The Kardashev scale is a hypothetical scale that measures a civilizations technological ability to harness energy. According to this scale, a Type II civilization is capable of harnessing the energy radiated by its own star, most likely through the use of a Dyson sphere. A Dyson sphere is a hypothetical megastructure that completely encompasses a star and captures its energy output for use by a civilization. A Type II civilization would have almost god-like abilities to manipulate solar systems and even galaxies. To reach Type II status, a civilization must have mastered space travel, interplanetary communication, stellar engineering, and climate. It must also have developed a planetary communication system, such as the Internet.

It is important to note that the human race is not even on the Kardashev scale yet, as we still sustain our energy needs from dead plants and animals, making us a lowly Type 0 civilization. According to Michio Kaku, we will reach Type I in 100-200 years time.