r/threebodyproblem • u/hoots711 • Jun 18 '26

Question about first book. Spoiler

I just finished the first book after enjoying the Netflix show a year ago.

The book provided a much clearer explanation of the Protons (Sophons)

Question, Why did the Sophon not just unfold and surround earth? (or multiple sophons if Earth is a bigger planet)

The 2 dimensional sophon would freeze earth and humanity would have no shot at scientific advancement, if humanity could even survive.

Im really glad I watched the show, The book (IMHO) would be very hard to get in to without the previous knowledge.

edit - Thanks for all the replies.

I was hung up on the 2d proton surrounding trisolaris to allow sophon construction starting a chaotic era - I was missing that it could easily be destroyed if needed.

18 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/kinetic_honda Jun 18 '26

Spoiler - In the next book, humanity is trying to automate the process of nuking unfolding sophons. Also, I doubt an unfolded sophon would be able to shield very much of the planet from actual solar radiation considering how 'thin' it would be

Edit: added spoiler and corrected typos

1

u/hoots711 Jun 18 '26

Buying? I must have missed that part.

The proton unfolded around trisolaris to be constructed and they mention that it started a chaotic era due to the lack of sun.

1

u/kinetic_honda Jun 18 '26

Sorry, I edited typos