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I enjoyed that video too. If the point of colonization of Mars is to diversify where life is to avoid full extinction, we really need to think bigger. That cha
by cyberlurker 3y ago
I enjoyed that video too.
If the point of colonization of Mars is to diversify where life is to avoid full extinction, we really need to think bigger. That channel is filled with examples of nearby Supernova and Quasars that could extinguish life in the solar system.
That timeline also opened my eyes to how long it took for the Cambrian explosion to occur.
- sillysaurusx 3y agoWhile I like the ambition, supernovae turn out to be one of the least likely extinction scenarios. Their video on this points out why: https://youtu.be/q4DF3j4saCE?t=8m45s https://youtu.be/q4DF3j4saCE?t=8m45s there aren’t any stars close enough to do damage in that time frame. I used to worry (as one does) in my 20s about quasars, but those are basically sniper rifles being fired in random directions. The probability of one scoring a critical hit is far less than a giant rock hitting us, which is probably the more pressing concern. I’m sadly bearish on us ever getting out of our solar system. I think AIs will be able to, but flesh and blood is ill suited for the journey. And as much as I love our mechanical overlords^Wfriends, they’re ill suited for colonization via reproduction, unless you buy the theory that swarms of nanites could really become viable.
- mrexroad 3y agoIf you haven’t read the book Diaspora, you might enjoy it.
- sillysaurusx 3y agoThanks for the book reference!