Short Wave Could '3 Body Problem's Aliens Exist? The Science Behind Netflix's New Hit
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Jul 2, 2024 
Astrobiologist Michael Wong, a science fiction enthusiast, dives into the fascinating science behind the '3 Body Problem' and its implications for our understanding of planetary orbits. He unpacks the complexities of gravitational interactions, highlighting the chaotic nature of the three-body problem. Wong also discusses the intriguing possibility of Proxima Centauri b harboring life and raises thought-provoking ethical concerns about contacting extraterrestrial civilizations. Plus, he explores the mysteries of dark matter and its vital role in cosmology.
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Three-Body Problem in Physics
- The "three-body problem" in physics describes the chaotic orbits of three gravitationally interacting objects.
- This makes predicting their long-term movements difficult, requiring numerical integration.
Two-Body vs. Three-Body Orbits
- Two-body orbits, like Earth and the Sun, are stable and predictable.
- Three-body systems introduce chaos, making predictions complex.
Human Computer
- The Netflix series depicts a human computer solving calculations.
- This mirrors real-world methods for solving the three-body problem, but with supercomputers.
