From: mk_thisisit
While approximately 95% of UFO observations are considered suitable for rejection, about 5% are described as “hair-raising,” made by multiple witnesses using different technologies [00:00:51]. However, the search for intelligent life in the universe does not rely on observing flying saucers, as tangible proof of alien technology or aliens themselves has not been found [00:01:12]. There is no repeatable, multiple evidence using various methods to confirm contact with a technologically advanced civilization [00:02:26].
The Possibility of Faster-Than-Light Travel
Currently, it is not believed that faster than light ships are possible [00:02:47]. However, Warp drive technology may be possible [00:02:51]. Two main types of Warp drives are distinguished [00:02:55].
Types of Warp Drives
- Alcubierre Drive: This method involves bending spacetime [00:03:04]. Miguel Alcubierre discovered a solution to Einstein’s equations that theoretically allows for movement faster than light by distorting spacetime [00:03:37]. This is consistent with Einstein’s theory [00:04:00].
- Wormholes: This method involves creating a shortcut by cutting a “hole” in spacetime [00:03:21]. This is known as a wormhole [00:03:30].
The Challenge of Planck Energy
The primary obstacle to building a Warp drive or cutting a hole in spacetime is the immense energy required, known as Planck energy [00:04:17]. Our current particle accelerators can reach a maximum of trillions of electron volts, but Planck energy is approximately 10^19 billion electron volts, or one with 19 zeros [00:04:27]. We are still far from being able to harness this level of energy [00:04:24].
Civilizations and Advanced Technologies
Planck energy characterizes a Type III civilization [00:04:47]. Such a civilization would have the energy to bend spacetime and potentially even build a time machine [00:04:52]. Humanity is currently considered a Type 0 civilization on the scale of civilizations [00:05:09].
Types of Civilizations
Physicists categorize civilizations based on their energy mastery:
- Type I Civilization: Controls all the energy of its home planet, managing natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes, and utilizing all sunlight reaching the planet [00:11:14]. These civilizations could colonize several planets in their solar system [00:12:30].
- Type II Civilization: Utilizes the power of its home planet and its sun, harnessing all the sun’s energy to power its machines [00:11:31]. The Federation of Planets in Star Trek is an example of a Type II civilization [00:11:52]. Even Type II civilizations would struggle to approach the speed of light needed for interstellar travel [00:12:47].
- Type III Civilization: Possesses a galactic character, capable of traversing galactic routes and manipulating phenomena like black holes, as depicted in Star Wars [00:11:59]. A Type III civilization would likely have access to Planck energy [00:12:55].
Planck Energy and Spacetime Stability
Planck energy is the highest energy in the universe, at which the universe itself loses stability [00:13:02]. Exceeding this energy level can cause spacetime anomalies, described as “spacetime foam” by Stephen Hawking [00:13:16]. This foam consists of bubbles that form and disappear when spacetime becomes unstable at unimaginably high temperatures [00:13:42]. The Big Bang itself could have been a bubble that reached Planck energy and then began to expand [00:13:56]. This environment could potentially be used by a Type III civilization as a gateway for space travel [00:14:15].
Alien Visits
For an alien civilization to reach Earth, it would likely need to be a Type III civilization, which would be about 100,000 years more advanced than Earth, developing exponentially and having reached Planck energy [00:08:26]. The question remains whether such civilizations visit us [00:07:59]. Given humanity’s current level, we might be considered uninteresting or a mere curiosity to an advanced civilization, as we may have little to offer them [00:09:40].