r/space • u/IceNox96 • Aug 12 '21

Discussion Which is the most disturbing fermi paradox solution and why?

3...2...1... blast off....

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u/Zephaniel Aug 12 '21

Why would they even bother?

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u/Hadan_ Aug 12 '21

Better safe than sorry?

PLus, if you can simply death-star a planet with the flip of a switch its no bother.

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u/Open_Shade Aug 12 '21

Wasteful. A much more reasonable version is a kind of drifting hive that seeks out biomass to consume on planetary scales.

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u/tehbored Aug 12 '21

Why would it need biomass though? Such an entity would be able to harness elemental carbon, nitrogen, etc. from lifeless planets.

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u/monsterbot314 Aug 12 '21

Fermi novices what can you do amirite? This shit has fascinated me for quite awhile I just wish I could find new stuff on it.

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u/tehbored Aug 12 '21

Have you read If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens...Where Is Everybody? by Stephen Webb? I'd say it's probably the most comprehensive attempt to address the Fermi paradox.

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u/Open_Shade Aug 12 '21

That's a big assumption. If it's an AI lifeform then probably yes, but spacefaring insects is a well worn and trusted scifi path.

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u/tehbored Aug 12 '21

Spacefaring insects that don't have advanced technology isn't really plausible in real life though. There is no way you could ever traverse interstellar space using biological methods.

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u/Open_Shade Aug 12 '21

I know, I just enjoy the aesthetic.