Shows / What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
An epic exploration of possibilities. What If is a Webby Award-winning science web series that takes you on a journey through hypothetical worlds and possibilities, some in distant corners of the universe, others right here on Earth. Each scenario examines a scientific theory, research or fact through a hypothetical question.
Episodes
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Episode Shorts: What If a Marshmallow Hit the Earth at the Speed of Light?
Imagine a marshmallow meteorite hurtling towards Earth at 99.9% of the speed of light, which is 299,792 km/s (186,282 mps). Would it disintegrate mid-air or…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
If Earth Became All Water
Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. Water rushes to cover streets, quickly swallowing entire cities. Earth is about to become a real-life waterworld…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
A More Advanced Civilization Existed Here Before Us?
Help us win a Webby by voting here. Support us on Patreon: Patreon From the sun going rogue to unstoppable infections and nature’s wildest disasters—today we…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If We Nuked the Sun?
Humanity’s nuclear arsenal is capable of destroying all life on Earth. Over. And over. And over. Maybe it's time we dumped it far away. We might want to…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Episode Shorts: What If Our Bodies Kept Evolving?
What will humans look like in 10,000 years? What about 1 million years from now? Will we look like this guy? Eh, probably not. But we'll definitely look…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Episode 635: What If You Lived on Kepler 22-b?
635 light-years away, there lies Kepler 22-b, the first planet found within a habitable zone of a Sun-like star. This could mean liquid water, and potentially…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Shorts: What If Your Bones Were Bulletproof?
Bullets can rip through your organs, dislocate your limbs, and shatter your bones. But not today. How could your bones become bulletproof? Which superhero…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If You Hibernated for 100 Years?
Pack your bags because you’re traveling through space to see Alpha Centauri. There’s just one problem. It’s going to take 100 years. But is it possible to…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
The Scariest Black Hole Discovery in Our Cosmic Backyard!
Black holes are dark, matter-devouring balls of gravity. Most of them are so far away that we don't need to worry about them, but not this one. Meet Gaia BH1…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
The Most Painful Deaths in Space
In this intriguing episode, explore the nine most horrific ways to die in space, as we journey to the most dangerous places in the cosmos. From solar flares to…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If the Moon Collided With Earth?
It's been 150 days since the Moon has been on a collision course toward Earth. As the Moon approaches, ocean tides rise, cities are flooded and destroyed, and…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Landing on Proxima Centauri-B
Explore the thrilling possibilities of landing on Proxima Centauri b, the closest exoplanet to Earth located four light-years away. Join our interstellar team…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Living on Jupiter's Moons
Did you know that Jupiter has 95 moons? And some of them are really big, like planet-sized big. I'm going to populate these big moons of Jupiter, and see which…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If We Destroyed a Black Hole?
A black hole is heading straight for Earth. Instead of letting it consume us, we're on a mission to destroy it. We'll use everything from nukes to advanced…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Everything That Could Go Wrong With Rocky Planets
What If is a mini-documentary web series that takes you on an epic journey through hypothetical worlds and possibilities. Join us on an imaginary adventure…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Living in the Cambrian Period: A Journey 500 Million Years Back
You've traveled 500 million years into the past to experience some of the most dangerous seas and alien organisms ever to exist on Earth. Welcome to the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Leaving Earth: Megastructures That Could Save Humanity
Explore the fascinating world of megastructures that might one day save humanity. Dive into the hypothetical scenarios and innovative concepts that challenge…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
The Scariest Things In The Ocean You Didn't Know Existed
Though it may not seem like it, the ocean is a much more terrifying place than the cosmos. From hideous, alien-like creatures to the mysteries that lie below…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Scientists Discover the Bermuda Triangle of Space
Did you know there's a mysterious area in space where astronauts face communication blackouts, extreme radiation, and spaceship malfunctions? 00:00 Bermuda…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Space Was Filled With Air?
Imagine you’re out for a routine space walk. Suddenly your helmet comes loose. But instead of suffocating, you breathe in fresh cosmic air. How far-reaching…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Episode Shorts: What If the Earth Had Two Moons?
What if our Moon had a twin? Seeing not just one, but two of these satellites in the night sky might be spectacular. Would we see this double-moon from Earth?…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Earth's Core Stopped Spinning?
Deep under the Earth's surface, there's a scorching hot ball of metal. Scientists just discovered that something very wrong is happening to it. Did Earth's…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Episode Shorts: What If You Drilled a Hole Through Earth?
You know what might be the best way to travel to the other side of the world? By drilling your way right through the planet. Imagine going from Argentina to…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Megalodon vs. Titanoboa: The Epic Showdown
It's the matchup you've been waiting for: the clash between two of the biggest titans that ever roamed the Earth. From the jungle marsh to the deep ocean, a…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Humans Evolving Backward
Humans have been evolving for the past six million years. But something's gone terribly wrong. Now, we are evolving backward. Once this process begins, how…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Jupiter and Uranus Collided?
It’s all over for Uranus. The ice giant is locked into a collision course with the king of all planets in our Solar System, Jupiter. What would happen as the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Happens if a Nuke Hits Near You?
