Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible
What first appears to be a send-up of classic science fiction is in fact a thorough examination of the real-world science behind the sensationalism. In the pilot episode, the physics behind a hypothetical alien invasion are explained. With the help of scientists and engineers from NASA, JPL, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, a major special effects studio, and various universities, the Sci-Fi Science crew explores force fields, lasers, lightning guns, rail guns, extrasolar planets and other "science fiction" concepts that are in fact, quite real. A campy, animation-rich alien invasion of Los Angeles provides the jumping-off point for real science demonstrations.
- 2008-2010
- 2 seasons
- Discovery Science Channel
- Documentary, Reality
- TV-G
What first appears to be a send-up of classic science fiction is in fact a thorough examination of the real-world science behind the sensationalism. In the pilot episode, the physics behind a hypothetical alien invasion are explained. With the help of scientists and engineers from NASA, JPL, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army, a major special effects studio, and various universities, the Sci-Fi Science crew explores force fields, lasers, lightning guns, rail guns, extrasolar planets and other "science fiction" concepts that are in fact, quite real. A campy, animation-rich alien invasion of Los Angeles provides the jumping-off point for real science demonstrations.
Season 2 Episode Guide
12 Episodes 2010
Episode 1
Earth 2.0
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 22 mins
Floating cloud cities; giant solar mirrors and an asteroid barrage - just some of the crazy yet brilliant plans that Dr. Michio Kaku comes up with for the construction of Earth 2.0!
Episode 2
Galactic Colonization
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 22 mins
Tiny swarmbots search the galaxy for habitable planets, human DNA is broken down into ones and zeroes and beamed light years away to incubators- its all part of Dr. Michio Kaku's plan for galactic colonization.
Episode 3
Deep Impact
Wed, Sep 8, 2010 22 mins
90% of the rocks in space are big enough to destroy civilization. And it's not a question of if they'll hit - it's a question of when. Dr Michio Kaku is on a mission to save planet Earth.
Episode 4
A New Solar System
Wed, Sep 15, 2010 22 mins
It's Dr. Michio Kaku's most ambitious plan yet- the construction of a new solar system. A giant sphere encircling a star, with new stellar civilization living on the inside. Its not sci fi, it's Kaku's vision for the future of humanity.
Episode 5
First Contact
Wed, Sep 22, 2010 22 mins
Do aliens really exist? With as many planets in the universe as there are grains of sand on Earth, most experts agree - finding extra terrestrials is just a matter of time. Michio Kaku is on a mission to make first contact.
Episode 6
Alien Invasion
Wed, Sep 22, 2010 23 mins
The aliens are coming! It's the cry at the heart of hundreds of sci fi movies - but what would we do if a hostile alien race really were intent on invading? Earth must be prepared and Dr. Michio Kaku has a plan.
Episode 7
Destroy the Death Star
Wed, Oct 6, 2010 22 mins
Dr. Michio Kaku brings physics to bear on the most iconic scene in sci fi and designs a star fighter that could blow up a moon-sized Death Star.
Episode 8
Black Hole Odyssey
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 22 mins
In sci fi, the most destructive force in the entire universe is also the key to travelling to a whole host of mind-blowing destinations. Dr. Michio Kaku aims to sort fact from fiction and work out how to travel through a black hole... and survive.
Episode 9
Cyborg Army
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 22 mins
Science fiction is full of terrifying man machines whose awesome power can crush any opponent. But could we one day build our own army of superhuman cyborgs? Dr. Michio Kaku thinks recruitment for a cyborg army could begin sooner than you think.
Episode 10
A.I. Uprising
Wed, Oct 27, 2010 22 mins
Imagine a world ruled by machines where humanity has been wiped out. This is no sci-fi fantasy; machines will be smarter than us. Dr. Michio Kaku is drawing up a plan to save the human race.
Episode 11
Holodeck
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 22 mins
Dr. Michio Kaku believes we can build one of sci-fi's most imaginative creations: Star Trek's Holodeck. He's on a mission to create an imaginary world indistinguishable from the real thing.
Episode 12
Shapeshifting Transformer
Wed, Nov 10, 2010 21 mins
According to Hollywood, evil robots are all around us, disguised as cars and trucks. But what kind of mechanical power allows a Camero to stand and move around like a human? Dr. Michio Kaku is on a quest to build a real life shapeshifting Transformer.