Existential Risks: Analyzing Human Extinction Scenarios and Related Hazards

This is an updated version of a short essay I wrote back in 2007 for the Discovery-Enterprise blog site.

Any discussion concerning humanity's future in the Cosmos must be founded on assessing the risks we face as a species. Many of us see space colonization as a form of long-term insurance policy that would safeguard the long-term future of humankind.  And SETI as a step towards becoming full-fledged members of a Galactic Community of sentient beings exploring the wider Cosmos.

Can Our Brains and Minds Be Hacked?

Will it ever be possible to hack into the Human Brain? Courtesy of Livescience. 

Will it be possible to develop the technology to one day hack into the human brain and read a person’s thoughts?

Today on Far Future Horizons we join veteran actor Morgan Freeman in another outstanding episode of the acclaimed Science Channel documentary series Through the Wormhole which explores these and other daunting possibilities on the cutting edge of applied neuroscience.

The Universe – Dark Future of the Sun

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another episode of the History Channels highly acclaimed documentary series The Universe  – Dark Future of the Sun.

Our Sun has served Earth well for almost five billion years. It has bathed us with heat and energy and sustained life on our planet. But just like all people, our home star is mortal.

In five billion years, it will stop nurturing its planetary offspring. In this exciting episode we voyage some five billion years into the future to see how the Sun will eventually end its existence and affect the future of life on our planet. Will humanity one day find a new home amongst the stars and survive the death of the Sun?

Colossus: The Forbin Project

Today on Far Future Horizons we present a science fiction motion picture classic – “Colossus: The Forbin Project” based on the 1966 novel Colossus, by Dennis Feltham Jones, about a massive American defense computer, named Colossus, becoming sentient and deciding to assume control of the world.

Dr. Charles A. Forbin is the chief designer of a secret government project. He and his team have built an advanced supercomputer, called "Colossus", to control all of the United States and Allied nuclear weapons systems.

Gaia Selene - Saving Earth by Colonizing the Moon

Today on Far Future Horizons I decided to post the following  feature documentary ~ 'GAIA SELENE'. 

This documentary outlines just the type of space program we need to help solve many of our earth bound problems. A Space program that is both politically and economically sustainable as well justifiable. There are two and a half ways to save the Earth and two of them are on the Moon. The half measure that remains for us on Earth is to create a society committed to conservation and creating a Zero Waste Culture totally dedicated to recovering its reusable resources.

Engineering an Empire - The Persians

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the tenth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

This installment of Engineering an Empire focuses on the Persians.

Engineering an Empire - Britain: Blood and Steel

Map of the British Empire

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the ninth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

This instalment of Engineering an Empire focuses on the Empire on which the Sun never set- The British Empire.

Engineering an Empire - Russia

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the eighth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

This instalment of Engineering an Empire takes us to Russia.

Engineering an Empire - The Maya

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the seventh episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

This installment takes us again to Mesoamerica and  the New World to witness the engineering achievements of the Mayan Empire.

Engineering an Empire – Carthage

 
Today on Far Future Horizons we present the sixth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

The sixth instalment of this documentary series takes us to the city state of Carthage.

Carthage, a remarkable city-state that dominated the Mediterranean for over 600 years, harnessed their extensive resources to develop some of the ancient world's most groundbreaking technology. For generations, Carthage defined power, strength and ingenuity, but by the third century B.C., the empire's existence was threatened by another emerging superpower, Rome. However, when the Romans engineered their empire, they were only following the lead of the Carthaginians. From the city's grand harbour to the rise of one of history's greatest generals, Hannibal Barca, we will examine the architecture and infrastructure that enabled the rise and fall of the Carthaginian Empire.

Engineering an Empire - The Aztecs

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the fifth episode of the acclaimed documentary series Engineering an Empire that highlights the engineering and architectural achievements of some of history’s greatest civilizations and the empires they created.

The forth instalment of this series takes us to Mesoamerica and highlights the engineering accomplishments of the Aztecs, a people that would overcome impossible odds and create marvels of engineering as symbols of absolute power. And, they accomplished all they did in just two centuries.

Crash Landing on Mars

Today on Far Future Horizons we explore the scenario of what might happen if the first manned mission to Mars crashes hundreds of miles from the rocket that would take them back home?

This installment of the History Channel’s acclaimed documentary series The Universe explorers this dire possibility.

What’s The Real Deal Behind UFO Reports?

©David A. Hardy/www.astroart.org 

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of the acclaimed Documentary series The Universe to investigate the real deal behind UFO reports.

