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Rigorous Science

Q&A with a focus on more stringent analysis. Questions and answers should be well-researched, clearly explained, and supported with references, equations, or empirical evidence based on current, widely-accepted science. Please read the category guidelines.

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Global warming through waste heat?

Let's assume a world where humanity managed to stabilize the climate again and maybe even reversed the effects of the current climate change. (So that we can ignore the current global warming in th...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Marv‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Marv‭

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The scientific description of time-asymmetric retro-causality?

Doing research into my time braking world I was referred to Split Second by Douglas E. Richards. It turns out he conceived of the exact same machine that I did, however he handled the paradoxes dif...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Vogon Poet‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Vogon Poet‭

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How to calculate the thickness of the ice layer of a frozen ocean planet/moon?

How do I calculate the thickness of the upper ice layer on cold ocean worlds like Europa, Enceladus, and Ganymede? I'm asking this for a programm I'm currently writing. The given/known quantities ...

4 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭

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What needs to be changed in the structure of the human body to drink dirty water?

My question is: what needs to be changed in the body of my genetically modified people so that they can safely drink toxic water ( most often industrial wastewater is contaminated with industrial w...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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I have a way of giving something negative mass. Did I just end the world,or usher in a golden age of space travel?

So, somehow, I have discovered a process that makes an objects mass negative. Not its weight, its mass (although, I guess that the weight would also become negative). The thing is, before I try it,...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Mark Gardner‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Gardner‭

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Would it ever be theoretically possible for future humans to prevent the sun from increasing in luminosity to the point of killing all life?

I am currently brainstorming a hard (like the hardest possible; everything that occurs in the story must at least be theoretically possible) sci-fi story which will take place far in the future. I ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Darien Springer‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Darien Springer‭

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Could serpentine dragons exist?

Contrary to popular belief serpentine dragons are not in fact magical or related to the European wyvern but instead are descended from the Chrysopelea. some common characteristics of serpentine dra...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by icewar1908‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by icewar1908‭

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Could a prosimian conveniently evolve sapience?

Prosimians on average are not as intelligent as their simian counter parts with the notable exception being lemurs which live in semi large groups. what I want to know is could a group of prosimian...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by icewar1908‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by icewar1908‭

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Modification of the digestive system?

What needs to be changed in the structure of the human stomach so that a person is almost completely immune to poisons and toxins ( especially interesting regarding the poison of puffer fish, Gray ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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Assuming a flat world and no obstacles, how far could you see?

I know this question has been asked in similar places, but I'm after a specific part of the problem. Assuming the following: Perfectly flat, infinite world Earth's atmosphere Sun directly overhea...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Cygnus X-1‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Cygnus X-1‭

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How do I determine the physical size of a quartz crystal of a given shape and vibrational mode needed to approximate a specific resonant frequency?

So, one of my D&D characters has a cut/relief-carved quartz crystal amulet (medallion shaped) that's both an arcane focus (crystal) and a holy symbol (amulet), and I thought it would be a good ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Shalvenay‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Shalvenay‭

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Factors that determine the geology of a planet (what factors determine the elemental composition of the planet)

This is my first world and I want to build in a way that is physically possible (if this is possible, otherwise make the necessary changes) for my civilization (which is mostly fleshed out) but I d...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by A. Soreq‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by A. Soreq‭

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Minimal counter pressure space suit, 10 minutes survival time

Counter pressure spacesuits allow, in theory, a wearer to not be in an air tight space suit and work in a vacuum. What is the minimum such suit that could be used in a survival situation, on a shi...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by user2702772‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by user2702772‭

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How does one calculate the diameter of a 'space fountain'?

I need to know how wide the diameter of a space fountain's* particle stream is in relation to the mass it's trying to support. It would have to lift its mass at least 40000 kilometers. The vacuum...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by justthisonequestion‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by justthisonequestion‭

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Popping "vacuum bubbles" loudness

Stun-wizards specialize in blinding and deafening opponents at a distance. To do so, they can exert their magical power to manifest a spherical region of vacuum by essentially "telekinetically" pus...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Dragongeek‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Dragongeek‭

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Would a large gliding predator be viable?

