Exploring the Science of Project Hail Mary with Andy Weir

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What is Project Hail Mary? How does it relate to the Fermi Paradox and Drakes equation.
Andy Weir built a two-decade career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of such subjects as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.
Project Hail Mary is Andy Weir's newest book. In Project Hail Mary, a lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the Earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.
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FOOTAGE:
NASA
ESA/Hubble
ESO - M.Kornmesser
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[@EventHorizonShow]

Being that this entire episode is one big spoiler for Andy Weir's new book Project Hail Mary, we want to thank Audible for giving free trials so you can listen to the audio book right now! To get your free 30 day trial visit www.audible.com/eventhorizon or text eventhorizon to 500-500

[@FuriousImp]

Thank you John!

[@CosmicCleric]

@@picturestreams Don't mince words, tell us how you really feel.

[@AndrewBlucher]

@@picturestreams Ok, so John interviewed an author. He does that often. Some reappear at intervals, spreading fiction disguised as research, some spreading research disguised as fiction, some with research presented as such. What's the problem? At least the ads are in the program; you can skip forward if you want. What are you trying to achieve?

[@FuriousImp]

@@picturestreams Hey bud. It's been a pretty terrible year for most of us on this mote of dust suspended in a light beam. But hang in there! It will hopefully get better! Staying positive might help.

[@codyschuler8471]

Congrats on the sponsor!

[@dahski1]

My dad used to tell me that back in the late 60s he used to watch "The sky at night" with Sir Patrick More. It started a lifetime of curiosity and love of all things space which he passed down to me. I recommend Event Horizon to him about 6 months before he passed early this year. He never had his own KZbin account so he couldn't subscribe to anything. Nevertheless he did enjoy your Videos and he said he loved the intro music you use right now.My point is your channel appealed to my 76 year old dad and to me 45.Also my son is a subscriber at 24. Really appreciate the effort and work that goes in to each episode. It's also great you can actually show this appreciation directly. Thanks 👍👍

[@EventHorizonShow]

Thank you for sharing this Darren. Sorry for your loss, so glad you were able to enjoy the show together.

[@randymakin3398]

@@EventHorizonShow just going to add to the pile Me an my daughter aged 13 never miss an episode or the shorter episodes on your other channel we both love space an ee get so much information from your videos an provides us so much brain food an conversation an for me to have this common ground with her at that age is priceless so from us as well thank you

[@advisionagency5004]

I also think this channel is pure gold. I will donate for sure. I am listening from time to time since 2018.

[@mugfish0]

@wisdom seeker you and UFOTV have absolutely brilliant imaginations. But no credible sources. Write more fiction but labelled correctly as such. You’d make a killing ;)

[@toxicsquirrelboy]

I started watching this video, stopped, ordered the book, read it and absolutely enjoyed it and now I'm back to finish watching this video. It was one of the best books I've ever read. Thank you.

[@davem4169]

This book Project Hail Mary is my number 1 favorite novel ever thank you Andy Wier this book so far is your legacy

[@MindoftheNorthStar]

The Egg was such a moving story. Great guest John

[@happyhammer1]

I just finished _Operation Hail Mary_ and I can't recommend it enough.

[@coles8296]

Got 5 minutes into this video then stopped and read the whole book. It’s an excellent story. Probably one of my favorites now. It really reminds me of my other favorite book Dragon’s Egg by Robert l forward.

[@watchtheworlddie6998]

Whoops I have fallen into event horizon again

[@cwtrain]

Crazy right? I've personally crossed like 30 event horizons and lived to tell the tale.

[@MU-oi1su]

At least you didn't fall into a stupid neutron star, amiright?

[@BlastinRope]

Its event horizons all the way down

[@oscopin74]

Ikr. It's like as soon as it gets me I can't escape.

[@BenHameen33]

At least you aren't alone. You're with JMG

[@zero132132]

Read the new book the other night. Fantastic stuff. I love that he somehow managed to make a story about a star-eating bacteria feel like hard sci-fi.