Many argue that flying saucers and other extra-terrestrial space ships continuously visit the earth. If that were true, what kinds of technologies would such alien spacecraft require? And do eyewitness reports of UFO sightings jibe with modern theories of how interstellar travel might be possible? 

The Edge of Space

The great visionary and science fiction writer Robert Heinlein was once quoted as saying “Once you’re in low Earth orbit (LEO), you’re halfway to anywhere.” Today on Far Future Horizons we explore this realm close to home which is the gateway to the rest of the solar system and beyond.

Low Earth Orbit, 120 miles (193 kilometres) above sea level, is where the majority of space exploration has occurred and new commercial endeavours are being developed.

It will also be staging ground for the next ultimate thrill of your life – Space Diving. 

Catastrophes that Changed the Planets

Today on Far Future Horizons we present – The Universe: Catastrophes that Changed the Planets". 

This episode investigates the tumultuous birth and adolescence of our solar system.

Solar Magnetic Storms

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode from the History Channel’s acclaimed documentary series The Universe. 

This installment investigates the mother of all solar magnetic storms the "Solar Katrinas" created by the sun. We will also explore the dangers posed by a sudden devastating electromagnetic pulse (EMP) emanating from the Sun.

The Year of Pluto

Today on Far Future Horizons we present The Year of Pluto - NASA New Horizons.

All of us at Far Future Horizons join Spaceflight enthusiasts worldwide in breathless anticipation of our first close of views of Pluto. When it arrives at Pluto on July 14^th, 2014 the New Horizons mission will bring Humanity closer to the edge of the Solar System.

Roman Engineering

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode from the acclaimed documentary series The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved.

This episode investigates how Roman Emperors harnessed the power of monumental architecture and solar astronomy in order to consolidate their political power.  

Predicting the Future

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode from the acclaimed documentary series The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved.

In this episode the ancient belief in Astrology is examined. Do events in the heavens really govern the destiny of people and nations.

Alien Worlds

An Alien World on the Edge of the Milky Way Galaxy

Today on Far Future Horizons we are going on a quest, to answer an age old question. On the countless alien worlds that surely exist in our Cosmos can we be truly alone?

Apocalyptic Visions

Destruction Rains Down on New York City

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved.

In this installment of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved we will examine Visions of the Apocalypse.

The Eye of God

The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) aka "The Eye of God"

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved.

In this installment of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved we will examine “The Eye of God” and other strange shapes we encounter in the heavens.

Omens of Doom

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved.

This series of documentaries is a spinoff of the acclaimed History Channel documentary series The Universe. Each episode will be taking us on another exciting foray into the exciting field of Archaeoastronomy.

In this installment of The Universe: Ancient Mysteries Solved we will examine the interpretations by ancient peoples of celestial phenomena as bad omens.

Watching Desmond Morris

Today on Far Future Horizons it gives me great pleasure to present the documentary “Watching Desmond Morris” hosted by Sir David Attenborough.

Desmond Morris has been watching us for nearly fifty years, applying his skills as a zoologist to human beings as if they were just another animal.

Books such as "The Naked Ape" and "Manwatching" made him a household name. Now it is time to turn the tables and ask him a few questions.

With contributions from experts such as Richard Dawkins and Oliver James, and from Morris's old friend Sir David Attenborough, we ask how credible Morris's observations, and the conclusions, really were, and whether there is still anything to learn from studying humans in the way the he did.

Robert Ballard: Exploring the Ocean's Hidden Worlds

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time” ~  T.S. Eliot

Today we celebrate World Oceans Day on Far Future Horizons.

In this TED talk Ocean explorer Robert Ballard takes us on a mind-bending trip to hidden worlds underwater, where he and other researchers are finding unexpected life, resources, even new mountains. He makes a fabulous case for the serious exploration and mapping of the undersea realm of Aquatica.

Will We Become God?

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of the acclaimed documentary series “Through the Wormhole” hosted by veteran actor Morgan Freeman.

This installment of "Through the Wormhole" will explore the limits of humanity’s potential future technological advances.

When Did Time Begin?

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of “Through the Wormhole” hosted by veteran actor Morgan Freeman.

This installment will explore the origin of time.  

Is There a Shadow Universe?

Today on Far Future Horizons we present another exciting episode of  “Through the Wormhole” hosted by veteran actor Morgan Freeman.

This installment will explore the shadowy universe of “dark matter”.

Chemistry: A Volatile History Episode 3 - The Power of the Elements

Today on Far Future Horizons we present the third and final episode of Chemistry: A Volatile History” hosted by Professor Jim Al-Khalili.