Art hosts Dr. Michio Kaku, a renowned theoretical physicist and co-founder of the string field theory, on “Coast to Coast AM.” They discuss the significance of the theory of everything, which Dr. Kaku explains as a framework that could potentially answer profound questions about the universe’s creation, black holes, and even time travel. Dr. Kaku shares his thoughts on how understanding this theory, although it might not have immediate practical applications, could revolutionize our future much like Newton’s laws, Faraday’s work on electromagnetism, and Einstein’s theory of relativity did. He highlights that the simplicity of these profound concepts, like summarizing physical knowledge into an equation possibly only an inch long, could enable humanity to “read the mind of God” as Stephen Hawking put it. The conversation touches on recent experiments that have slowed the speed of light, indicating ongoing advancements in physics.
Dr. Kaku explains that while the speed of light in a vacuum remains constant, it can be slowed when passing through a medium like glass or water due to absorption processes. This phenomenon was demonstrated by sending light through extremely cold materials, resulting in a significant reduction in speed. The conversation then shifts to the future of the universe, highlighting the inevitability of cosmic cooling and the expansion of space, leading to a dark and starless future. Art and Dr. Kaku discuss the concept of the multiverse, where our universe is just one of many bubbles in a cosmic foam. The idea that big bangs occur regularly suggests a dynamic multiverse with potential for travel between universes, as illustrated in the TV show “Sliders,” which was inspired by Dr. Kaku’s book “Hyperspace.” Dr. Kaku also shares an anecdote about his friend Bob Bigelow, who conducts high-tech research on unusual phenomena at a secretive ranch, hinting at a major upcoming announcement.
Art and Dr. Kaku delve into discussions about potential wormholes and baby universes. Dr. Kaku explains that while the energy required to create such phenomena is currently beyond our reach, future advancements might make it possible. They explore the idea that if time travel or interdimensional travel becomes feasible, it could lead to visits from future beings. Dr. Kaku recounts Stephen Hawking’s evolving views on time travel, highlighting its theoretical possibility but practical challenges. The conversation also touches on the complexities of time, comparing it to a river that can meander, form whirlpools, or even fork into different paths. Dr. Kaku elaborates on how these concepts are explored in physics literature, emphasizing the need for a quantum theory to understand the phenomena at the big bang or inside black holes, which string theory aims to address.
Art and Dr. Kaku explore the implications of time travel and the possibility of altering timelines. Dr. Kaku explains that timelines, much like rivers, cannot simply end but can fork into multiple paths. This means that any changes made in the past, such as preventing a historical event, would create a new, parallel timeline rather than altering the original one. They discuss the energy dynamics of the universe, emphasizing that creating a new universe might not require significant energy due to the balance between positive and negative energies.
Dr. Kaku mentions an intriguing thought experiment by his colleague Alan Guth, who proposed the idea of creating a universe in an oven at extreme temperatures. While this isn’t feasible with current technology, it highlights the potential of future advanced civilizations to manipulate universes. The analogy of beer foam is used to illustrate how universes can pop in and out of existence, with our universe being unique in its prolonged expansion. They also touch on the concept of connected universes, or the multiverse theory, which posits that multiple universes could be linked, much like bubbles sometimes join together when blown.
Art and Dr. Kaku continue discussing the nature of the universe and the multiverse. Dr. Kaku explains that our universe, like others, has its own clock and exists within a larger multiverse beyond time. This means there was never a time when there was nothing; universes have always been forming. He explains that our universe is expanding and accelerating towards a state of near absolute zero, leading to a very cold future. However, if wormholes or threads connecting different universes exist, they could serve as lifeboats, allowing intelligent life to move to warmer universes.
They also explore the idea that small quantum events, such as a cosmic ray altering history, could create entirely different timelines. For instance, a minor event could have prevented Adolf Hitler’s birth, potentially avoiding World War II. This discussion extends to the possibility of other universes where different historical outcomes occurred, such as nuclear wars that obliterated human life.
