Physics of Superman's Powers: From Airbags to Warp Drives
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Books
- "The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book" by Charles Liu - This book is relevant as Charles Liu is the author and it touches on the quantum physics concepts discussed in the episode.
Videos & Documentaries
- "Mr Tompkins in Wonderland" (Series of books) - Fanciful books illustrating a world where universal constants have different values, used to explain how changing physics could alter reality.
People Mentioned
- Charles Liu - Professor of astrophysics at the College of Staten Island and City University of New York, and author of "The Handy Quantum Physics Answer Book."
- Gary O'Reilly - Former soccer pro, soccer announcer, and host of the "Special Edition" branch of StarTalk.
- Chuck Nice - Actor, professional comedian, and co-host of StarTalk.
- Ernie Carducci - A listener who supports StarTalk on Patreon.
- William Shatner - Actor, known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek.
- George Gamow - Physicist and author who hypothesized the hot big bang theory and wrote the "Mr. Tompkins" book series.
- Alan Moore - Creator of Dr. Manhattan in the Watchmen universe.
- Jordi La Forge - Character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, an engineer.
- Henry Pym - Scientist in Marvel Comics who created the Pym Particles.
- Rainer Maria Rilke - German poet whose quote about learning to love questions is shared.
Organizations & Institutions
- Dell Technologies - Mentioned for their Black Friday sale on PCs.
- Rosetta Stone - Language learning software.
- City University of New York - Affiliation of Charles Liu.
- College of Staten Island - Affiliation of Charles Liu.
- DC Comics - Publisher of Superman comics.
- Hayden Planetarium - Neil deGrasse Tyson's workplace, which Superman visited in a comic.
- Marvel Comics - Publisher of Fantastic Four and Watchmen.
- Progressive - Mentioned for car insurance.
- Volkswagen - Mentioned for their Tiguan model.
- Quince - Online retailer selling apparel and home goods.
- Dsw - Shoe retailer.
Websites & Online Resources
- dell.com/deals - Website for Dell Technologies' sales.
- rosettastone.com/startalk - Website for Rosetta Stone's offer for StarTalk listeners.
- saveonzepbound.com - Website for Zepbound savings options.
- shopify.com/startalk - Website for Shopify trial offer for StarTalk listeners.
- progressive.com - Website for Progressive insurance quotes.
- quince.com/startalk - Website for Quince with a special offer for StarTalk listeners.
- dsw.com - Website for DSW shoe retailers.
Other Resources
- Superman - Superhero whose powers and origins were discussed.
- Hercules - Mythological hero compared to Superman.
- Kryptonite - Fictional substance that weakens Superman.
- Lois Lane - Character from Superman comics.
- Chandra X-ray Observatory - An X-ray telescope.
- XMM-Newton - An X-ray telescope.
- Stealth Bomber (F-117) - Aircraft discussed in relation to radar invisibility.
- Predator - Movie featuring an invisibility cloak.
- Fantastic Four - Marvel superhero team.
- Invisible Woman - Character from Fantastic Four.
- Harry Potter - Book and movie series featuring an invisibility cloak.
- Romulan Cloaking Device - Invisibility technology from Star Trek.
- James Bond (Quantum of Solace) - Movie featuring an Aston Martin with an invisibility button.
- Godzilla - Monster known for fire-breathing.
- Torch (Fantastic Four) - Character from Fantastic Four who can generate fire.
- Mr. Tompkins - Fictional character in George Gamow's books.
- Q - Character from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Jordi La Forge - Character from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Ant-Man - Superhero who can change size.
- Pym Particles - Fictional particles used by Ant-Man to change size.
- Dr. Manhattan - Character from Watchmen with quantum manipulation powers.
- Watchmen - Comic book series featuring Dr. Manhattan.
- Wormhole - Theoretical passage through spacetime.
- Warp Drive - Hypothetical propulsion system for faster-than-light travel.
- Transporter - Star Trek technology for teleportation.
- Qubit - Unit of quantum information.
- Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation - Leftover heat from the Big Bang.
- 21-centimeter radiation - Radio wave emission used to map hydrogen in the universe.
- Casimir Effect - A quantum mechanical force that pulls two closely spaced objects together.
- Many Worlds Theory - A hypothesis in quantum physics suggesting every quantum event spawns a new universe.
- Quantum Realm - A fictional dimension in Marvel Comics.
- Super Mario Bros. (Game) - Mentioned in relation to a video game.