Show notes
Dr. Livingston introduced Michael Gordon, a serial entrepreneur, author, and digital health innovator, known for co-founding Teladoc and developing VoIP telephone lines. Michael shared his background in space physics, including his graduate work on the magnetosphere and involvement in the Hayley's comet probe project. He discusses his Tachyon Tunnel sci fi book series, which explores the concept of using tachyons to build tunnels for faster-than-light travel, addressing the challenges of interstellar travel without requiring infinite energy.Michael discussed his science fiction series, the Tachyon Tunnel Series, which explores human drama and interaction in the galaxy. He explained that the series, inspired by authors like Robert Heinlein, Asimov, and Andy Weir, follows characters who use tachyon tunnels to travel across the galaxy, discovering an existing network built by an unknown civilization. He described the series' themes, including the struggle against an evil empire and the mystery of who built the tachyon tunnel system. He also touched on the plausibility of tachyon tunnels in real life, noting that they would allow for rapid interstellar travel.Michael talked about his belief in the potential for tachyon tunnels as a method for intergalactic travel, emphasizing their superiority over wormholes due to the immense gravitational forces required for wormholes, which would be destructive. He referenced the book "Gravitation" by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler, highlighting the current understanding of gravity and its limitations, while also mentioning the challenges of reproducing and raising children in space, a topic he plans to address in his third book. Michael also touched on the evolution of science fiction, praising the work of Roddenberry and Asimov for their realistic visions of the future, and discussed the potential for simulated gravity in space using centrifuges and constant acceleration.Our guest talked about future space travel and settlement, emphasizing the development of tachyon-like travel and interstellar flight, as well as the establishment of large cities in Lagrange points. He highlighted the need to address challenges like microgravity and radiation protection in space environments. Michael also noted the shift from government-led space exploration to private enterprise, predicting that capitalism will drive the next generation of space explorers and settlers. He addressed a caller's question about space farming, suggesting a combination of farming and food replicators in space cities, while acknowledging the challenges of long-duration space travel to distant stars.Michael also discussed his book series, which is available on Amazon, and mentioned that the second book has won six awards and was a bestseller. He explained his writing process, which involves parallel editing and a print-on-demand system. David also addressed questions about tachyons, the Fermi paradox, and the possibility of future technologies for interstellar communication, suggesting that quantum entanglement might play a role in future travel and communication methods.We discussed the concept of "spooky action at a distance" in physics, comparing it to the behavior of identical twins, and listener John mentioned a conversation with a physicist friend who humorously equated dark energy with the Holy Spirit. Michael also shared insights about plasma, its role in the universe, and a book titled "A New Science of Heaven" by Robert Temple, which explores the speculative nature of plasma self-organization. Michael encouraged us to read the book for a new perspective on definitions. Additionally, he addressed a physics student's question about confirming the existence of tachyons, suggesting that the task would be better suited for young theoretical physicists and expressing interest in any creative ideas they might propose.Our guest also discussed the rapid advancements in space technology and exploration, highlighting the exponential growth in capabilities over the next few decades. He mentioned meeting Buzz Aldrin, who noted that current devices have more power than the computers used during the Apollo missions. David predicted significant progress in space travel, including returning to the moon and potentially heading to Mars within 5-6 years, driven by companies like SpaceX. He also touched on the potential for new AI technologies to solve complex problems and the theoretical concept of imaginary mass particles with real energy, though no such particles have been detected yet.Caller John, a retired mathematician and aerospace worker, discussed his interest in science and physics, particularly through the Space Show. Michael expressed a desire to meet John, who David said was one of his informal science teachers, and mentioned his belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life visiting Earth. David also touched on the challenges of discussing controversial topics like the Fermi Paradox and UFO sightings, noting the difficulty in separating rational evidence from nonsense. Finally, he reflected on the persistence of conspiracy theories, such as the moon landing and flat Earth beliefs, and expressed frustration at the lack of evidence to prove the negative of such claims.David read a listener email from Grok suggesting that tachyons, particles moving faster than light, might emit a form of Cherenkov radiation and could be detected in particle accelerators. He also shared an email from Todd asking about his book writing process, where he explained that he outlines the general storyline of the third book while writing the second, with the science and human drama being key elements of his storytelling.Black Holes and Space Exploration.Michael then discussed the role of black holes in his upcoming books, explaining that while they are relevant, they are not a major part of the current story. He also explored the concept of tachyon tunnels and the potential challenges of emerging from them in space, emphasizing the importance of mapping safe exit points. David shared insights on the current state of space debris and the efforts to clean it up. Michael compared the sparsity of objects in space to the density of people on Earth. He expressed interest in creating an audio version of his books and mentioned plans to follow up with the host regarding the release of Book 3.Before ending, Michael shared a personal story about his friend Charlie Duke, who was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 16 and one of only four living people who walked on the moon. He described Charlie's authentic and heartfelt stories about his moon landing experience, including an anecdote about attempting a lunar high jump that was cut short when NASA discovered the incident through a camera.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: [email protected] Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. 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