Summary
The StarTalk Podcast: Space Balls? episode explores the intersection between sports and physics in different gravitational environments. The hosts and guest discuss the potential for new sports to be invented for different gravitational fields, such as on the moon or Mars. They also explore the physics behind playing sports in zero gravity, including the need for evade and capture type games rather than retrieving object type games. The discussion also touches on the use of magnetic or electro-magnetic boots for movement and wrestling in zero gravity.
The hosts also discuss the differences in fast twitch and slow twitch muscles, acceleration, and the challenges of changing direction in space. They also explore the idea of using engineering materials to improve the speed and power of kicks in soccer and the potential advantages of an ideal directional orientation for football stadiums to take advantage of the Earth's rotation. The hosts also discuss the importance of control versus speed in sports and the potential drawbacks of longer contact times between the ball and the foot.
The podcast also delves into the potential limits of human athletic performance and how it can be improved through various technologies, nutrition, and maintenance of the physioskeletal system. They also talk about the possibility of reaching a limit and turning to augmentation to break it, as long as it is within the rules. The hosts also discuss the issue of American men's soccer teams not being able to achieve the same level of success as the women's team, and how American players are competing abroad in top leagues. They also discuss the difference between performance enhancement and cheating, emphasizing that as long as it is within the rules, it is not cheating.
Overall, the podcast provides an entertaining and informative exploration of the intersection between sports and physics in different gravitational environments. The hosts and guest discuss various topics related to sports and space, including the Coriolis effect, spit in sports, and the potential for powered flight on Titan due to its thick atmosphere and low gravity. They also answer a fan question about the differences between fast twitch and slow twitch muscles and which would be better for space travel. The podcast is a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the science of sports and space exploration.
