The Planetarium Hypothesis - A Resolution of the Fermi Paradox
Abstract
A possible resolution to the Fermi Paradox is that we are living in an artificial universe, perhaps a form of virtual- reality `planetarium', designed to give us the illusion that the universe is empty. Quantum-physical and thermo- dynamic considerations inform estimates of the energy required to generate such simulations of varying sizes and quality. The perfect simulation of a world containing our present civilisation is within the scope of a Type K3 extraterrestrial culture. However the containment of a coherent human culture spanning ~100 light years within a perfect simulation would exceed the capacities of any conceivable virtual-reality generator.
- Publication:
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Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
- Pub Date:
- 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001JBIS...54..210B
- Keywords:
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- Fermi Paradox;
- Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence;
- virtual reality