Today we're throwing back to one of our favorite Science Movie Club episodes: 'Contact' featuring Jodie Foster. It was a real crowd pleaser, especially among extraterrestrials and Carl Sagan fans, and features the work of beloved Short Wave alumni and sci-fi aficionados Maddie Sofia and Viet Le. The 1997 film got a lot of things right ... and a few things wrong. Radio astronomer Summer Ash, an education specialist with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, breaks down the science in the film. (Encore episode)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Short Wave
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Parasites Have Haunted Us For Millions Of Years
24 Oct 2025
Short Wave
Migrating Birds Have a Big, Clear Problem
22 Oct 2025
Short Wave
We Have the Cure. Why is Tuberculosis Still Around?
21 Oct 2025
Short Wave
Should Scientists Genetically Engineer Wild Species?
20 Oct 2025
Short Wave
Science Says Quitting Smoking At Any Age Is Good For The Brain
17 Oct 2025
Short Wave
What Happens When You're Under Anesthesia?
15 Oct 2025
Short Wave