted due to risks, as analyzed by astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst. The film "Don't Look Up" on Netflix serves as a political satire portraying the consequences of a fictional deadly comet heading towards Earth, critiqued for its inaccuracies and praised for realistic astronomical data display.

Insights

  • A comet approaching Earth holds an estimated value of 32 trillion dollars in critical technology materials, sparking interest in potential mining operations.
  • The film "Don't Look Up" serves as a social political satire, depicting the consequences of a hypothetical asteroid or comet threat, while also shedding light on the importance of clear science communication and the complexities of managing such potential hazards.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the mission in "Don't Look Up" about?

    The mission involves mining a valuable comet.

  • What is the film "Don't Look Up" about?

    It is a social political satire on a comet threat.

  • What is the Subaru Telescope known for?

    It is known for its wide field of view.

  • What is the purpose of NASA's DART mission?

    It aims to alter an asteroid's trajectory.

  • What is Brilliant's online learning platform about?

    It offers interactive courses in math and science.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Comet mining mission aborted in film analysis"

  • A comet approaching Earth contains at least 32 trillion dollars worth of critical materials for technology.
  • The mission to mine the comet for rare earth metals is abruptly aborted due to the risks involved.
  • The episode of "Don't Look Up" on Netflix is analyzed by astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst.
  • The film is a social political satire depicting the consequences of a deadly asteroid or comet heading towards Earth.
  • The scenario in the film is purely fictional and not based on any current threat to Earth.
  • The portrayal of a telescope control room in the film is critiqued for inaccuracies regarding light pollution and telescope operation.
  • The telescope shown in the film is identified as the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, known for its wide field of view.
  • The use of a laser in the telescope indicates the presence of an adaptive optics system for correcting image distortions caused by Earth's atmosphere.
  • The film's realistic display of astronomical data is praised, resembling the software used by astronomers.
  • The film's portrayal of orbital dynamics and the accuracy of predicting a comet's impact on Earth is critiqued for its simplicity and lack of realism.

12:31

"Clear language key in science communication"

  • Science communication requires clear language to convey important information effectively to a broader audience.
  • The discovery of a dangerous comet prompts a decision to assess the situation rather than take immediate action.
  • Protocols dictate that the announcement of a comet threat would involve various government departments, not just NASA.
  • Information about the comet threat would be shared globally among space agencies and governments, preventing secrecy.
  • A supernova astronomer unexpectedly discovers a comet while monitoring exploding stars for her PhD research.
  • Automated surveys with machine learning algorithms assist in identifying potential astronomical phenomena like supernovae.
  • The idea of using nuclear explosives to divert a comet is deemed risky due to uncontrollable outcomes and nuclear waste.
  • NASA's DART mission aims to test the ability to alter an asteroid's trajectory by impacting it, potentially preventing a collision with Earth.
  • The film "Don't Look Up" draws parallels to societal science denial, highlighting challenges faced by science communicators.
  • Brilliant, an online learning platform, offers interactive courses in math, science, and computer science to enhance understanding through hands-on learning.

25:10

"UN considers deflective mission, Hollywood supports"

  • Brilliant sponsored the video
  • The United Nations is contemplating a deflective mission
  • Hollywood is backing the Just Look Up movement
  • Chris Evans, a big Astro fan, supports the movement
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.