From Antarctica to Mars: Surviving the Isolation

Humans may be sent on a scientific round trip to Mars, potentially as early as 2035. Beyond the technical challenges, the big question is whether human beings would be capable of dealing with the long period of isolation and loneliness necessary to make the journey. Anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation, weakened immune system and even hallucinations and delusions are just some of the effects of isolation; not exactly great traits when sending people to a distant planet. That’s why scientists all over the globe have begun researching isolation in some of the most remote places on Earth. Dr. Beth Healey is not only one of those scientists…she’s also a research guinea pig who’s studying the effects of extreme isolation in Antarctica at the spaceflight research center ‘Concordia”, otherwise known as ‘White Mars’. Jason and Peter spoke with Dr. Healey about which human traits are best suited for handling long periods of isolation, how she personally deals with isolation and, how befriending a volleyball, like Tom Hanks did in the movie Cast Away… is an actual phenomenon. Really, no Really! *** IN THIS EPISODE: Who chooses to join an extreme isolation study? The personality traits that successful candidates possess. 3rd Quarter Syndrome and its effect on male and female participants. Dr. Healey discusses the traits, qualifications and abilities that made her a successful White Mars candidate. The psychological challenges of isolation. What happens to interpersonal relationships with friends and family back home? Wilson the volleyball from the Tom Hank’s film “Cast Away” is a real phenomenon. Why someone in Antarctica maliciously hid Dr Healey’s gloves? Really??? GoogleHEIM: We found her glove! *** FOLLOW BETH: Website – BethHealey.com Instagram - @BethAHealey X - @Bethahealey *** FOLLOW REALLY NO REALLY: www.reallynoreally.com Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook Threads X See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices