How Close To The Sun Can Humanity Get?

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Previous Episode:
Reversing Entropy with Maxwell's Demon

The Sun: an entity worshipped as a god throughout time and across cultures. The source of all life and sustenance for our little blue space rock, and also a force of unthinkable destructive power. But soon humanity will reach out its collective hand and come closer to touching the Sun than we ever have before with the launch of the Parker Solar Probe.


Hosted by Matt O'Dowd
Written by Drew Rosen and Matt O'Dowd
Graphics by Grayson Blackmon
Assistant Editing and Sound Design by Mike Petrow

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سلطان الخليفي
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[mdjones]

I appreciate that Matthew O’Dowd always shows enthusiasm for the topics and never a hint of cynicism or boredom. Thanks Matthew. Science is fun.

[alexbeerling]

I love that this is what qualifies as a rant from you! Not because it was not a rant, it absolutely was. For you. Which is why I trust you when I need a video to watch that is informative, interesting, and relaxing. You're just the best, man!

[Equistration]

Matt's rant is the most civil and respectful I have seen on the entire internet.

[shmuckling]

WOW! This was a GREAT episode! As always, the great comic relieve at the end is icing on the cake!

[dainjahrus]

"but icarus didn't have a carbon composite heat shield..." Bahahahahahaa

[alimibrahem]

all love and respect for you, and for all who contributed in this video..
💕💕💕

[gringusbingus]

This is absolutely fantastic content and I love watching this channel. Great narrating and easily digestible information

[zaptowee]

Just remember, everyone you meet on the internet is an expert in everything. Truly an amazing time.

[bkweddle]

Not sure why I thought your "rant" would be a lot more angry, but I'm glad you said it. People tend to get stuck in their own assumptions and ignore possibilities.

[Nik-vcox]

I just discovered this channel, and I went back to the beginning to be able to follow you. I had no idea that you wrote the scripts yourself. I've been telling everyone about this channel. it's my favorite show by far. I fall asleep watching it. I test myself by telling my husband unbelievable things and then answering his questions (because he doesn't believe me)... do you ever lecture in Texas?

[zuilok]

Thank you KSP for teaching me the basics of orbital mechanics. Its really helpful when watching a video like this.

[wangtoriojackson]

10:58 Very diplomatic way of saying "you're an idiot and you are wrong." I like it. I'm stealing it.

[peterb]

Good episode.
Fun to watch.
I liked the answers to the comments - which were nicely done (concise, clear, informative and respectful).

[thewhitefang]

I implore you my brethren to take a moment to ( 1:18 ) #PraisetheSun

[fedos]

I'm a cost estimator who used to write cost requirements documents for NASA. Parker Solar Probe (then Solar Probe Plus) was the last mission I worked on before leaving to support the Air Force.

[ariochiv]

I couldn't help but chuckle when he declined to pronounce "ISIS".

[wwtoonlinkfan]

I remember reading about this mission in middle school, back when it was called Solar Probe Plus. Now I'm 4 years into college, and it's finally launching.

[lvlcooking]

If only I could be as grossly incandescent.

[ViewtifulSam]

Your (very polite) rant was incredibly on point :-)

[francoislacombe]

The Carrington event was actually a pair of CMEs, a lesser one that reached Earth on august 29 1859 and caused widespread auroral activity, and the big one that occurred on the Sun on Sept 1 1859 and reached Earth 17.6 hours later. It has been speculated that the first CME cleared the way to allow the second one to travel so quickly (CMEs usually take several days to cross the distance between Earth and the Sun) and making its effects even more powerful than if it had happened alone.