17:I[66739,["/_next/static/chunks/0.3dg.jzl0xwf.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/03k6k0mhx6wk..js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0kllbnt_hzshd.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/053zyoym-_i67.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0u2ayibg4ahb..js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0i99rkyrer3ax.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6"],"default"] 19:I[38632,["/_next/static/chunks/0qqtp3r0h7kah.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6","/_next/static/chunks/0iukvycbd42rl.js?dpl=dpl_8hgki4kaEq3W68JXX1ScWDdVvWD6"],"IconMark"] 18:T45a,Before the '3 Body Problem' became a bestselling book and a smash TV show ... it was a physics concept, with big implications for how we understand planetary orbits. In this episode, we learn about the science behind the screen. Plus, why it's plausible a nearby, mysterious planet could hold life.

This story is part of Short Wave's Space Camp series about all the weird, wonderful things happening in the universe —check out the full series.

Curious about other science behind the things you love? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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Could '3 Body Problem's Aliens Exist? The Science Behind Netflix's New Hit

Short Wave

Could '3 Body Problem's Aliens Exist? The Science Behind Netflix's New Hit