Popcorn Science Podcast

John E. Moores & Catherine Neish

Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.

Episodes

  1. 10/04/2025

    2001: A Space Odyssey

    In this episode of "Popcorn Science," discuss the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Topics Science Gripes (7:00) Tapir do not live in Africa Arid environment, but humans likely evolved in arboreal environment Little evidence for humans living in caves Humans are not the only tool users, monolith didn't grant unique advantage Artistic placement of the moon Random equations / diagrams on screen: Sci-Fi jibberish Space craft: No thrusters Moonwalking: Too much gravity, too little falling down EVA without tether or thruster packs, gardening gloves Discovery: Moving too fast: 3 weeks to Mars? 18 weeks to Jupiter? Habitation ring too slow (or too much gravity) For every action, these wasn't an equal reaction Jupiter: Too many (major) moons Science Shine (31:00) Centripetal gravity, close enough Decent job showing zero-gravity life Clavius station under ground, close enough to Tycho for a shuttle Infectious disease concerns in space Predicted Magnetic anomalies on the Moon!: Lunar Swirls Earth phases 13 seconds in vacuum, plausible! HAL wins at chess Smooth space turns: Reaction wheels Commercial travel looks modern Of it's time (46:33) Ratings (59:03) References 2001: A Space Odyssey (film, 1968) 2001: A Space Odyssey (novel, 1968) Stargate Effect Arthur C. Clarke Stanley Kubrick Also sprake Zarathustra - Richard Strauss Sapians Homo Habilus (tool users) Stanford Torus Andromeda Strain: Book (1969), Film (1971) Lunar Swirls Vacuum Suit Accident Reaction Wheel Computer sings "Daisy Bell" (1961) Douglas Rain Universe (1960) - National Film Board of Canada

    1h 4m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.