Art and Dr. Kaku continue discussing the nature of the universe and the multiverse. Dr. Kaku explains that our universe, like others, has its own clock and exists within a larger multiverse beyond time. This means there was never a time when there was nothing; universes have always been forming. He explains that our universe is expanding and accelerating towards a state of near absolute zero, leading to a very cold future. However, if wormholes or threads connecting different universes exist, they could serve as lifeboats, allowing intelligent life to move to warmer universes.
They also explore the idea that small quantum events, such as a cosmic ray altering history, could create entirely different timelines. For instance, a minor event could have prevented Adolf Hitler’s birth, potentially avoiding World War II. This discussion extends to the possibility of other universes where different historical outcomes occurred, such as nuclear wars that obliterated human life.
The conversation shifts to the discovery of runaway planets, which can potentially harbor life despite being flung into space by the gravitational pull of massive planets like Jupiter. Dr. Kaku mentions that volcanic activity and tidal forces can create liquid water, essential for life, even on distant, cold planets.
The conversation shifts to the discovery of runaway planets, which can potentially harbor life despite being flung into space by the gravitational pull of massive planets like Jupiter. Dr. Kaku mentions that volcanic activity and tidal forces can create liquid water, essential for life, even on distant, cold planets.
Art and Dr. Kaku discuss the potential for life on runaway planets, which might have volcanic activity at their core, enabling the presence of liquid water and oceans. These beings might not need eyes due to the darkness of deep space. Such planets would have erratic orbits, sometimes passing near suns, creating variable environments. They mention Pluto, which is more like a comet due to its composition and eccentric orbit, and discuss NASA’s plans to slam a spacecraft into a comet, reminiscent of the movie “Deep Impact.” This project, scheduled for July 4, 2005, aims to study the composition of comets but raises concerns about potential risks and the advisability of such actions. They also talk about the European mission Rosetta, which plans to harpoon and land on a comet by 2011, highlighting the challenges of landing on a low-gravity body. They discuss the unpredictable nature of comets, like Halley’s Comet, and the potential dangers of miscalculating their composition when attempting such missions.
Art and Dr. Kaku discuss the potential hazards of various space missions. They focus on the risks associated with NASA’s planned comet impact, where hitting a comet could create unforeseen consequences, such as breaking off a chunk that might pose a danger to Earth. They also express concerns about the Cassini mission, which carries 72 pounds of plutonium and will pass close to Earth to gain speed for its journey to Saturn. The risk of it colliding with space debris or being affected by a solar flare is significant, and a classified government memo suggests tens of thousands could die if Cassini crashes into Earth.
The conversation shifts to the historical context of space exploration, mentioning previous missions to Saturn and the dangers posed by launching radioactive probes. Dr. Kaku notes the vulnerability of the space program to unforeseen events, highlighting the Russian probe’s near-miss disasters.
Art brings up Nostradamus’s quatrain, which predicts “fire from the sky” in August 1999, causing panic in Paris, with many fearing the MIR space station might crash. Due to funding issues and technical problems, MIR is set to be abandoned, and its uncontrolled reentry could pose a significant risk. The failed missile launch in Kazakhstan exacerbates the situation, preventing any repair missions, meaning the cosmonauts currently aboard will have to return to Earth, leaving MIR to eventually crash.
Art and Dr. Kaku continue their discussion about space missions and potential hazards. They touch upon the upcoming abandonment of the MIR space station, whose unstable orbit could pose risks, especially with Cassini’s flyby scheduled for August 17th. Dr. Kaku mentions that the eclipse on August 11th might reveal unexpected celestial objects, adding to the month’s tension. Many are urging President Clinton to redirect Cassini to the sun rather than allowing it to whip around Earth due to the risks involved.
Dr. Kaku details the worst-case scenario if Cassini reenters Earth’s atmosphere: traveling at 42,000 mph without a heat shield, it would break up, dispersing plutonium. NASA’s study suggests 70% of the plutonium could land on Earth, becoming aerosolized and potentially spreading over hundreds of miles, leading to tens of thousands of deaths. Past incidents, like the 1978 Cosmos 954 satellite crash, underscore these dangers.
Despite widespread concern and efforts to petition the president, NASA continues to monitor Cassini, trusting its perfect trajectory. Dr. Kaku notes that while success might lead to congratulations, there’s always the chance of a catastrophic accident, emphasizing the gamble involved in such high-stakes missions.
