Planetary Structure & Dynamic in Science Fiction. Scientific Analysis & Review of Interstellar [UCM Bachelor Thesis, 2015]

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the scientific accuracy of features in the film Interstellar, discussing planetary orbits, tidal waves, and ice-covered planets using basic physics and Earth science theories, without complex relativity formulas.

Contribution

It provides a scientific review of Interstellar's planetary phenomena, applying physics and Earth science to assess their plausibility without advanced relativity.

Findings

Planetary orbits around black holes require speeds near light for stability.

Tidal forces could produce waves up to 200 km high on Miller's Planet.

Ice-covered planets can be explained by Snowball Earth theory.

Abstract

Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, Interstellar, has supposed a revolution not only from a cinematographically viewpoint, but also in the relation between current spectators and science. The aim of this report is to analyze some features presented in Interstellar. Basic Newtonian Physics shows how a planet orbiting a supermassive black hole like Gargantua must travel at 0.25 the speed of light in order to be in a stable orbit. Thus, this orbit is too far from the black hole to explain the time dilatation observed in Miller's Planet and an the orbit that could explain such a time dilatation is much more smaller that Roche's limit. Furthermore, I explain how enormous waves as Miller's Planet ones could appear by studying the tidal potential created by Gargantua, obtaining a wave of 200 kilometers high, but better results are obtained by considering a series of tsunamis in Miller's Planet. Finally, I present an explanation to Mann's Planet ice-covered landscape in which Snowball Earth Theory plays a fundamental role. No difficult General Relativity formulas will be used in order to make easier the comprehension of the research. Supervisors: M. L. Osete & J. Gorgas