The speaker discusses the concept of moving the sun to change the solar system's trajectory. They explain that the idea is a prodigious technological feat, requiring an understanding of Newton's laws of motion. They propose two methods to achieve this: a giant particle accelerator that shoots pellets at the Sun, and a method called the "shadow of Thruster," which uses the momentum of light to push the Sun.
The speaker also introduces the Kaplan Thruster, a more advanced Stellar engine technology that could potentially provide a thousand times the acceleration of the Shadow of Thruster. This design uses a Dyson Sphere or a Dyson swarm, which are essentially many mirrors that either orbit the Sun or float on its radiation. This structure reflects sunlight back to a specific point on the solar surface, raising the temperature and increasing the flow of the solar wind.
The speaker concludes by stating that while the idea of moving the sun is currently just a concept, it could one day be possible to radically change the sun's orbit or even escape the Milky Way's gravitational field. However, they emphasize the importance of focusing on pressing matters such as saving the planet before such ambitious projects can be undertaken.
1. The text discusses the idea of moving the sun to create a spaceship capable of traveling around the galaxy.
2. This concept is considered a prodigious technological feat, akin to building a star encompassing Dyson Sphere.
3. The idea is based on Newton's Laws of Motion, particularly the principle of conservation of momentum.
4. The sun itself is proposed as a ready-made energy source for such a project.
5. The first proposal for moving the sun was made by Fritz Wiseman, who proposed a giant particle accelerator in space.
6. The idea was further developed by Leonard Shkarov, who proposed a concept that doesn't require any external energy source or propellant.
7. Shkarov's proposal involves building a giant parabolic mirror that reflects sunlight back to a specific point on the solar surface, raising the temperature and increasing the flow of the solar wind.
8. This heat increases the solar wind, which is then collected by one or more large collection cones and channeled into a fusion reactor.
9. The energy produced by the fusion reactor is then used to eject the fusion products as a propellant.
10. This design was further advanced in 2019, resulting in the Kaplan Thruster, which could potentially grant a thousand times the acceleration of the Shadow of Thruster.
11. The Kaplan Thruster design starts with a Dyson Sphere or a Dyson swarm, which is basically many mirrors that either orbit the Sun or float in place on its radiation.
12. The Dyson Sphere reflects sunlight back to a specific point on the solar surface, raising the temperature and increasing the flow of the solar wind.
13. This results in a very weak transfer of momentum, but when combined with the thruster, it can potentially increase the lifespan of the star and change its orbit.
14. The text also discusses the possibility of using the Kaplan Thruster to burn not just the helium but also the hydrogen in the sun, potentially reaching speeds up to 10 percent that of light.
15. The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of saving the Earth for future exploration and technological advancements.