What is the 3 Body Problem? Anyone who understands the title of the Netflix epic understands the entire series

The Netflix series 3 Body Problem is a prime example of science fiction. It interweaves real scientific theories and observations with a fictional story about humanity’s first contact with an alien species. The sci-fi series developed by the Game of Thrones creators adapts the acclaimed novel The three suns by Cixin Liu – and its two sequels.

But what is the eponymous 3 Body Problem? The real-world physics problem is the key to understanding the great mystery of the Netflix series. So that you don’t feel completely confused when watching (in the correct language version), here is a simple explanation for the three-body problem and its role in the series. However, you will not find any complex mathematical explanations here.

What is the three body problem in 3 Body Problem?

The three-body problem comes from the field of physics, more precisely the astronomy branch of celestial mechanics, and can be traced back to the observations of Isaac Newton. To break it down very simply: It’s about three bodies whose attraction to each other causes an “unsolvable” problem. Bodies include planets, suns or moons.

In this case, the problem refers to the calculation or prediction of the movements of three bodies. While the path of two bodies influenced by gravitational forces can be solved using mathematical models, the case of three bodies with different masses looks completely different.

Three bodies that attract and repel each other cause chaotic processes that are difficult and impossible to predict in the long term. Of course, there are certain solvable exceptions and some possible solutions. However, there is still no general solution to the three-body problem. Therefore it is also described as insoluble.

You can find a detailed and clear explanation in this video:

But what does this mean for the Netflix series? To explain this, we now have to go into spoiler territory. More specifically: Spoilers up to episode 3 follow from now on.

3 Body Problem Explained: This is the role played by the three-body problem in the Netflix series

At the beginning of the plot of 3 Body Problem, rapidly increasing suicide cases among renowned scientists pose a puzzle for the secret services and colleagues. This eventually leads physicist Jin Cheng (Jess Hong) to a futuristic video game. The aim of the game is to calculate the chaotic path of the sun of an alien planet.

However, it is not a fictional world, but a digital replica of a real planet four light years away from Earth. And this is not orbited by a chaotic sun, but three suns.

The planet of the species named San-Ti (in German: Three Bodies) suffers from the dramatic consequences of the three-body problem. The constantly changing distance to the individual suns has different and usually devastating effects on life on the planet.

The disasters caused by the three suns include:

Actually, the planet is not suitable for the survival of a civilization. However, the San-Ti species has managed to adapt to these harsh living conditions and by dehydrating and hydrating their bodies, subjecting them to the catastrophes known as the Chaotic Ages.

What the series doesn’t spell out so clearly, but is explained in the template: Since the chaotic path of the three suns cannot be predicted, there is a possibility that Planet will eventually collide with one of the suns and is completely destroyed.

The Three Body Problem is the reason for the invasion of Earth in 3 Body Problem

For this very reason, the San-Ti see no other option than themselves a new and safe home planet to search. And a radio signal sent from China in the 1960s came in handy. However, it takes their fleet 400 years to reach Earth.

In the original book there are even characters who try to solve the aliens’ three-body problem. As expected, they fail mercilessly. However, this is not discussed much in the Netflix series. Here, the knowledge that it is a three-body problem is enough to reach the next level in the mysterious video game.

So it’s not about solving this problem. Instead, Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce)’s organization tests whether the players have the will to accept the dramatic situation of the San-Ti and prepare for their arrival on Earth.

You can hear more about the Netflix series 3 Problem in the podcast:

Have the Game of Thrones makers achieved their next big success with 3 Body Problem? In the podcast we discussed Netflix’s sci-fi series extensively and without spoilers:

3 Body Problem is the adaptation of one of the most exciting science fiction works of recent years. In the podcast we clarify whether the series can delight sci-fi fans and whether the drastic changes to the original were really necessary.