Extraterrestrial Life

The Fermi Paradox Asks Where All the Aliens Are

We need to talk about the aliens. More specifically, where are they hiding? The Fermi paradox poses the question: if the universe is so big and old, and there are countless opportunities for life, why have we not found aliens? The paradox is named after physicist Enrico Fermi, who first proposed the concept in 1950.

The paradox is the contradiction of the likelihood of extraterrestrial life and the lack of evidence for it. The chance that aliens exist is so large, but we haven't the slightest bit of evidence that they're here. How is that possible? Several scientists have proposed solutions to the paradox, such as the possibility that Earth-like planets capable of supporting life are much rarer than we think, or that aliens do exist, but they choose to remain silent for their own safety. Check out the videos below to learn where the aliens are. Just kidding—wish we knew! The videos below will give you a sobering look at how insanely huge our universe is, and how likely it is that aliens are indeed out there. Come out, come out, wherever you are, aliens...

The Fermi Paradox, Part I

Where are all the aliens? Delve into the basics of the Fermi Paradox in this two-part video from Kurzgesagt.

The Fermi Paradox — Where Are All The Aliens? (1/2)
– Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell

The Fermi Paradox, Part II

In part two of Kurzgesagt's deep dive, explore possible solutions to the Fermi Paradox.

The Fermi Paradox II — Solutions and Ideas – Where Are All The Aliens?
– Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell
Written by Curiosity Staff September 29, 2016

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