Most animals that glide are rather light and small. Flying squirrels, Colugos, and sugar gliders all weigh but a few ounces. The largest gliding predators are snakes of the Chrysopelea genus. Agai...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by NixonCranium‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by NixonCranium‭

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Air resistance speed limits on a broomstick

I'm working on a tabletop roleplaying game about witches. I have most of the mechanics of broomsticks worked out, but I'm having trouble deciding on top speeds. Speed limits are not a result of how...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by pyrrhicPachyderm‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by pyrrhicPachyderm‭

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what are the signs and effects of two realities combined into one reality

I have posted a similar question where I asked how can two realities mix into one reality in which I received many helpful comments. I realise I should've expanded on the details I posted, so I wil...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Morrigan loftwyth‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Morrigan loftwyth‭

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A character steps outside in the upper atmosphere of Venus- how sunburned is he?

For complicated reasons our hero's blimp in the Venus atmosphere at an altitude of 50 km gets a tear in it and sunlight floods inside (there is no gondola, the blimp is a semi-ellipsoid of breathab...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by qazwsx‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by qazwsx‭

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What improvements in the human body will allow it to withstand critically low or high pressure?

My question: What is it that needs to be improved or added to the human body so that it can withstand critically (fatally) low and high (if, my genetically modified person is underwater or a very d...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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How to speed up the perception of a person? ( more than 25 frames per second )

The response time of the human visual channel in a relatively quiet state is approximately 40 milliseconds, which provides a" frame rate " of 25 frames per second. At the same time, it is not just ...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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Is this a plausible interstellar propulsion system?

Interstellar travel is hard and complicated, yet I want to have a plausible interstellar propulsion system for my setting. Rockets are out because of the rocket equation and the horrible top speeds...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭

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Can a Whipple Shield be a viable method of space combat protection?

Like it says on the tin. Problem? Basic configuration is not going to work. If I used several additional layers and all the Outer and Inner layers using carbon nanotubes, whereas the Middle Layer(s...

3 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by Future Historian‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Future Historian‭

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The creation of Superman? (Bone fracture)

This question asks for hard science. All answers to this question should be backed up by equations, empirical evidence, scientific papers, other citations, etc. Answers that do not satisfy this req...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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What is required for advanced lungs to filter dangerous chemicals (so to speak, to carry out the detoxification process) and then use oxygen?

What is required for advanced lungs to filter dangerous chemicals (so to speak, to carry out the detoxification process) and then use oxygen? (It is advisable to take into account the above record,...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by French Thompson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by French Thompson‭

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Incoming Rogue Planet! When do we see it?

So say there was a rogue gas giant about the mass of Jupiter that, unfortunately, happened to be headed directly at Earth (or at least close enough to knock it into an orbit incompatible with life)...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Gryphon‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Gryphon‭

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Could the Breakthrough Starshot probes be detected in their taget system by modern or near-future technology?

The Breakthrough Starshot is a method of robotic interstellar exploration by launching thousands of small centimeter-sized probes, each equipped with a 4 x 4 meter light-sail. Thanks to their small...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by vsz‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by vsz‭

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The Properties of Flaming Fire Magic

Magical fire is often depicted as flames. To get fire and flames the right mixture of oxygen, fuel and heat is needed. Assuming that the magic only provides the heat, there are only two chemical re...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭

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What are the harmful consequences of burning cigarette stubs in large quantities?

I have a pair of survivors living in a trailer (18-wheeler's trailer) and they have found about 3 pounds of cigarette butts and have decided to burn them for warmth. What would happen to these two?...

4 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Joe P‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Joe P‭

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Santa's new delivery service: a... cannon?

Let's say Santa got himself a new toy: a present delivery cannon. With this new cannon, he wants to deliver presents to children by shooting their presents from the cannon into their chimneys. Let'...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by John Zhau‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by John Zhau‭

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Reality Check: Space Gulag

How realistic is the concept of a space gulag? So let's say you want another option outside of a stern talking too, a fine, confining to quarters, demeaning tasks, VR "re-education," beating the s...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Englishman Bob‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Englishman Bob‭

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Food Production ...IN SPACE!

One of the basic requirements for life is effectively food. One of the basic requirements of engineering is that we lift off with as little mass as possible. If we choose to explore the solar syst...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Englishman Bob‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Englishman Bob‭

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How fast does an antimatter bullet need to move to pierce rather than explode?

The environment is set in (ideal) space with no air for the bullet to interact with. It should encounter nothing until it reaches its target. The bullet is assumed to be a perfect sphere with a di...

9 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by John Zhau‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by John Zhau‭

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Can someone with a better understanding of physics review or correct my design of a hypothetical fusion reactor for space vessels?

