This Week In Space podcast: Episode 184 — Space is Scary!
Summary: In Episode 184 of “This Week in Space,” Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik explore the psychological terror of the cosmos—why the unknown can feel truly frightening—and dive into a fun survey of the best (and most ridiculous) alien movies, from classic sci‑fi nightmares to recent box‑office hits that prove even our imagination can be a spaceship of dread.
Why Space Is Scary
Rod and Tariq break down the primal fears that make outer space feel like a personal horror film: isolation, the absence of gravity, the sheer scale of the universe, and the possibility of hostile extraterrestrials. They cite recent discoveries—like the unsettling density of exoplanets in the habitable zone—and discuss how scientific uncertainty feeds into our collective imagination.
The Alien Movie Marathon
The hosts curate a list of 8 must-watch films that highlight humanity’s fascination with interstellar visitors. From the iconic suspense of “Alien” (1979) to the comedic chaos of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (2008) and the satirical take in “Paul” (2011), they examine why each movie resonates—and how they balance terror with humor.
From Science to Cinema
Rod and Tariq contrast real astrophysics with the dramatic liberties filmmakers take. They discuss how real space agencies use simulations to train astronauts for unexpected encounters, while Hollywood turns those scenarios into blockbuster plots that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Listener Take‑Away
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what truly scares them about space, share their own alien movie favorites, and consider whether our fear of the unknown is a catalyst for scientific curiosity or a barrier to exploration.