Abstract:

A possible resolution to the Fermi Paradox is that we are living in an
artificial universe, perhaps a form of virtual reality'planetarium',
designed to give us the illusion that the Universe is empty. Quantum-
physical and thermodynamic considerations inform estimates of the
energy required to generate such simulations of varying sizes and
quality.

The perfect simulation of a world containing our present
civilisation is within the scope of a Type K3 extraterrestrial
culture. However the containment of a coherent human culture spanning
~100 light years within a perfect simulation would exceed the
capacities of any conceivable virtual-reality generator.

Published in the JBIS, Vol. 54, pp. 210-216, 2001 May-June

http://www.bis-spaceflight.com/sitesia.aspx/page/358/id/890/