[@maddhopps]

How big are the spoilers in this interview? Do you recommend reading the book before listening to this interview?

[@zero132132]

@@maddhopps I'd recommend reading it first, but I'm a fairly quick reader and got through it in a night. At the least, I'd say get to chapter 9, but that's like a third of the book.

[@Juancilra]

@@maddhopps I listened to the interview, then rushed and go the book. The spoilers are minor, mostly plot points that you can glean from the book jacket - not exactly big reveals. It's great and this interview did not ruin it in any way.

[@TwitchyTopHat1]

I fucking love his scientist protagonists

[@TwitchyTopHat1]

@@maddhopps I recommend the audiobook personally, excellent performance

[@stevenpilling5318]

I enjoy Weir's boyish enthusiasm for space and writing about it. I tried doing that a few decades ago. Unfortunately, my work schedules and home environment was non-conducive. Of course, I probably would have never graduated beyond an occasionally published pulp writer for Boy's Life! You and Andy Weir have my envy. Best wishes for you both.

[@mokobaby6181]

i just finished this book, straight up, its a bloody great story with a lot of cool concepts, its an awesome read.

[@SaposaBear]

Started this episode a month ago and found the book yesterday and finished it today. It was an absolute blast. And thanks for mentioning the Mongolian engineers! Representation!

[@mrpiepantsmcgee]

Just read the book and oh my god it’s the best novel I’ve ever read, never been more fascinated and glued to the page before

[@marylousherman5471]

I just finished reading the Hail Mary Project and enjoyed it very much... I am no scientist but waded into the concepts presented about propulsion, atmosphere and astro-biology and came away with food for thought. Thanks for featuring Weir and his book... always looking for good sci-fi, especially during stay-in-and-read winter months. Love your interviews... you ask great questions!

[@miaodu1695]

Right on time! I just finished reading Project Hail Mary!!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@LV-426...]

I am amazed by just what a keen sense of physical reality Andy Weir possesses. He knows his physics! Also I want a movie based on this book. But must be directed by someone like James Cameron. It would be a masterpiece.

[@craigcampbell7638]

Ryan Gosling is the lead character, it's already in development

[@bk83082]

Still waiting for the Sam Neill episode where you discuss the 1997 cosmic horror film "Event Horizon"

[@guyfromthe80s92]

Wow that would be great!

[@UFO_PILOT]

Guest's name on the Event Horizon podcast is Andy Weir. Sam Neil's character in Event Horizon was "Dr. Weir". Coincidence?

[@zapfanzapfan]

That'd be cool! I'm sure he is just sitting at his vineyard waiting for the call.

[@avonacolyte]

The thought John comforts himself with when he's feeling a little low: "at least we have hydrogen bombs!" 😂 Never change, John!

[@The.Kyle.Scott.]

Wow. This premise is extremely intriguing. Not only that, it's extremely novel. I never considered an extremophile-like version of space algae farming the galaxies stars and spreading across solar systems.... reducing the strength of the sun's energy just enough to kill off any potential life but not killing the star... There's a lot of amazing little nuances brought up in this interview that really impressed me. The way he developed the alien microbes and their life cycle is amazing. The way he developed the sentient aliens species by envisioning the world its from...from and the magnetosphere, the gravity, the thick atmosphere and the lack of direct sunlight... to build the aliens existence from the ground up is pretty genius. Great video this week JMG. Def gonna scoop this book up asap.

[@Robbadobbsoldier]

I read this book whiteout having a clue what it was about. It was one the best book experiences I’ve ever had. I recommend no one to se this episode before reading the book! Then watch it 😊

[@EventHorizonShow]

It’s a great book!

[@danieldeneve5724]

Worth resubscribing to Audible for this. Great episode, thanks for Joining Andy. I agree, we are at the ground floor, especially if you consider having an appropriate abundance of heavy elements.

