S1 E1 • Megastructures (Original Summary Version)

An overview of very large artificial constructs from space stations to Dyson spheres. Including building artificial worlds around black holes to how to destroy a star.

Première diffusion : 17 septembre 2014

S1 E2 • The Fermi Paradox & the Dyson Dilemma

An in-depth look at the Fermi Paradox in terms of Kardashev 2+ civilizations.

Première diffusion : 11 janvier 2015

S1 E3 • Fermi Paradox Solutions

A Comprehensive list of all the major proposed solutions to Fermi's Paradox, the question of "If there are aliens, where are they?"

Première diffusion : 6 février 2015

S1 E4 • Fermi Paradox Apocalypse How

A look at various Cataclysmic Scenarios in terms of how they factor into the Fermi Paradox. We'll look at everything from Biowarfare and AI to Nukes and Grey Goo.

Première diffusion : 3 mai 2015

S1 E5 • Habitable Planets Vol 1

First installment of a spin-off of the Fermi Paradox Series, focusing on how very un-Earth-like worlds might support life. This video focuses on how life might exist on worlds like Pluto.

Première diffusion : 17 juillet 2015

S1 E6 • How does Tidal Locking Work?

This video covers what Tidal Locking is and what causes it, and looks at how this can happen to moons & exoplanets.

Première diffusion : 27 juillet 2015

S1 E7 • Habitable Planets, Vol II: Tidally Locked Worlds

The second episode in the series examines Twilight Worlds, planets tidally locked to stars so that one side is always lit and the other side eternal dark. We discuss what life would be like on such a world and how realistic it is for life to arise there or for us colonize them.

Première diffusion : 30 juillet 2015

S1 E8 • MegaStructures 01: Orbital Rings & Space Elevators

This video takes an in depth look at Orbital Rings and Space Elevators and is the first installment of a reboot of the original Megastructures video.

Première diffusion : 5 août 2015

S1 E9 • MegaStructures 02 - Skyhooks

The second installment of the series looks at the Skyhook, a type of abridged Space Elevator that allows spacecraft to hook up and get into orbit at much lower launch speeds.

Première diffusion : 16 août 2015

S1 E10 • Habitable Planets, vol III: Large Moons

In this episode we look at moons the size of Earth, what they'd be like, and the possibility of life evolving or colonizing such a world.

Première diffusion : 26 août 2015

S1 E11 • Megastructures 03 - Launch Loops, Mass Drivers, and Space Fountains

Episode 3 is our final look at Megastructures designed to help carry cargo and people into space at far lower prices than we currently pay. Main focus is on the Lofstrom Launch Loop, StarTram Mass Driver designs, and the Space Fountain.

Première diffusion : 2 septembre 2015

S1 E13 • Terraforming Techniques

This video gives an overview of various terraforming concepts and hurdles from those using near-horizon technologies to very advanced and speculative tech.

Première diffusion : 1 octobre 2015

S1 E14 • The Impact of Nuclear Fusion

A detailed look at how Nuclear Fusion could impact our economy and civilization, from agriculture and water shortages to space stations and interstellar travel.

Première diffusion : 21 novembre 2015

S1 E15 • Habitable Planets 4: Life on Rogue Planets

The Habitable Planets series continues with a look at Rogue & Steppenwolf planets in the Interstellar Void. This video considers both the possibility of life arising on such planets and the prospects for colonizing them.

Première diffusion : 27 novembre 2015

S1 E16 • Megastructures E04: Rotating Habitats

In this fourth installment of the series we take a lengthy look at Rotating Habitats, large space stations that simulate gravity via spin and can replicate Earth-like environments.

Première diffusion : 7 décembre 2015

S1 E17 • Interstellar Colonization

Today we look at the subject of Interstellar Colonization, from the ship concepts and propulsion methods all the way to intergalactic colonization.

Première diffusion : 23 décembre 2015

S1 E18 • Moon Base Concepts

A look at the difficulties of returning to the moon to establish a permanent presence and many of the concepts and ideas envisioned to help accomplish that goal.

Première diffusion : 1 février 2016

S1 E19 • Megastructures 05 Shellworlds

Today we take a look at Artificial Planets constructed as Shells around a filler mass, such as a black hole.

Première diffusion : 27 février 2016

S1 E20 • Megastructures 06: Discworlds

A look at Discworlds, Flat Earths, and Alderson Discs in terms of how they'd function and how they might be built.

