Physicist Kip Thorne On The Science Behind Interstellar

Physicist Kip Thorne Delves into the Science of Interstellar. In a recent conversation, physicist Kip Thorne shared his insights into Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film, Interstellar. Thorne, who served as the film’s science advisor, co-authored a book, The Science of Interstellar, which provides an in-depth look at the film’s creation and the scientific principles that underpin its narrative.

Thorne’s collaboration with the Nolan brothers was a meticulous process, with brainstorming sessions that shaped the story from its foundation. He emphasized that the film’s plot was built on scientific principles to a significant extent, with minimal instances of post-hoc explanations. One notable aspect of the film’s development was the consideration of faster-than-light travel. Initially, Chris Nolan viewed this concept as “non-negotiable.” However, after in-depth discussions with Thorne, he came to appreciate the insurmountable problems posed by the laws of physics.

Through several hours of conversation over two weeks, Thorne presented a series of reasons why faster-than-light travel was not feasible, ultimately leading Nolan to abandon the idea. Thorne’s book offers a comprehensive exploration of the film’s science, acknowledging instances where artistic license was exercised and where it was not.