This podcast episode discusses the concept of vacuum airships or null ships, which rely on vacuum or low pressure inside the envelope or chamber for buoyancy. The episode explores the historical roots of vacuum airships, including the book "Prodromo dell'arte maestra" by Francesco Lana de Terzi in 1670. It also examines the potential applications of vacuum airships in various environments, such as the Martian atmosphere and the upper atmosphere of Venus. The episode highlights the challenges of creating lightweight vacuum chambers and the advancements in nanomaterials for their construction. It explains the principles of Archimedes and atmospheric buoyancy, which are fundamental to understanding the concept of vacuum airships. Additionally, the episode delves into the historical and fictional portrayals of vacuum airships in literature, showcasing their enduring fascination. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of vacuum airships, their historical significance, and their potential future applications.
Anti-commonsence
The podcast explores the concept of vacuum airships and their potential use in the Martian and Venusian atmospheres. While this concept may seem counterintuitive, the episode explains the principles of atmospheric buoyancy and the advantages that the thinner atmospheres of Mars and Venus offer for vacuum airships.