[@jerickodoggo9595]

I'll listen while I drift to sleep and dream of the cosmos. Just as well I'll listen while cooking my dinner over fire and drinking one (or two) down while staring at the night sky. I love that you do what you do!!

[@TheAngryAstronomer]

This was a really REALLY great episode John!

[@cdurkinz]

I hate double posting in comments but I REALLY have to, this book is amazing. I can't stop listening to it, and the narrator on audible, it's SO good.

[@EventHorizonShow]

It is great isn't it?

[@hectorgperez]

What a delightful human being Andy Weir is, I'm falling more in love with Event Horizon every episode I watch.

[@cdurkinz]

Just got it on audible can't wait to listen to it at work tomorrow! Great talk as usual good sirs.

[@bloodeagle2234]

U finish it? It was awesome wasn't it!!

[@stricknine6130]

Great interview I really enjoyed listening to John and Andy talk about sci-fi. Thanks for the episode! Used the link for Audible thanks.

[@InnocuousRemark]

Project Hail Mary is a fantastic book. The audiobook is read by a fantastic reader.

[@jelaninoel]

I often think about how much it’ll suck to not know how crazy the future will be but after recently experiencing my first family death (grandmother) i dont think i could bare watching ALL my loved ones and potential future loved ones die over and over for the next millennia. Plus if you want to live for another thousand just to see how things turn out, you’re just going to want to live another thousand to see how things turn out again. It’ll be never ending.

[@RedGandalf]

Every time I listen to one of these shows, there is a topic mentioned in passing that I'm not familiar with, and I'm drawn into a new rabbit hole of discovery. This one was 'the epoch of habitability'. Things like that are the nitrous that keeps my engine of creative imagination running at peak output.

[@mintsleaf]

Always a pleasure to listen to new episodes. Thank you so much!

[@StarOfStar]

I really enjoyed this one, also the sound quality and levels are spot on!! Good quality entertainment here 👍

[@smallsherpa2222]

Andy weir is a fantastic author, just like yourself John! Project hail Mary is a great read and I absolutely loved it. Hopefully it'll become a good movie just like the Martian.

[@Juancilra]

Great interview. I ran out and got the book immediately. JMG is correct that this is Weir's best yet. Really fantastic - the pinnacle of hard sci-fi.

[@zka77]

Accidentally bumped into the book 1 day after listening to this podcast. Bought it and I reaaally love it after the first 250 pages.

[@dr.williamkallfelz8540]

I've gone out of my way to give you (JMG) a shout out on social media, I'll just follow up by saying the reason why I've been evangelizing your channel as much as I can, especially the wake of all the buzz and chatter with these DOD UAP reports, has everything to do with the tone you set, and your expertise, and temperament. Your video posts are absolutely delightful and informative, each and every time. I learn so much listening to them over and over again! I'm a fairly tough customer in the sense that my Doctorate degree is in the foundations of physics and I've also spent years working on a separate PhD in theoretical particle physics. And I work in a field of analytic philosophy dealing with scientific methodology and analytic metaphysics. Anyway, without busting out my street creds too much, l must say what I find disappointing among some of my colleagues is their disdain and aversion and ignorance to the hard sci-fi world. Well, they ignore it at their peril! Chances are whatever notion a scientist or a philosopher has been conceiving or kicking around, it was already coined as a literary invention by some sci-fi author previously! You also do a great job with the guests whom you interview. But it's one thing to host interviews with distinguished guests, it's another to basically keep the subjects on a level that is both deeply informative but also leisurely and entertaining. That's hard to pull off. I think of some of your "competitors" out there like Joe Rogan and Lex Fridman. Granted, they are both highly intelligent and daring thinkers but sometimes I feel like the rabbit holes they get down into with their guests are a bit too obscure and narrow, and in some instances, just downright specious! So anyway, a great big thank you!! Truly one of the best damn channels out there on KZbin and it's great to see the enthusiasm and the curiosity and the interest just expand by leaps and bounds from your ever burgeoning audience base!

