Netflix's highly anticipated new series, "3 Body Problem," based on the bestselling sci-fi trilogy by Chinese writer Liu Cixin, premiered on March 21. The show, developed by screenwriter Alexander Woo and Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, delves into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and the three-body problem.

The story revolves around an alien species called the Trisolarans, who exist in a solar system with three suns. This setup creates constant chaos due to the three-body problem, wherein the gravitational forces exerted by the suns result in unpredictable and unstable orbits. As a consequence, the Trisolaran civilization is repeatedly wiped out by the volatile nature of their suns.

The concept of the three-body problem has been studied by scientists since the discovery of gravity. It refers to the difficulty of predicting the stable orbits of three celestial bodies influenced by their gravitational forces. While two objects can exchange energy and potentially eject a planet, the introduction of a third object disrupts the stability and leads to chaotic interactions.

Astrophysicist Dr. Charles J. Horowitz explained how the law of conservation of energy plays a key role in the three-body problem. Once a planet becomes trapped within a star's gravitational field, it lacks the energy necessary to escape. However, he noted that certain configurations of three bodies could result in stable orbits suitable for life.

In the series, the Trisolarans observe Earth using quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where subatomic particles remain interconnected regardless of distance. While this concept may seem far-fetched, it is based on real scientific findings. Quantum entanglement allows the simultaneous sharing of information between particles, even across vast distances.

The show also touches on the potential use of nuclear thermal propulsion for space travel. Although presented as a fictional concept, the US has previously explored nuclear thermal propulsion, including ambitious projects like Project Orion, which aimed to develop a rocket powered by small atomic bombs.

Additionally, the series introduces the idea of multidimensional unfolding, where a proton is expanded into a massive, planet-sized space to host a super-computer before being folded back into its original microscopic size. While this concept remains mostly theoretical, similar ideas have been explored in mathematical and physics concepts like the hypercube or tesseract.

"3 Body Problem" weaves together science and fiction, taking viewers on a gripping journey that explores complex scientific theories and their potential applications. The show's focus on the three-body problem and quantum mechanics adds an intellectually stimulating element to the story, captivating audiences worldwide.

With its unique blend of scientific concepts and compelling human drama, "3 Body Problem" promises to be an enthralling and thought-provoking series that invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of the universe.