The stunning physics of Project Hail Mary go back to ancient China

image via New Scientist

April 14, 2026, 5:34 PM

• •Project Hail Mary's accurate portrayal of momentum in space, advised by NASA, provided a unique viewing experience for a physicist.
• •The film's focus on Newton's laws of motion, especially the concept of momentum, stood out due to its rarity in cinema.
• •The article explores the historical context of understanding motion, tracing it back to the Zhou dynasty and Newton's laws.
• •The author's experience highlights the synergy between science, art, and the humanities in the comprehension of the universe.

Columnist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein reflects on the accurate depiction of momentum in the film Project Hail Mary, highlighting how the film's attention to Newtonian physics created a uniquely engaging experience for her. She contrasts this with typical cinematic portrayals where physics is often disregarded for the sake of plot. The author emphasizes the importance of momentum in space and the historical understanding of motion, from Newton's laws to the ancient Zhou dynasty. This experience underscored the interconnectedness of science, art, and humanities in understanding the universe.

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