Science & Futurism With Isaac Arthur

Could the origins of life on Earth trace back to a natural nuclear reactor? Long before humanity split the atom, nature itself may have done it first. In this episode, we explore the astonishing possibility that self-sustaining fission reactions—like the Oklo natural reactor in Gabon—once powered the chemical engines of creation. From radioactive geysers and mineral-rich pools to the first self-replicating molecules, we’ll examine how nuclear energy might have provided the spark that turned chemistry into biology. Along the way, we’ll connect this mystery to the Fermi Paradox, asking whether such rare, radioactive beginnings might explain why intelligent life seems so scarce in the universe. Join us for a journey that blends cosmic mystery, geochemistry, and the science of life’s origins.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: ht

Could the origins of life on Earth trace back to a natural nuclear reactor? Long before humanity split the atom, nature itself may have done it first. In this episode, we explore the astonishing possibility that self-sustaining fission reactions—like the Oklo natural reactor in Gabon—once powered the chemical engines of creation. From radioactive geysers and mineral-rich pools to the first self-replicating molecules, we’ll examine how nuclear energy might have provided the spark that turned chemistry into biology. Along the way, we’ll connect this mystery to the Fermi Paradox, asking whether such rare, radioactive beginnings might explain why intelligent life seems so scarce in the universe. Join us for a journey that blends cosmic mystery, geochemistry, and the science of life’s origins.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: ht

Solar storms are inevitable; disaster isn’t. We explore the physics of flares and CMEs, historical extremes, and realistic defenses—detection, delay, and planetary-scale shielding—to weather the Sun’s worst days.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaa

Solar storms are inevitable; disaster isn’t. We explore the physics of flares and CMEs, historical extremes, and realistic defenses—detection, delay, and planetary-scale shielding—to weather the Sun’s worst days.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaa

Mars may be humanity’s next great home—but it’s not the finish line. From floating cities above Venus to mining Mercury and the Asteroid Belt, to building bases on the Jovian moons and Titan, we explore which destinations might follow Mars and how each could shape our future in space.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g/joinVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://ww

Mars may be humanity’s next great home—but it’s not the finish line. From floating cities above Venus to mining Mercury and the Asteroid Belt, to building bases on the Jovian moons and Titan, we explore which destinations might follow Mars and how each could shape our future in space.Watch my exclusive video The Fermi Paradox - Civilization Extinction Cycles: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-fermi-paradox-civilization-extinction-cyclesGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFipeZtQM5CKUjx6grh54g/joinVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://ww

The discovery of 2017 OF201 reminds us that even small worlds can hold vast potential — not just as frozen orbs, but as stepping stones for interstellar civilization.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:New Dwarf Planet Discovered: A Minor Planet With a Major Future?Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Chapters0:00 Intro1:11 What Counts as a Dwarf Planet?3:47 The New Arrival: 2017 OF2014:47 From Iceball to Megastructure6:03 Waypoint to the Stars8:38 Lessons from Pluto and the Dwarf Planet Census9:43 Engineering Challenges & Oppo

The discovery of 2017 OF201 reminds us that even small worlds can hold vast potential — not just as frozen orbs, but as stepping stones for interstellar civilization.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:New Dwarf Planet Discovered: A Minor Planet With a Major Future?Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Chapters0:00 Intro1:11 What Counts as a Dwarf Planet?3:47 The New Arrival: 2017 OF2014:47 From Iceball to Megastructure6:03 Waypoint to the Stars8:38 Lessons from Pluto and the Dwarf Planet Census9:43 Engineering Challenges & Oppo

The universe is beyond immense, and yet it might be nothing more than a tiny dot beside the rest of reality.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Exploring The MultiverseOriginally aired as Episode 462b; September 1, 2024 Produced, Written & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditors: Thomas OwensSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty ImagesMusic Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorStellardrone, "Red Giant", "Ultra Deep Field"Sergey Cheremisinov, "Labyrinth", "Forgotten Stars"Taras Harkavyi, "Alpha and ..."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The universe is beyond immense, and yet it might be nothing more than a tiny dot beside the rest of reality.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Exploring The MultiverseOriginally aired as Episode 462b; September 1, 2024 Produced, Written & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurEditors: Thomas OwensSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty ImagesMusic Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorStellardrone, "Red Giant", "Ultra Deep Field"Sergey Cheremisinov, "Labyrinth", "Forgotten Stars"Taras Harkavyi, "Alpha and ..."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gravity has always shackled industry, but orbit frees us to build in ways Earth never allowed. This episode explores the rise of orbital foundries and the industries they unlock.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Orbital Foundries & Zero-G Manufacturing: Building in SpaceWritten, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: Jeremy Jozwik, Ken York, Udo SchroeterSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Aerium, Stellardrone, Chris Zabriskie, and Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gravity has always shackled industry, but orbit frees us to build in ways Earth never allowed. This episode explores the rise of orbital foundries and the industries they unlock.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Orbital Foundries & Zero-G Manufacturing: Building in SpaceWritten, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurGraphics: Jeremy Jozwik, Ken York, Udo SchroeterSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Aerium, Stellardrone, Chris Zabriskie, and Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object we’ve ever seen — but could it really be an alien artifact, or just another comet with unusual traits?Any comments, corrections, or thoughts on the video? email Isaac.Arthur.Utube@gmail.comVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Is 3I/ATLAS an Alien Artifact?Written, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Chris Zabriskie, StellardroneSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object we’ve ever seen — but could it really be an alien artifact, or just another comet with unusual traits?Watch my exclusive video The Economics of Immortality: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-economics-of-immortalityGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Is

Could life thrive in seas of methane instead of water? We explore Titan-like worlds and the alien ecosystems they might harbor.Watch my exclusive video The Economics of Immortality: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-economics-of-immortalityGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Life in Methane Oceans:

Could life thrive in seas of methane instead of water? We explore Titan-like worlds and the alien ecosystems they might harbor.Watch my exclusive video The Economics of Immortality: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-economics-of-immortalityGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Life in Methane Oceans:

Space isn’t just for lonely colonies—it’s for communities. Join us as we imagine constellations of space habitats bound by tethers, trade, and trust, building not just homes in the stars but entire civilizations.Watch my exclusive video The Economics of Immortality: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-economics-of-immortalityGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future co

Space isn’t just for lonely colonies—it’s for communities. Join us as we imagine constellations of space habitats bound by tethers, trade, and trust, building not just homes in the stars but entire civilizations.Watch my exclusive video The Economics of Immortality: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-the-economics-of-immortalityGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurGet a Lifetime Membership to Nebula for only $300: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=isaacarthurUse the link https://gift.nebula.tv/isaacarthur to give a year of Nebula to a friend for just $36.Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future co

NASA’s Perseverance rover may have found the best hint yet of Martian life — strange minerals in Jezero Crater that could be microbial fingerprints… or just clever geology.Any comments, corrections, or thoughts on the video? email Isaac.Arthur.Utube@gmail.comVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Life on Mars: Perseverance’s Sapphire Canyon DiscoveryWritten, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Chris ZabriskieSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell

NASA’s Perseverance rover may have found the best hint yet of Martian life — strange minerals in Jezero Crater that could be microbial fingerprints… or just clever geology.Any comments, corrections, or thoughts on the video? email Isaac.Arthur.Utube@gmail.comVisit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.netJoin Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/IsaacArthurSupport us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-arthurFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1583992725237264/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/IsaacArthur/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaac_A_Arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.SFIA Discord Server: https://discord.gg/53GAShECredits:Life on Mars: Perseverance’s Sapphire Canyon DiscoveryWritten, Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Music Courtesy of Chris ZabriskieSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell