Short Wave Sci-Fi Movie Club: 'Contact'
Dec 21, 2021
Radio astronomer Summer Ash, an expert in searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, joins to dissect the film 'Contact.' She explores the connection between the movie's themes and real-world astrophysical research. Topics include the significance of advanced telescopes, the concept of the radiosphere, and challenges in communicating with potential alien civilizations. Summer also critiques the film's scientific accuracy while highlighting the progress in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence since its release, showcasing the evolving quest for exoplanets.
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Episode notes
Radiosphere and interstellar communication
- Radio waves, a type of light, have leaked into space since we first started broadcasting, forming a 'radiosphere'.
- This radiosphere extends 80-100 light-years from Earth, illustrating the vast distances involved in interstellar communication.
SETI and Radio Astronomy
- SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, uses radio waves to listen for alien signals.
- Radio waves are chosen because they are low-energy and used by humans for communication, so it is possible that others are using radio waves too.
Hollywood vs. Reality in Radio Astronomy
- The film 'Contact' portrays Ellie Arroway listening to space on her car's hood with headphones.
- Real radio astronomers don't do this; data processing involves complex computer processes, not direct listening.
