Posted on 09/01/2005 7:08:26 PM PDT by KevinDavis
A Look at the Scaling
The ideal interstellar propulsion system would be one that could get you to other stars as quickly and comfortably as envisioned in science fiction. Before this can become a reality, three scientific breakthroughs are needed: discovery of a means to exceed light speed, discovery of a means to propel a vehicle without propellant, and discovery of a means to power such devices. Why? - Because space is big, really, really, really big.
Space takes up a lot of space!
Interstellar distances are so astronomical (pun intended) that it is difficult to convey this expanse. Consider the following analogy: If the sun were the size of a typical, 1/2 inch diameter marble, the distance from the sun to the Earth, called an "Astronomical Unit (AU)" would be about 4 feet, the Earth would be barely thicker than a sheet of paper, and the orbit of the Moon would be about a 1/4 inch in diameter. On this scale, the closest neighboring star is about 210 miles away. That’s about the distance from Cleveland to Cincinnati.
(Excerpt) Read more at nasa.gov ...
Nah ... Barbara Eden could just "Blink" and it would be done
Warp drive, when?
Actually, real soon now. Just after we achieve Godhood.
"discovery of a means to propel a vehicle without propellant,"
That would really help a lot of us with our commute right now. Sometimes you just want to spank the laws of physics.
I almost made this a tagline...
Can you help me with this carburetor I've designed to run on water? The durned thing keeps flooding out.
Space is really big and ain't no place to hitch hike.
"...Warp drive, when?..."
Warp drive now Mr. Scott.
Always know where your towel is.
The real problem is not that space is too big or that light is too slow. Its that we don't live long enough to take advantage of it all. The solar system has plenty of unused real estate for now , by the time its a crowded place I figure lifespans will be many times longer so going to the stars will be a viable option then.
I'd rather stay out of the other galaxies. One is filled with those guys who suck the life out of you, and the other with the Muslim-like dudes with the pale eyes.
That should read "another" not "the other". I am quite aware there are more than three galaxies in the universe. :)
They really need to develop an anti-gravity energy shield. A gravity-cancelling energy shield would allow a ship to go at least the speed of light and maybe faster.
This is the only way to travel such large distances without Einstein's time slows down theory from stopping you and without the need to carry so much force propellent that you can't possibly get across the very distances to the nearest stars.
On the other hand, maybe there is no such thing as an anti-gravity shield or it is impossible to build. In that case, we're stuck here and every other civilization out there is stuck where they are as well.
But first, we need to understand completely how gravity and mass works. Maybe we can't do that either.
See, and you thought I was kidding about achieving Godhood!
First step, immortality.
Well one galaxy has the grey guys now that those mechanized bugs are gone...
Maybe something that creates a deep gravity well ahead of the ship to "drop" us through space.
bump
Heck I took a trip around the universe one time and never had a bit of trouble...except the 12 stitches it took to close the gash on my head didnt feel real good. I saw lots of stars that time.
We just need to find those Alderson points!
A ping to someone who thinks like you.
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