# Type I (DD-263)

> The Kardashev scale was proposed in 1964 by the Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev to classify civilizations by energy use. A Type I civilization uses energy on the scale of all that reaches its home planet from its star, about 10^16 to 10^17 watts for Earth; Type II uses the full output of its star; Type III that of a galaxy. Carl Sagan suggested a sliding scale, on which humanity rates about 0.7. The footage shows animated planets and energy imagery, with the presenter.

- Department: Science (also Space)
- First published: 2024-07-04
- Last updated: 2024-07-04
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/type-i/
- Original Reel title: ype I
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1964**: Nikolai Kardashev proposes his scale

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=type-i

## Quick facts

- **DD-263-F01**: Kardashev proposed the scale in 1964. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (1964))_
- **DD-263-F02**: Type I uses all energy reaching its planet. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Type I))_

## Write-up

The Kardashev scale ranks civilizations by the energy they use. A Type I civilization would use all the energy reaching its planet.

1. **1964**: Kardashev proposed the scale in 1964.
2. **Type I**: Type I uses all energy reaching its planet.
3. **Type II**: Type II uses its whole star.
4. **Type III**: Type III uses a galaxy.
5. **Humanity**: Sagan rated humanity about 0.7.

## Related case files

- [Earth (DD-131)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/earth/): I linked the planet in question
- [Eyes in the Sky (DD-255)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/eyes-in-the-sky/): I linked more on what we already do in space
- [The Strings of Fate (DD-319)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-strings-of-fate/): I linked more big-idea physics

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Type I: The Kardashev Scale Ranks Civilizations by the Energy They Use

- Duration: 23.5 s · Published: 2024-07-04
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C9BFZZsqidE.mp4

### Transcript

DID YOU KNOW? Kardashev's Type I civilization refers to a society that has harnessed all the available energy resources of its home planet. This includes utilizing solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources efficiently and sustainably. Achieving Type I status would mean a significant advancement in technology and global cooperation. Type I civilizations would also have the ability to control and manipulate natural forces on a planetary scale. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who proposed the scale?**  
A: In 1964. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (1964) · Wikipedia: Kardashev scale)_

**Q: What does it measure?**  
A: Of civilizations. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Type I) · Wikipedia: Kardashev scale)_

**Q: What does a Type II use?**  
A: Dyson-sphere scale. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Type II) · Wikipedia: Kardashev scale)_

**Q: What does a Type III use?**  
A: The largest. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Type III) · Wikipedia: Kardashev scale)_

**Q: Where is humanity, per Sagan?**  
A: Not yet Type I. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Humanity) · Wikipedia: Kardashev scale)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Kardashev scale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Type I." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-263, last updated Jul 4, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/type-i/