Guest: Dr. Greg Matloff; Topics: We discussed his new book, "Starlight, Starbright: Are Stars Conscious? Also consciousness in the universe, interstellar flight, and more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.
We welcomed Dr. Greg Matloff to the show to discuss his new book "Starlight, Starbright: Are Stars Conscious?" I urge you to get this book as it is fascinating. Remember, if you order it from Amazon, please use the OGLF portal with links from our website. That way Amazon will make a donation to The Space Show from a portion of the purchase price. We also talked about consciousness in the universe, interstellar flight and many other topics including philosophy, astrology, the zero point field, myths, shamans, and much more.
During the first segment of our 1 hour 42 minute program, Dr. Matloff spent a significant amount of time talking about consciousness in the universe and responding to my opening question asking if stars were conscious. This was a great discussion, most informative, quite new and different for The Space Show, and comprehensive. He mentioned leaders in the field and their work, things like Parenago's Discontinuity, the ESA Gaia space observatory, Olaf Stapledon and his classic science fiction book "Star Maker," and much more.
We started taking listener email questions later in the first segment. Jerry from Boston asked about the philosophical impact of consciousness and our guest brought up the work of Rupert Sheldrake. This led to a call from Kim in Mexico just before the first segment ended. Also near the end of the first segment, our guest talked about Dark Matter which has yet to be found after decades of research and searching for it. Many other topics were discussed during the first segment. Our guest referenced lots of researchers focusing on star and universe consciousness so really, listen carefully, check out his sources on the net for more information and think about the connecting of the dots with the science to myths and cultures have similar things to say but not coming from the scientific perspective. Greg and I also had fun talking about some of the fringe and far out ideas, many of which I mentioned I was familiar with from earlier New Age activities. Not only was this discussion scientific and interesting, as you will hear, it was really enjoyable.
In the second segment, as a result of my reading the Celestis promo spot about DNA, we started talking about DNA communicating with star and universe consciousness. Dr. Matloff had much to say on this topic so don't miss it. I think you will be as surprised by what he said as I was when I heard his comments.
We talked more about interstellar flight and Starshot. One of the things he pointed out was the need to slow the craft down if you actually wanted to get to the distant planet, say Proxima B. He said we had no way to slow down a wafer spacecraft or any spacecraft from 20% the speed of light. This was a great interstellar discussion. A real reality check plus a good understanding of future challenges. Don't miss it.
BJohn send in a note asking if empty space separated consciousness from one another or even animals. Actually the BJohn email was more comprehensive than what I just wrote so listen to it carefully as I read it in full on air. Dr. Matloff responded to each part of his question so don't miss the reply though he too did not know what separated consciousness from other consciousness.
Doug sent in a note asking about sailbeam and solar sails. Helen sent in a note asking if New Physics were needed for interstellar flight or if our existing physics would enable it. Dr. Matloff said that if he was making a cautious bet, he would bet on getting new physics from the zero point field. We discussed the zero point field for several minutes so don't miss this mini-conversation. Before the segment ended, BJohn asked Greg if he ever thought a charged photon would be found.
Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this show. You can reach Dr. Matloff through his faculty page or me.
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