Première diffusion : 4 mars 2016

S1 E21 • Micro Black Holes, Virtual Particles, and Hawking Radiation

A look into how very small black holes function, are created and destroyed, and how they might be used for power. This is the first episode of a three part, and lays the groundwork for the concepts to be examined in Black Hole Space Ships and Concepts for Faster Than Light Travel.

Première diffusion : 12 mars 2016

S1 E22 • Black Hole Starships

A continuing look at possible technologies using artificial Black Holes as power sources, focusing on spaceship concepts, as well as the impact on SETI. In this video we will examine the basic concept, as well as refueling black holes, using black holes as weapons, and several related concepts.

Première diffusion : 19 mars 2016

S1 E23 • Faster Than Light ep01: Quantum Entanglement

Our first installment of a new series looking at Faster Than Light, or FTL, concepts and technologies. In this episode we review the basics of Special Relativity and some misconceptions about it, then look at Quantum Entanglement.

Première diffusion : 25 mars 2016

S1 E24 • Faster Than Light ep02: Tachyons and Time Travel

Our second installment of a new series looking at Faster Than Light, or FTL, concepts and technologies. In this episode we look at the Tachyon, a hypothetical superluminal particle than can travel back in time as well as looking at what theory tells us about Time Travel and Temporal Paradoxes.

Première diffusion : 1 avril 2016

S1 E25 • Megastructures 07: Hoopworlds

In the 7th episode of the Megastructures series we look at Hoop Worlds, a type of artificial planet with some surprising properties.

Première diffusion : 8 avril 2016

S1 E26 • Fermi Paradox: The Dyson Dilemma v2.0

A new version of the original video covering the Dyson Dilemma of the Fermi Paradox, in which we cover the apparent contradiction in the lack of numerous Dyson Spheres in the Universe and their seeming inevitable construction by growth-oriented technological civilizations.

Première diffusion : 8 avril 2016

S1 E27 • Double Planets and Rocheworlds

Episode 5 of the Habitable Planets Series takes a look at double planets and what sort of conditions would prevail, or need to prevail, for them to be Earth-like. As well as the Rocheworld, a special case of Double Planets where the two planets either share an atmosphere or have even begun to merge together.

Première diffusion : 15 avril 2016

S1 E28 • Megastructures 08: Shkadov Thrusters

A look at the simplest type of Dyson Sphere, the Shkadov Thruster, a device able to move entire solar systems.

Première diffusion : 22 avril 2016

S1 E29 • The Fermi Paradox Compendium

A new look at the Fermi Paradox detailing all the popular solutions and their strengths and weaknesses.

Première diffusion : 29 avril 2016

S1 E30 • FTL03: Alcubierre Warp Drives

In Episode 3 we look at the concept of warp drives, a theoretical type of spaceship propulsion that warps spacetime to allow faster than light travel. We discuss the basic concept and the scientific and technological hurdles to developing it, along with clearing up many of the myths about it.

Première diffusion : 6 mai 2016

S1 E31 • Transhumanism and Immortality

An in-depth look at the Transhumanism movement and related concepts, with a special focus on pathways for extending the human lifespan. Topics including SENS and anti-aging research, mind uploading, Technological Singularities, and physical and mental augmentation.

Première diffusion : 13 mai 2016

S1 E32 • The Simulation Hypothesis

A look at the Simulation Hypothesis, or Simulation Argument, along with its implications for identity, consciousness, and the Fermi Paradox.

Première diffusion : 19 mai 2016

S1 E33 • The Doomsday Argument

A look at the Doomsday Argument, also known as the Carter Catastrophe, a probabilistic argument which suggests humanity may be nearing its end. We will examine how this applies to the Fermi Paradox and the Simulation Hypothesis, as well as examining the concept of the Anthropic Principle.

Première diffusion : 27 mai 2016

S1 E34 • The Anthropic Principle and Super Intelligence

Today we are looking at two topics, the Anthropic Principle and the idea of greater than human intelligence, generally called Super-Intelligence or SI.

Première diffusion : 10 juin 2016

S1 E35 • Megastructures 09 Nicoll Dyson Beams

Continuing our look at Dyson Spheres we examine the concept of the Nicoll-Dyson Beam, a type of advanced weapon that uses the output of an entire sun to create a laser that can strike target across the galaxy.

Première diffusion : 16 juin 2016

S1 E36 • Megastructures 10: Matrioshka Brains

In Episode 10 we explore the Matrioshka Brain, a nested Layer type of Dyson Sphere designed to turn stars in to giant computers, and conclude our look at Dyson Spheres and other types of Stellar Engines.