Doomsday is here. A nuclear bomb has just unleashed hell right in front of your eyes. You have mere seconds to get to safety. But once that blast hits, how…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If TikTok Was Banned?
You think you're watching TikTok, but in reality, it's watching you. Those cute, fun little videos come at a high price: your privacy. But now this app is…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Surviving The Last of Us Scenario
The world you know no longer exists. Your family, friends, and neighbors are gone. Outside, horrific zombie-like creatures roam the streets. And if you breathe…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
If You Hibernated for 100 Years
Pack your bags because you’re traveling through space to see Alpha Centauri. There’s just one problem. It’s going to take 100 years. But is it possible to…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If You Drank Only Water for Your Entire Life?
Have you heard of something called water fasting? It's a type of fast that restricts everything except, well, water. Most people only water fast for 72 hours…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Snakes Were Eliminated?
These slithering creatures can inhabit the smallest corners of your home and the darkest places you don’t dare visit. Well, not anymore, because today we're…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Is the Universe Conscious?
This is our Universe, an ever-expanding network of stars and galaxies. And this is your brain. Don't they look eerily similar to one another? Why are they so…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Scientists Discovered Planets Better for Life Than Earth
While Earth might seem like the optimal planet for life, discoveries suggest otherwise. Scientists have identified worlds like KOI 5715.01 that could surpass…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Earth Was as Small as Pluto?
It's a small world after all, because today, we're shrinking Earth to the size of Pluto. But if our planet was this tiny, how would it alter the atmosphere?…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Avatar's Pandora in Real Life is Terrifying
Avatar's Pandora is known as the wildest, most beautiful, and most deadly place in the galaxy. Ever wondered why the air could be lethal or what makes bodies…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Earth Reaches Boiling Point for 5 Seconds
Get a free What If Top 10 book when you sign up for our newsletter: https://underknown.com/newsletter/ Get ready for serious burns and the instantaneous death…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
If Earth's Entire Population Lived in a Single Skyscraper
With nearly eight billion people on the planet, things can feel pretty crowded. Let’s imagine housing every single person on Earth in one giant skyscraper. A…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If the Moon Orbited Earth Faster?
Buckle up. We're going to take the orbit of this rock and kick it into high gear. Behold the Moon breaking its planetary speed limit. How would this event…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
If Earth Became a Spaceship
Imagine the Sun is about to explode or a planet-destroying asteroid is approaching. Or maybe you want to take Earth for a joy ride around the Universe. Buckle…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Lizard People Ruled the World?
Attention, humans. Shapeshifting alien lizards have taken control of your world. They’ve maneuvered themselves into positions of power, and they could be…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Cthulhu Was Real?
The night is dark and stormy at the beach. A crowd prays to the thunder in the skies. All hail the god of chaos, who sleeps no more. Cthulhu, the great, green…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If the Empire State Building Fell into a Sinkhole?
The ground beneath the Empire State Building is sinking, threatening this iconic landmark with a massive sinkhole. Are you safer at the top or bottom of the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Happens If the Largest Black Hole Enters Our Solar System?
It’s invisible, deadly, and sucking up every bit of matter in its path. The most massive black hole in the known Universe is headed right toward Earth. What…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
Caught in a Riptide: Survival Tips
Every year, beach lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents, also known as riptides. Learn how to spot the warning signs and understand…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If the Megalodon Shark Never Went Extinct?
An ancient creature is lurking in the ocean. It's double the size of a T.rex. Its gigantic jaws could crush a car. And now, it's on the hunt for you. Megalodon…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If Earth Was Split Equally Between Land and Water?
Imagine Earth with an even 50/50 split between continents and oceans. How would this transform our planet and affect your travel plans? Discover the surprising…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If You Drank Radioactive Tritium
Tritium is a mysterious, glowing element found in air and water. Imagine consuming this radioactive isotope. Could your body power a nuclear reactor? What…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Happens When the Queen Dies?
Breaking news. Flags are flying at half-staff. The world mourns the death of a beloved monarch. Queen Elizabeth II has passed peacefully in her Balmoral Castle…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If You Fell into a Yellowstone Hot Spring
At Yellowstone National Park, all that stands between you and a pool of boiling, rotten-egg-smelling, acidic water is a humble boardwalk. And your good…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
If Latin America United as a Single Country
What if Latin America could have emerged as one of the world’s largest superpowers, rivaling the likes of the U.S., China, or Russia? This episode explores the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If You Mated With Neanderthals?
About 50,000 years ago, we shared this planet with different hominids called the Neanderthals. Their species wasn't human, but they weren't far from it either…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What If 3I/ATLAS Collided with Earth?
This is a simulation of what would happen if an interstellar harbinger of doom smashed into Earth. That odd cigar-shaped asteroid is Oumuamua, the very first…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
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What If: Science, Theory, and PossibilitiesWhat Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Protect your data for only $2 a month with CyberGhost VPN VENUS. Hellscape of the Solar System. I made it through the trial by fire, and was reborn, like the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Protect your data for only $2 a month with CyberGhost VPN VENUS. Hellscape of the Solar System. I made it through the trial by fire, and was reborn, like the…
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- What If: Science, Theory, and Possibilities
What Would Happen If You Landed on Venus? Part 2
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices