Dr. Michio Kaku, a renowned theoretical physicist, joined Art to discuss complex topics in cosmology, physics, and the future of civilization. The conversation addressed the nature of the universe, gravity, dimensions, time travel, and the potential evolution of intelligent life. Kaku detailed the theory that proposed the universe's origin from a space smaller an atom, progressing rapidly to the Big Bang. Kaku also pointed out a significant missing piece of the theory: the existence of dark matter. He explained that 90% of the universe is composed of an invisible substance that has gravity but cannot be seen.
Kaku discussed the current dominant theory of the universe, described as an "ocean of nothing" constantly "boiling" with infinite "bubbles." Each bubble is a universe, and ours is just one bubble expanding, which he said "combines the Judeo-Christian idea of a beginning with the Buddhist concept of Nirvana." He pointed out that Issac Newton described gravity as a mysterious force of "pull,” while Einstein viewed it as the bending of space itself by mass and energy: He revealed that the latest theory suggested gravity exists in 10 or 11 dimensions. These unseen dimensions are believed to explain gravity and other fundamental forces, he said. Kaku described wormholes in space as "trap doors" through space-time, enabling faster-than-light travel. Our own galaxy has a black hole at its center, which some physicists believe could actually be stabilized for human passage. Amazingly, Kaku also related that physicists are seriously researching the possibility of time travel.
Kaku brought up the ongoing threat of meteor impacts, and shared the fact that military data reveals house-sized meteors entering the atmosphere are more common than previously thought. Kaku accurately predicted the emergence of reusable rockets, which he said would "decrease the [launch] cost tenfold." Finally, Kaku described the "Kardeshev Scale" of planetary civilizations, saying that we are a "Type 0," meaning that humans derive energy from "dead plants" (oil and coal). A Type 1 controls planetary energy (weather, earthquakes, etc). Kaku guessed that humanity is 100-200 years away from this. A Galactic (Type 3) race uses "star systems and black holes for energy." He said that type 2 and 3 groups would most likely be less aggressive, and may leave the lower level beings alone because they find us "boring."