Dr. Kaku discusses a memo addressed to President Clinton, warning that tens of thousands could be killed if the Cassini mission’s plutonium were to reenter Earth’s atmosphere. The memo, available through the Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice’s website, reveals the risks involved, despite NASA’s reassurances. Dr. Kaku supports redirecting Cassini to the sun to avoid the potential catastrophe, emphasizing the need for action even close to the flyby date. He mentions internal dissent within NASA and evacuation plans in case of an explosion, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Art agrees and suggests a renewed effort to petition the White House. They also discuss the general public’s lack of awareness of the risks, and Dr. Kaku shares that NASA employees responsible for evacuation plans in Florida, including scenarios involving Disney World, have expressed concerns. The conversation emphasizes the potential national crisis if Cassini were to fail and the importance of taking precautionary measures.
Art and Dr. Kaku discuss various intriguing topics. Dr. Kaku mentions a memo received by President Clinton warning about the potential risks of the Cassini mission, including the possibility of tens of thousands of deaths if the mission’s plutonium were to reenter Earth’s atmosphere. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns and suggests redirecting the mission to avoid disaster.
They also delve into the fascinating topic of Einstein’s brain, noting that recent studies have shown it was physically different, potentially explaining his extraordinary intellectual capabilities. Dr. Kaku suggests that, while environmental factors like education and mentorship play a significant role, inherent biological differences could also contribute to exceptional intellectual abilities. They discuss the concept of evolution and the idea that occasional genetic “hiccups” could lead to individuals with extraordinary capabilities, like Einstein or the Indian mathematical genius Ramanujan.
Art and Dr. Kaku continue their exploration of advanced scientific topics. They discuss the mathematical genius Ramanujan, whose work in higher dimensions has influenced string theory, highlighting the profound impact of such intellectual leaps. The conversation shifts to the ethical considerations of genetic manipulation. While Dr. Kaku supports genetic advances to prevent diseases, he cautions against using genetics to enhance physical appearance, warning that it could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Dr. Kaku predicts that by 2020-2030, personalized gene sequencing might become common, emphasizing the need for democratic debate and wisdom in handling such powerful technology. They compare this potential to the advent of nuclear weapons, stressing the importance of responsible use.
The topic of new chemical elements, specifically element 115, is also discussed. Dr. Kaku explains the concept of an “island of stability,” where super-heavy elements might be stable, potentially leading to new materials with unique properties. He speculates on the long-term benefits, such as new industrial applications and advances in nanotechnology, which could revolutionize materials science.
Art and Dr. Kaku continue their discussion on the M-theory and its implications. Dr. Kaku explains that M-theory, which posits an 11th dimension, aims to unify the five existing string theories into one comprehensive framework. This theory, still under development, could potentially expand to 12 dimensions with two times, offering a new perspective on the universe’s structure.
A caller asks about the boundary problem of the standard model and the great attractor. Dr. Kaku clarifies that our universe is not uniform but rather “lumpy,” with galaxies forming clusters and voids. The great attractor is one such massive cluster of galaxies. He addresses whether the universe had enough time to form these structures, a question M-theory might help to answer.
They discuss the concept of membrane (M) in M-theory, representing the mother of all strings, suggesting that these dimensions and structures could provide insight into the creation and organization of the universe. The conversation highlights the complexity and potential of string theories in explaining the cosmos.
Dr. Kaku elaborates on the potential impact of M-theory in explaining the structure of the universe. He addresses a caller’s question about whether M-theory sheds light on the large-scale structures like the Great Attractor. Dr. Kaku explains that M-theory, which suggests an 11th dimension, could help unify the five different string theories into one cohesive framework, possibly providing insights into these cosmic phenomena.
They discuss how the universe’s lumpiness and the formation of galaxies and voids are influenced by quantum theory and uncertainty, suggesting that these irregularities in the universe’s structure could be explained by the fluctuations predicted by quantum mechanics.
The conversation also touches on the potential practical applications of discovering new elements and manipulating individual atoms through nanotechnology, which could revolutionize materials science and lead to the creation of new, highly durable materials.