[@thedoruk6324]

This topic is extremely interesting! The sun eating algae reminds me the Star consuming tick from the *Stellaris*

[@underpowerjet]

I read book The Martian before the movie was made. I will definitely check out this book, this is such a great concept! I can totally see this being adapted into a movie.

[@derp195]

I had no idea his book was already out! Just finished Artemis, can’t wait to get to this one.

[@MartinCHorowitz]

The ending needs to change, with Anna pitching audible she sholdn't call John a sellout anymore.

[@jaredchampagne2752]

Who called John a sellout? Every creator needs to be funded to continue making more videos, being compensated in todays world is crucial to continue pursuing their passion, no one can work for free.

[@EventHorizonShow]

He's referring to our announcer ANNA calling John a sellout for saying the word "subscribe" even though she's totally a sellout too. :D

[@thahleel]

Please remember that he is a writer of fiction and not everything said in this video needs to be taken seriously, it’s like any work of fiction, just for fun ♥️

[@genghisgalahad8465]

I’m taking it seriously.

[@thahleel]

@@genghisgalahad8465 Well you might be a bit too impressionable if you are able to take something like this seriously 😂

[@corwinzelazney5312]

Yeah, they both acknowledge that - Andy several times.

[@thahleel]

@@corwinzelazney5312 Just thought I’d put it in the comments for anyone who didn’t watch the whole thing, or anyone that didn’t recognise the importance of fiction

[@Breakfast_of_Champions]

He could be a better writer if he got out of his nerdy bubble for a bit.

[@twopatt2177]

Not to burst Andy’s bubble, but everyone knows what a ‘Hail Mary’ is, well at least a lot of people in Australia do that is 😉 an excellent episode.

[@georgegrogee5991]

Well, here in the mother country, England, I suspect only a small percentage of the population are familiar with that particular Americanism.

[@JohnMichaelGodier]

The point Andy was making is that here a "Hail Mary" is a last ditch long pass in American football. It's only distantly related to the religious context.

[@twopatt2177]

@@JohnMichaelGodier it’s not just for American football, but for many sports 🙌🏼 love your stuff John

[@Username-wp5qm]

@@JohnMichaelGodier in Britain it goes back to Trench Warfare during the Great War, The priest would read from his book and give blessings before they went "over the top" A Hail Mary can translate to something along the lines of a Desperate push or Blind/Erratic assault. There's multiple supposed origins, Mary appearing on the battle Field before an impossible victory or last ditch attempt is a common story. Sorry for my rude comment, I'm impulsive by nature and frequently perceived as hostile or just a plain asshole lmao. I enjoyed the conversation as always John, I've never been left with any negative experiences other than the odd feelings of existential dread lmao

[@JohnMichaelGodier]

@@Username-wp5qm Goes back before WWI. That's the Ave Maria of 2000 years of European Christianity. What Andy references is only distantly related, it's an American football reference dating from the 1970's.

[@LEDewey_MD]

Wonderful interview. Fascinating take on Covid possibly being our last pandemic.

[@kirkwagner461]

Liking this, adding it to one of my play lists, but NOT listening to all of it because I want to read the book first. Dangit! Gotta wait! :D

[@EventHorizonShow]

It’s a great book. The episode will be here when you’re ready.

[@AndrewBlucher]

Wow. Self-discipline!

[@jmanj3917]

It would be nice if COVID-19 was the last pandemic, but I think it overlooks the latency periods of various viruses. The ability to rapidly develop and then manufacture and distribute an mRNA vaccine will still lag behind the ability of humans to spread the virus, especially when the virus has a latency period of weeks. But I hope he's right.

[@funveeable]

The worst part about Covid was when thousands of doctors got censored or jailed because they showed skepticism about the origins of the virus and the vaccine that is making Pfizer billions of dollars in tax profits. Science is supposed to be constantly changing, not to have inconvenient part censored

[@BarbarianMonk]

Ok we are ready for the next book now. It has been six months and thank you.