Première diffusion : 23 juin 2016

S1 E37 • Arcologies

In our first look at possible futures for Earth we examine the concept of Arcologies, self-sufficient habitats that adapt the concepts we've previously considered for space stations and off-world colonies to Earth itself. We'll examine the original concept, the more modern one of giant structures that dwarf skyscrapers, and under what circumstances such ideas can be practical.

Première diffusion : 30 juin 2016

S1 E38 • Ecumenopolises

In our second look at possible futures for Earth we examine the concept of Ecumenopolises, planet spanning cities homes to trillions. We'll examine concept in detail, starting with the first portrayals of it in fiction and extending on how Arcologies and other technologies we've discussed on the channel might be employed to create a Ecumenopolis and what they might be like to live in.

Première diffusion : 7 juillet 2016

S1 E39 • Civilizations at the End of Time: Black Hole Farming

In this video we jump trillions of years into the future to examine the concept of civilizations living in a dark, post-stellar Universe, where we encounter some surprising possibilities about just how abundant and robust life might be in a seemingly dark and dead Universe.

Première diffusion : 14 juillet 2016

S1 E40 • Habitable Planets 06: Water Worlds & Ocean Planets

Continuing our look at Habitable Planets we look at worlds entirely covered in water, and how they are both harder and easier for life to develop and thrive on than we might expect.

Première diffusion : 21 juillet 2016

S1 E41 • FTL04: Wormholes

In Episode 4 we look at the concept of wormholes, how they derive from General Relativity, the various different types and theories, and some under-considered uses of wormholes. We'll also discuss some myths and misunderstandings of the concept.

Première diffusion : 28 juillet 2016

S1 E43 • Tabby's Star

A in-depth look at KIC 8462582, also known as Tabby's Star. We'll explore how this star became famous for an anomaly, what that anomaly was, and the various theories for what might be causing it.

Première diffusion : 4 août 2016

S1 E44 • Consciousness and Identity

A look at how emerging concepts in science & technology could disrupt our most our understandings of identity, consciousness, and free will. This is the 5th episode of the Existential Crisis series which looks at concepts like Transhumanism, Life Extension, the Simulation Hypothesis, the Doomsday Argument, and the Anthropic Principle.

Première diffusion : 11 août 2016

S1 E45 • Dark Matter

A look at Dark Matter, what it is, what it isn't, and what it might be used for.

Première diffusion : 18 août 2016

S1 E46 • Asteroid Mining

This video continues our look at Colonizing Space by examining the idea of Asteroid Mining and setting up colonies on Asteroids. We explore the science as well as practical issues of engineering, economics, legality, and psychology of such distant outposts.

Première diffusion : 26 août 2016

S1 E47 • Post Scarcity Civilizations

This episode examines the concept of a civilizations and economies in which very little scarcity exists and in which production of goods requires so little labor that most basic needs can be met at little or no cost.

Première diffusion : 1 septembre 2016

S1 E48 • Technological Singularity

The concept of a Technological Singularity, an accelerated rush in processing speed improvements culminating in a super-mind, has captivated people for decades. Today we will examine this idea and look at some misconceptions about it.

Première diffusion : 8 septembre 2016

S1 E49 • Self Replicating Machines

A look at the concept of Self-Replicating Machines, Universal Assemblers, von Neumann Probes, Grey Goo, and Berserkers. While we will discuss the basic concept and some on-Earth applications like Medical Nanotechnology our focus will be on space exploration and colonization aspects.

Première diffusion : 15 septembre 2016

S1 E50 • The Spaceship Propulsion Compendium

An in-depth survey of the various technologies for spaceship propulsion, both from those we can expect to see in a few years and those at the edge of theoretical science. We'll break them down to basics and familiarize ourselves with the concepts. Note: I made a rather large math error about the Force per Power the EmDrive exerts at 32:10, initial tentative results for thrust are a good deal higher than I calculated compared to a flashlight.

Première diffusion : 22 septembre 2016

S1 E51 • Dark Energy

A look at Dark Energy, explaining and simplifying the concept around it, the Cosmological Constant, the Lambda-CDM model, and Vacuum & Zero-Point Energy.

Première diffusion : 29 septembre 2016

S1 E52 • Starlifting

Starlifting is the process of removing matter from stars, and in this episode we will look at how you would do this and why you would do this. We will see there are a lot of reasons, and that the methods are not very high tech at all.

Première diffusion : 6 octobre 2016