5 ms·
Speaking of gravitational lenses, our very own sun can be used as one: http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=22321 http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=22321 Key fac
by iwwr 14y ago
Speaking of gravitational lenses, our very own sun can be used as one:
http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=22321 http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=22321
Key facts:
can work with existing technology
$5bn cost
long travel time, a century or so to the primary observation point (500-750au) but can visit several distant icy bodies before that point
100x magnification for infrared and visible-light (50-80x for radio and microwave) (only for object directly opposite the sun though)
a good precursor for an interstellar mission and
good study platform for the interstellar medium
- stargazer-3 14y ago110 years to reach primary mission point? I'd say that we ought to spend more time on rocket engine studies before launching something like this. Besides, 100x magnification still wouldn't help us to resolve an Earth-like planet.
- Groxx 14y agoFor 110 years, I suspect we'd be better off simply creating a larger lens array somewhere nearby in space. Might not be cheaper, but would probably be more valuable in the meantime.
- deleted 14y ago[deleted]