Friday, June 25, 2021
Cycloplexes and Grandinifughi
Direct opposite of previous item.
A surprisingly accurate and clear presentation of real science, in an unlikely place.
'Space Patrol' was the usual radio adventure cereal/serial, sponsored by Ralston. Most of these serials were long on drama and short on science, or just inserted passages from textbooks to satisfy the FCC's requirements. Space Patrol got the science right. The scriptwriters understood what they were saying.
In this 1952 episode, the solar system is threatened by a black hole, called a Cycloplex. The description is accurate. It's a blank spot, not an object. Things circle inward toward the spot, then disappear.
The professor character is also accurate. When the captain asks the professor if he can explain the mystery, the prof is excited and thrilled to see his theory proved. The captain has to bop him upside the head to focus his attention on the serious problem of saving Mars from the drain.
The prof says that when objects get sucked into the Cycloplex, they are transferred into a different dimension, or "perhaps into multiple dimensions." Multiverse, anyone?
Finally the captain rigs up a superconducting ring magnet, with a clear explanation of superconductivity, and sends the ring into the Cycloplex to countervortex the vortex. Both rings cancel out.
Just like a hail cannon!
After listening to more episodes, the pattern is consistent. It's not just science. The writers understand and explain economics and strategy accurately. The show is adult, with complex characters and an educated vocabulary. BUT: The adult content is surrounded by an intro and outro and commercials aimed at kids. Opposite to the usual radio pie, with a formal crust surrounding an informal or stupid filling.
Labels: Entertainment
¶ 1:59 PM
