Mark O’Connell returns to Casual Space to discuss one of the most extraordinary scientific collaborations in human history: the 1957 International Geophysical Year. With his signature wit and storytelling style, Mark takes us on the journey behind his NEW book, The Year Science Changed Everything, revealing how 6,000 scientists from 66 nations put aside political differences to study Earth’s greatest mysteries—from the depths of the ocean to the edge of space.
Beth and Mark explore the ripple effects of this global effort, including the formation of the Antarctic Treaty, the surprising roots of the Artemis Accords, and what IGY can teach us about tackling today’s climate crisis. You'll hear how a Steely Dan song sparked Mark’s decades-long curiosity, how scientific rivalries shaped history, and yes—even how a penguin nap could put you in violation of an international agreement. It’s part history lesson, part love letter to science, and all kinds of fun.
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mark’s next creative project: a comedy script about astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe—think Amadeus meets Knives Out, with a golden nose and planetary motion thrown in.
About Mark O’Connell
Mark O’Connell is the author of The Year Science Changed Everything: 1957’s International Geophysical Year and the Future of Our Planet, published by Prometheus Books. He also wrote The Close Encounters Man, a biography of astronomer and UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek.
In addition to writing books, Mark is a seasoned screenwriter with credits on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, and he teaches screenwriting at DePaul University in Chicago.
🎧 Explore more of Mark’s work on his podcast Far-Fetched
🌌 Learn more at markoconnell.info
Want to learn more about how Beth connects with guests like Mark, and how her career in space began? Send Beth a note directly at beth@casualspacepodcast.com and follow the show on all the socials.
Want more engaging stories about our future in space? Learn how you can send your own, original story to space right now- at storiesofspace.com
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