Finding Hidden Temples and Lost Nazca Lines with Satellites
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Published 2024-07-30
Who really built the pyramids? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice learn about space archaeology, LIDAR, and discovering tombs, pyramids, and new Nazca lines with space archaeologist Sarah Parcak.
Discover how archaeologists use space technology to find archaeological sites. Why are we using satellites to see stuff we can go to? We explore LIDAR and using the near-infrared to uncover tombs, pyramids, and more hidden under the rainforest.
Find out how anyone can use NASA satellite data to discover archaeological sites. We discuss false positives and the time Sarah almost ignored a strong signature and nearly missed finding a massive Viking hall. Plus, learn about layered cities and how many Egyptian archaeological sites are left to be found.
Learn how citizen space archaeologists helped discover new Nazca lines in Peru. Sarah shares her response to people who think the aliens built the pyramids and why you shouldn’t substitute imagination for science. We talk about the possibility of finding fossils on the moon from ejected Earth rock, The Drake Equation, and studying the Space Station. Plus, what is the most common thing archaeologists dig up across all cultures?
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Sarah Parcak discusses the Cross-Pollination of Archaeology and Space
03:30 - The Role of Statistical, Mechanical, and Electronic Tools
06:00 - Curiosity as the Driving Force Behind Science
09:45 - Exploring the Frontiers from Under the Rock to Outer Space
12:30 - Applying Archaeological Methods to Space Exploration
15:00 - Bridging the Gap Between Different Scientific Disciplines
18:15 - The Cosmic Perspective on Science and Exploration
20:00 - Comparing Techniques in Archaeology and Astronomy
23:00 - Discoveries in Space Inspired by Archaeological Methods
26:00 - Technological Innovations in Both Fields
29:00 - Impact of Cross-Disciplinary Studies on Scientific Progress
32:00 - Personal Anecdotes and Experiences of Sarah Parcak
35:00 - Challenges in Both Archaeology and Space Exploration
38:00 - Future Prospects and Potential Collaborations
41:00 - Preserving Knowledge and Artifacts
44:00 - Audience Questions
47:00 - Final Thoughts on the Intersection of Archaeology and Astronomy
50:00 - Conclusion from Neil deGrasse Tyson and Sarah Parcak
52:55 - Outro and Credits
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All Comments (21)
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If you could use LIDAR & space technology to uncover any ancient mystery on our planet, what would you choose and why? 🚀
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That was fascinating! I could watch Sarah and you guys talk for hours. Can we have her back again?
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It was so funny when Chuck said "Monsanto". That was pure genius...it was so appropriate and the timing was perfect. No one else would've thought to say it, and It also took a lot of courage to say something like that, given Monsanto's dark reputation. Good show!
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I find it strangely comforting that their own so many fantastic discoveries right under our noses, right off the beaten path, just a bit deeper into thick forest/jungle. There was a time I felt like most of the world had been solved, and that the mysteries and adventure were dying off. I couldn't have been more wrong, we will never stop learning amazing new things about our world.
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I’m a LiDAR Technician and edit the point cloud to create the Bare Earth mode she was talking about!! So much fun to hear all the different uses for it!! You can actually use it not just for topography but also bathymetry as well!!
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This was a great show! I always thought I would grow up to be an archeologist but alas it never happened..
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I have been watching her for 15 years at least. It's wonderful the work she is doing.
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Indiana Jones VI: remote sensing. Scene 1: Indiana clicking the mouse on a near infrared satellite image. INDIANA: "I found it!" * Roll credits *
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Good evening Neil Chuck and guest Super interesting topic. And laughs included. Love it.😂 Just yesterday I resigned from my mental health nurse post with my current employer after nineteen years. Story short. Your shared conversations have been a delight over these crazy few years. Sometimes you got to lose to win, me thinks. And archeology does evidence this we do very well. Super grateful. 😀 💜
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Even Chuck was ready for Sarah's joke. Lol. Yet ANOTHER, great episode and guest. Once again, so thankful for people like Sarah and you both advancing humanity in the most important ways.
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sarah is fantastic! jamming with other scientists is very cool.
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I never thought about using binoculars to look at the moon until very recently, and last night with clear skies, I drove to the outskirts of my city where there was little light, I took my binoculars and had such an eye opening euphoric experience. Looking at the moon being able to see the craters and the full shape hidden by the shadow, was so starstricking. It was so beautiful to see it simply just “sitting” there in space ❤❤ Definitely recommend doing it urself
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Omg sarah has an awesome laugh! 😂 You can tell its truly genuine... very good vibes 😊
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I really enjoyed this episode. Great guest!
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I agree with Sarah Parcak. Humans are more resilient than we usually appreciate.
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I thought I knew about the LIDAR already from watching different documentaries, but Sarah really hit it home for me. So cool!
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Love the topic, the guest, and the mix of thoughtful questions and light-hearted comic relief! Well done!
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Omg! Neil, you are always educational and entertaining, but today, this new branch of blended, applied science blew my mind. Sara Parckac is a treasure. I just found more of your podcasts with her and am going to watch them! Thank you! 🎉
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Thanks I love space archeology
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Another wonderful interview, educational and entertaining. You guys are providing a great service to curious minds.