[@davidwright8432]

Interesting interview; great accompanying graphics! Thanks all round. The book's on my Amazon wish list!

[@wudimusic]

Isn't ironic that an Author is in a Podcast, sposored by Audible, owned by Amazon, which by itself, destroys small bookstores and rips off Authors. The World we live in! Love this Podcast

[@solargoomba]

Just finished the book so now I can listen!

[@andyf4292]

using the invasive monster as an engine... clever

[@Razz9441]

Amaze!

[@williamsjm100]

I am getting through the book at Chapter 11, I really love it. BTW, I dunno if Andy Weir reads this, but I want to say to him I really liked the Rendezvous with Rama shout out, it should be a universal standard that Aliens don't do "righty tighty", brought a nostalgic tear to my eye.

[@spindoctor6385]

Great interview, I love the way Andy thinks and writes. I would just like to mention that whoever told him that Aussies dont understand the hail Mary term is just wrong. From my sports mad friends to my 80 year old mother, everyone I know fully understands the concept of a hail Mary. I am interested to know if the book will retain the title here in Australia.

[@davidbolton8282]

I listened to this book several months ago and I really liked it.

[@prusak26]

Pandorum meets Sunshine. Already like it.

[@steverafferty4114]

One of the best videos so far John, congratulations really enjoyable. More Andy Weir please sir.

[@hazonku]

JMG AND Andy Weir?! Now THAT is one exciting link to click in my notifications! Great episode!

[@mrman5517]

16:07 love that bottle cap popping! and then it just rolls around for 15s or so :D

[@ГенаМих]

Nice one😀👍

[@kentuckycowboys391]

It would be nice if you started making a podcast out of this!! I would watch this all the time

[@tomoneill9372]

I'm from Australia.. everyone knows that expression and I got it straight away.

[@imperialviking2817]

Any chance of Event Horizon ever showing up on spotify? Would be lovely to be able to listen to episodes when on the move and such!

[@EventHorizonShow]

Yes, it will most likely be a monthly subscription.

[@imperialviking2817]

@@EventHorizonShow Awesome! Looking forward to it!

[@simon253]

@@EventHorizonShow Will the show remain available on youtube as well?

[@Teboski78]

So many surprises in this story it’s impossible to talk about it without spoilers. I’d say it’s best not to hear anything about it until you’ve read it

[@reallyryan_]

Time to grab some snacks and chill out, stopped everything to watch Event Horizon's new video!

[@nancyg7845]

This book. Wow. I loved it. What a ride! Best read of the year so far. 'Amaze, amaze, amaze!!' Even though I'm Dutch, I read in English. I know the Dutch title is also 'Project Hail Mary'. I saw the German version the other day, and its title is 'Der Astronaut'.

[@Mermaider]

Omg! How the f did I miss this episode?? Project Hail Mary is my favorite book of all time!!

[@EventHorizonShow]

It’s a brilliant book!

[@EventHorizonShow]

There is also this interview with Andy, from right when we started the channel. How To Colonize The Moon And Mars Featuring Author of The Martian Andy Weir kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIqap6ZjlJKWb5I

[@Mermaider]

@@EventHorizonShow Ohh my! This is pure gold. I can't thank you enough for all that you do.

[@brusselsproutboy7005]

Thursday is my favorite day for event horizons.

[@iEtthy]

HEYYYY WE GOT A NEW MIC...havent tuned in a while but sounds great!

[@mariannestluka4719]

OMG this was a fantastic book!!!!!

[@Rod934]

I really enjoyed this one. Great job! 👍

[@gorrthebutcher4696]

brilliant video

[@garyr3179]

What fascinating concepts! Ironically I'm currently reading the Salvagers and loving it! I guess my reading list continues to grow!

[@Progman3K]

I love the show (as always), but WHEN are you going to have Erin sing again? That was so beautiful

[@scififan698]

Which episode was that?

