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

Dr. Becky・24 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.

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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.

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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
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