AMSEcast

Author Richard Ellis speaks about his latest book The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn. A breakdown of the earliest moments of our celestial cosmic soup.

• (4:32) When the earthquakes occurred and how many there were
• (9:23) The creation of the Reelfoot Rift and how it became the source of the quakes
• (12:38) What makes intraplate earthquakes different from other kinds
• (13:57) Why the Mississippi River ran backwards at the height of the quake
• (16:11) The creation of Reelfoot Lake
• (17:54) The legend of Tecumseh's prophecy about the earthquakes
• (21:55) How the Roosevelt family was involved with the event
• (27:55) The crime that was revealed in the wreckage of the earthquakes
• (32:44) Seismic activity in the area today

• Manufacturing Hysteria: A History of Scapegoating, Surveillance, and Secrecy in Modern America: https://www.amazon.com/Manufacturing-Hysteria-History-Scapegoating-Surveillance/dp/0307388239
• When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes: https://www.amazon.com/When-Mississippi-Ran-Backwards-Earthquakes/dp/0743242793

In this episode, Mr. Lowe interviews Mr. Augustine. They discuss a variety of fascinating roles that Mr. Augustine has served in over the course of his career. At Princeton he was advised to consider geological engineering but would go on to change his major to aeronautical engineering as he was advised by a peer "that is where the future was." The range of topics they discuss include American competitiveness, the challenge of putting people on the moon, international travel, the importance of individual talent and the drive to achieve. Undertaking work in the sciences in the context of historical knowledge gives better perspective and provides access to lessons learned in the past.

In this excerpt from our podcast, AMSEcast, Jack Kelly, author of Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World. Discusses one of the most innovative and compounds ever manufactured.

Dr. Todd Braje, the Executive Director of the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, discusses his book, Understanding Imperiled Earth. He shows how analyzing data from many disciplines, such as archaeology and history, can help address some of the environmental challenges we face today.

We have a great conversation with Lorraine Daston editor of Science in the Archives: Pasts, Presents, Futures.

• (1:43) When Griffith Observatory was established and its mission
• (4:38) Exhibits and programs offered at the observatory
• (8:51) How they work with students
• (11:37) When archeoastronomy began to develop
• (17:02) How astronomical knowledge shapes our place in society and culture today
• (19:45) Places Ed has visited that have had the most impact on his work and life
• (25:13) What still perplexes Ed Krupp after all his traveling and learning
• (26:56) What's next for Ed and the observatory

• Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings: Astronomy and the Archaeology of Power: https://www.amazon.com/Skywatchers-Shamans-Kings-Astronomy-Archaeology/dp/0471329754
• Website: https://griffithobservatory.org

Highlights of conversations about innovation from AMSEcast. The Podcast of the American Museum of Science and Energy.

Noted historian Walter Borneman recently spoke to us about his book, MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific. Few characters loom as large in that war than Douglas MacArthur, and Walt's book gives a terrific look at how this enigmatic man helped lead our nation to victory over the Japanese.

After his narrow escape from the Philippines as the Japanese invaded, MacArthur set up his headquarters in Australia in a time that looked very bad for the allies. Walt offers unique perspective on MacArthur's field of operations as the allies began to turn the tables against the Japanese empire.