[@EventHorizonShow]

Aw thanks! Have some bonus BTS recordings

[@Bronco541]

John, when are *you* gonna release your next book? :D

[@zapfanzapfan]

Cool! Can't wait to read/listen to. When will Artemis become a movie? I've been waiting for that.

[@j.muckafignotti4226]

FANTASTIC BOOK! Thanks Andy!

[@NicolasUnger]

Is Event Horizon available as a podcast? I couldn't find it

[@BishopBrennan5]

Yes! Balance of Terror is the Star Trek magnum opus1

[@STaSHZILLA420]

I have a weird question. So, if everything in the universe is moving, How would one be able to calculate complete stillness? What would that look and feel like? Now, I'm not talking about absolute zero. I'm referring to slowing down one's speed in space.

[@dt5072]

All movement is relative and you can’t know the position and speed of a particle at once. I don’t pretend to understand these things very well so your in good company

[@samueltheil4032]

I just figure that even the individual sub-atomic variables comprising particles vibrate, and that their motion relative to their own internal constituents define whether or not they exist and how. It is all a pull of force and the constant flux of some motion is what keeps particles existing in relation to eachother. If that makes any sense.

[@cryptolicious3738]

loved this episode and questions :D

[@DG-md6ki]

Thanks, John.

[@chromabotia]

What a great conversation! Thanks!

[@ethorii]

Great story concept. Lots of geeky ideas there.

[@EventHorizonShow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@justabob22]

Fantastic audiobook

[@janethayes5941]

I'm not really a sci-fi fan but I loved The Martian and now this one sounds good. I may be turning!😁

[@iainmair485]

Pandemics make pharmaceutical companies even more wealthy. Powerful people may prolong the existence of pandemics for the sake of short term monetary gain.

[@P5ychoFox]

My wife: Why haven’t you got anything done today? Me: Well, I fell into an event horizon with John Michael Godier.

[@sortof3337]

hhhhh

[@paulwalker516]

Yes!

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

If the microbe travel on light, why is it not stopped by the light from the sun they are trying to seed/colonize? Would it not be as head wind? I think those small critters would end up in a big cloud between two stars

[@colonelgraff9198]

The last time I was this early Jodie Foster was in theatres in Contact

[@FuriousImp]

Wow, that's... 19... 97?

[@friendlyoldbum9182]

I gotta put it out there. Here in Aus we definitely know and use "hail Mary" in the same way.

[@Big.Ron1]

Here we go again! Whoo hooo!

[@joes7407]

Love the new intro graphics

[@zch7491]

I HAVE FALLEN INTO EVENT HORIZON!!!

[@wesleypatterson2883]

I really like this one. Thank you sir.

[@l.siqueira8742]

Its really inspiring to hear Andy Weir's positive take on the future of humankind. I sincerely hope he's right. By the way, marvellous program, as always!

[@_nebulousthoughts]

Just finished Project Hail Mary. Oh my God it was amazing. Please go read it lol

[@rJaune]

Since nothing quantum tunnels through Astrophage, if astrophage were to infect a fully convective Red Dwarf star, could it turn the star off? I ask since I’ve heard quantum tunneling is necessary for fusion.

[@1Barrel2u]

Wow - Mr. Weir has really thought this out. It appears I now know what the next book I buy is going to be. Thanks to involved for bring this story to my attention. It is a fictional story isn't it ????

[@1Barrel2u]

I really need to a better job of proof reading my comments before posting. Oh well -- hopefully next time.

[@EventHorizonShow]

Yes, it's a fictional book.

[@shaddapforever]

Super good talk again! One point though, i think "hail mary" is more known throughout the world then you think.

[@dougsyd1662]

What's the song that plays at the beginning? I can't find it in the links.

[@simon253]

Warp drive is still being worked on right? So FTL is not yet completely off the table? I understand its for the book, but still, never say never

[@joshuarichardson6529]

Since their plans for FTL travel require "negative energy matter" to function, don't expect to see it any time soon.