Dr. Kaku elaborates on how the early universe’s irregularities and quantum fluctuations led to the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures like the Great Attractor. He explains that these “wrinkles” in the expanding universe created clumps of matter, resulting in the observed structure of the cosmos. He also discusses the role of dark matter, which makes up about 90% of the universe and influences its formation through gravitational effects despite being invisible.
The discussion then shifts to neutron bombs, which China recently announced possessing. Dr. Kaku describes a neutron bomb as a stripped-down hydrogen bomb designed to release a burst of neutrons, killing living organisms without causing significant structural damage. This weapon, also known as the “landlord’s bomb,” effectively kills through radiation rather than blast or heat.
Dr. Kaku recounts historical nuclear accidents at Los Alamos, where scientists were exposed to lethal doses of radiation due to accidental criticality events. He mentions specific incidents, including one where a scientist named Harry Daghlian accidentally created a small nuclear detonation with plutonium hemispheres, leading to his death from radiation exposure. These incidents highlight the dangers and complexities of handling nuclear materials.
Dr. Kaku recounts a 1946 incident involving physicist Louis Slotin, who manually separated two plutonium hemispheres to prevent a nuclear detonation, absorbing lethal radiation in the process. This story illustrates the dangers of handling nuclear materials and the profound impact of radiation exposure.
The conversation shifts to the concept of a planetary civilization driven by advancing technology and globalization. Dr. Kaku emphasizes that the finite nature of Earth and the exponential growth of computing power make the development of a unified global society inevitable. He hopes this transformation will be guided by democratic principles, allowing people to choose their form of government.
A caller asks about chaos theory, and Dr. Kaku explains that while it initially generated excitement, it ultimately did not provide practical applications for predicting complex systems like weather or the stock market. He notes that chaos theory’s predictions remain qualitative rather than quantitative, limiting its usefulness.
They then discuss climate change, noting the increasing severity of weather patterns and the melting of polar ice caps. Dr. Kaku predicts that rising sea levels and more frequent superstorms will become significant challenges in the 21st century. He suggests that a critical mass of public awareness about global warming is building, driven by observable environmental changes and scientific consensus.
Dr. Kaku and Art continue their discussion on global warming, noting that current evidence strongly indicates a significant rise in Earth’s temperature, the highest in a thousand years based on data from tree rings and ice cores. This suggests we are moving towards a fully baked theory of climate change.
A caller inquires about the holographic universe theory and its relation to dark matter. Dr. Kaku explains that while the holographic universe is a theoretical concept without mathematical backing, dark matter is a well-documented phenomenon confirmed by the Hubble Space Telescope. Dark matter, although invisible and not directly usable with current technology, constitutes about 90% of the universe’s mass and affects gravitational fields.
Dr. Kaku mentions the potential of using dark matter for energy in advanced propulsion systems, akin to a ramjet fusion engine that uses interstellar hydrogen gas. However, practical applications for dark matter remain speculative at this stage.
Another caller raises concerns about the Cassini mission, particularly the risks posed by solar flares, micrometeorite impacts, and space debris as the spacecraft approaches Earth. Dr. Kaku acknowledges these risks, emphasizing that the closer Cassini comes to Earth, the higher the chances of encountering such hazards, making precise trajectory corrections crucial as the spacecraft nears its flyby date.
Dr. Kaku discusses the potential risks associated with the Cassini spacecraft, emphasizing that even small malfunctions or impacts with space debris could cause it to tumble and potentially reenter Earth’s atmosphere. He mentions past failures with spacecraft, such as the Mars Observer, to illustrate the unpredictability of space missions.
A caller reads from NASA’s environmental impact statement, noting minimal radiation exposure for the population. Dr. Kaku corrects the caller, pointing out that the worst-case scenario sections detail the severe consequences if Cassini were to crash. This includes the aerosolization of plutonium, which could cause significant casualties if inhaled by the population. Dr. Kaku emphasizes the importance of considering these worst-case scenarios to fully understand the potential risks.
Art and Dr. Kaku conclude the show, thanking each other and the listeners for their engagement. The episode highlights the complexities and dangers of space exploration, the scientific understanding of the universe, and the potential impacts of advanced technology on society.