Dumb Stuff In Space with Assoc. Prof. Michael Brown (471)
4/25/202633 min
We're living through the great Space Boom and with great innovation comes a lot of whacky ideas... Astronomer and Associate Professor Michael Brown from Monash University joins me to discuss stupid things in space.
The conversation dives into some of the more bizarre and ambitious ideas circulating the space industry, from firing villains and radioactive waste in to the sun to deploying giant orbital mirrors to light up Earth's dark side. Brown breaks down why many of these concepts are far less practical than they sound. With over 15,000 satellites circling earth, Brown also examines the promises and downsides of mega-constellations like Starlink, including how they operate and the challenges they pose for astronomers and the environment.
It's a fascinating and critical peek in to the intersection of innovation, risk, and imagination in the new space age.
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First 90 secondsDr Karl Kruszelnicki· Host0:00
I'm Dr. Karl, coming to you from the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians and traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. [upbeat music] Good day. Dr. Karl here, University of Sydney Show of Science, to talk about some really stupid things in space. What about firing criminals or radioactive waste into the sun? What about having mirrors in orbit going around planet Earth to illuminate the dark side of the Earth? What about building a city on the Moon? And what about the downside of Starlink? Luckily, we have somebody here, you're guessing an astronomer, who can help us with this. Welcome to the microphone and to the camera, Professor Michael Brown. Is that the correct pronunciation?
Michael Brown· Guest0:49
Actually associate professor, but you can promote me, please.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki· Host0:52
Uh, uh, we are in Australia, so I'll call you aspro. And you're in astronomy.
Michael Brown· Guest0:58
Yes, I am. I am, am an astronomer by trade.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki· Host1:01
So let's just start with the first one. Um, people say, "Why don't you fire radioactive waste into the sun?" As though you get a rocket, there's the sun, light the wick, bing, okay?
Michael Brown· Guest1:12
I mean, why not fire radioactive waste, you know, ter- just terrible people. Why not fire them into the sun? And, you know, you could aim a rocket at the sun, fire the rocket off, go really, really fast, and almost certainly you'd miss the sun.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki· Host1:28
Okay, so