BA Chat — 16 March 2020 — Isolating at home edition | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Phil Plait discusses his current activities, including writing for Sci-Fi and his newsletter, as well as his knee surgery recovery. He offers advice on working from home and the importance of staying physically active during self-isolation. He also addresses topics such as the impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellites on astronomy and the possibility of Earth being destroyed by WR 104 or a black hole.

Key Insights

• 💦 Phil Plait provides updates on his current work as a writer for Sci-Fi and his newsletter, as well as his knee surgery recovery progress.
• 💦 He emphasizes the importance of being flexible in establishing a work routine while working from home.
• 🛰️ Phil discusses the challenges and potential impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellites on astronomy.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellites on astronomy?

The Starlink satellites pose a significant problem for astronomers as they can interfere with observations. Even if they become fainter, they can still affect observations, especially with large telescopes. There is ongoing discussion and collaboration between SpaceX and astronomers to find a solution.

Q: Can WR 104 destroy us?

WR 104 is a star that is likely to go supernova, but it is uncertain whether it will result in a gamma-ray burst. Even if it does, the distance between Earth and WR 104 makes it unlikely to pose a threat to our planet.

Q: Can dropping satellites in a black hole relay a laser transmission beyond the event horizon?

No, dropping satellites into a black hole would not allow information to be transmitted beyond the event horizon. The speed of light is constant, and nothing, including information, can escape a black hole once it has crossed the event horizon.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Phil Plait shares updates on his current work, including writing for Sci-Fi and his newsletter, and discusses the challenges of working from home.

• He offers advice on the importance of being flexible in establishing a work routine while working remotely.

• Phil shares his recovery progress after knee surgery and talks about the benefits of exercise during self-isolation.