Future of life in the universe

In summary, the professor is saying that it is unlikely that a future civilization will be able to find a way to harness used energy (ie heat dissipated from resistors).
  • #1
hammertime
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I have a question regarding the future of civilization in the universe. As we all know, the universe is expanding and, as per the 2nd law of thermodynamics, entropy is increasing. However, could a future civilization find a way to harness used energy (ie heat dissipated from resistors)?

Also, I read somewhere that the maximum possible entropy in the universe rises as the universe expands, and that this creates a growing 'entropy gap' between the current entropy at any time in the universe and the maximum possible entropy at the same time. Could a civilization make use of this to survive?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Shouldn't we worry about our sun and it's life cycle or even if humans will make it to see the drawn out death (our sun would expand taking the planets, or at least most of them with it) I mean, if we get past surviving without our sun and our planet, then who knows how far we could make it.
 
  • #3
Zenparticle said:
Shouldn't we worry about our sun and it's life cycle or even if humans will make it to see the drawn out death (our sun would expand taking the planets, or at least most of them with it) I mean, if we get past surviving without our sun and our planet, then who knows how far we could make it.
That aim might be a little optimistic, Professor Martin Rees, the British Astronomer Royal, asks Our Final Century: Will the Human Race Survive the Twenty-first Century?.

If we do then "who knows how far we could make it"?
 
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  • #4
Garth said:
That aim might be a little optimistic, Professor Martin Rees, the British Astronomer Royal, asks Our Final Century: Will the Human Race Survive the Twenty-first Century?.

If we do then "who knows how far we could make it"?
if we can survive something as devastating as the death of our sun, then we would be able to do just about anything, including; having a replicator like the one star trek , warp speed and Data- So, right It's unlikely we will even be around long enough to have a need to
find a way to harness used energy (ie heat dissipated from resistors)?
 

1. What is the likelihood of finding life on other planets?

The likelihood of finding life on other planets is difficult to determine, as we have yet to discover any definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life. However, with the vastness of the universe and the discovery of potentially habitable planets, the chances of finding some form of life outside of Earth is highly probable.

2. Is there a possibility of humans colonizing other planets?

There is a possibility of humans colonizing other planets, but it would require significant advancements in technology and resources. Currently, Mars is the most feasible option for human colonization, but it would still be a challenging and complex endeavor.

3. How will the future of life in the universe be affected by climate change?

Climate change can have a significant impact on the future of life in the universe. It can lead to the extinction of certain species and potentially make certain planets uninhabitable. However, it also presents an opportunity for adaptation and evolution of life forms on Earth and other planets.

4. Will humans be the dominant species in the universe?

It is impossible to predict if humans will be the dominant species in the universe, as we have yet to discover any other intelligent life forms. However, with the advancement of technology and exploration, humans have the potential to become a dominant species in the universe.

5. How will the discovery of extraterrestrial life impact humanity?

The discovery of extraterrestrial life could have a profound impact on humanity, both scientifically and socially. It could challenge our understanding of life and the universe, and potentially lead to new advancements and technologies. It may also raise philosophical and ethical questions about our place in the universe and the impact of our actions on other life forms.

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