StarTalk Season 4 Episode 15 True Story of Hidden Figures

In season 4 episode 15 of StarTalk, titled "True Story of Hidden Figures," host Neil deGrasse Tyson delves into the fascinating and often overlooked story of the African American women who played a crucial role in the early days of NASA's space program.

The episode begins with a brief history of how the US entered the space race, and how NASA was formed to compete with the Soviet Union. But as Tyson points out, the image of the "white male astronaut" that dominated the public consciousness at the time was far from the whole story. He introduces the true heroes of NASA's early days - the "hidden figures" who worked behind the scenes to make space travel possible.

Tyson's first guest is Dr. Christine Darden, an expert in aeronautics and one of the first African American women to be hired by NASA. Darden shares her personal experiences working at NASA, including the challenges she faced as a black woman in a predominantly white and male workplace. She also discusses how she got interested in math and science as a child, and how her parents inspired her to pursue her dreams despite the social and cultural barriers of the time.

The conversation then turns to the story of Katherine Johnson, one of the most well-known members of the "hidden figures" group. Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were instrumental in getting the first American astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit in 1962. Tyson speaks with Johnson's daughters, Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore, about their mother's legacy and the importance of celebrating the contributions of these pioneering women.

Next, Tyson speaks with Margot Lee Shetterly, the author of the book Hidden Figures which inspired the acclaimed 2016 film of the same name. Shetterly talks about the research she conducted for the book, and the process of bringing this little-known piece of history to light. She also discusses the impact of the film and book on public awareness of the "hidden figures" story, and the ongoing work to recognize and honor the contributions of people who have been left out of dominant narratives of history.

Throughout the episode, Tyson highlights the incredible achievements of the "hidden figures", from their groundbreaking work in mathematics and engineering to their bravery in breaking down racial and gender barriers. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of individuals who have been marginalized or forgotten, and how these stories can inspire future generations.

Overall, "True Story of Hidden Figures" is a thought-provoking and inspiring episode of StarTalk that sheds light on an important piece of history. Through interviews with experts and family members of the "hidden figures", and insights from host Neil deGrasse Tyson, this episode offers a compelling tribute to the women who paved the way for the modern space program.