I have a layman's (re: not very good) understanding of nuclear physics, and it's pretty cool to me, but I'm quite bad at math. I'm working on a sci-fi book (classic, I know) and just finished a dra...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Nepty‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Nepty‭

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What are possible energy carriers besides ATP?

I'm thinking about designing an alien race. The race is carbon-based and evolved on a world with an average surface temperature between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. Now, on Earth, almost all lifeform...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by user73910‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by user73910‭

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How to build a Nuclear Pistol?

I came across the design of a nuclear pistol from a deviantart artist, shown here: I want to know if this can actually be built. My additions: The "egg" needs not be uranium, which has a huge ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by CYCLOPSCORE‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by CYCLOPSCORE‭

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Lagrange systems: What is the mass range for a gas giant if I want to place a earth-like planet on L4 and L5

I am wanting to make a 3 world lagrange system around a Sol analog star that includes 1 gas giant and 2 terrestrial worlds with large moons. I want the terrestrial worlds to have a similar gravity ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by skout‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by skout‭

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How do ballistic trajectories work in a rotating cylinder world?

For the sake of fixing some image in your mind, imagine you want to practice some sport in a rotating cylinder world: whether it be launching a javelin, strike a tee at the golf club or scoring a 3...

7 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by L.Dutch - Reinstate Monica‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by L.Dutch - Reinstate Monica‭

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How soon can the first stars form?

Introduction In our universe, the cosmic microwave background was formed approximately 400,000 years after the Big Bang. It was hot, but within a few million years after the Big Bang, it would no ...

0 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by HDE 226868‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by HDE 226868‭

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Can two moons have intersecting orbits yet be guaranteed not to collide?

Working on a D&D campaign. As a physics nerd, I'd like the orbital mechanics of the planet, its sun, and its moons, to follow standard Newtonian/Keplerian mechanics. I'm trying to come up wit...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Frank Harris‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Frank Harris‭

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Can transistors be made in the stone age? (Spoiler: Dr.Stone)

WARNING: This post contains some spoilers for the anime/manga Dr.Stone. As I'm watching Dr.Stone, I see Senku and the gang trying to make vacuum tubes for their circuits. The vacuum tube is an anc...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by John Zhau‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by John Zhau‭

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Is the Hammer's Slammers Powergun feasible?

I have seen many people discuss in this community on how a plasma gun ought to be made. But only a few mention the Powergun from the Hammerverse. I ask if this design will work. Can the bullets ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by CYCLOPSCORE‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by CYCLOPSCORE‭

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How would a "zombie fungus" work on humans?

Short question: which hormones should high contagious fungi spores produce to make their human host spread the joy and infection (by hugging and kisses) on early stages of infection, and become p...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by vodolaz095‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by vodolaz095‭

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The cure for all bacteria-caused diseases

Which minimal order of magnitude is required to simulate single cells and microorganisms in cyberspace? In an utopian future, people will be possibly able to rapidly design new cures, be their rea...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by J. Doe‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by J. Doe‭

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Two Structures Adrift In Space

There are 2 planet sized structures that are artificially made with no means of propulsion. Each structure has the approximate mass of Earth but are hollow inside. The inside area is where the peop...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by user70903‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by user70903‭

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Is there a safe but weird distance from black hole merger?

I wish to create a world such that it can support the following plot point: the world experiences gravitational waves that are directly noticeable to the human population (i.e. they can feel or see...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by SO failed us all... Bye...‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by SO failed us all... Bye...‭

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Is it now possible to undetectably cross the Arctic Ocean on ski/kayak?

Consider current level technology - surveillance satellites, patrol boats, coastal guards, both USA and Russian anti-submarine jet aircraft patrolling skies of Arctic Sea. I have a big group (~100...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by vodolaz095‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by vodolaz095‭

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What is the difference between a pulsed particle weapon and a beam particle weapon?

I'm considering adding a particle based weapon within my setting. It would be used in atmosphere and utilise [electrons] (http://www.projectrho.com/public_html/rocket/sidearmenergy.php#id--Particl...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Seraphim‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Seraphim‭

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Is it possible to build a black hole (kugelblitz) gun?

Assume that space warfare is dominated by gamma and x-ray lasers (Wakefield-Plasma and Free Electron Lasers) capable of killing targets several light-seconds away. Stealth in space is possible due ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by TheDyingOfLight‭

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What would it take to make a scientific second equal exactly one traditional second?

A scientist is resetting the clock on his microwave one day as he considers the hopelessness of keeping the time exactly right. Not for the reasons we worry about like power outages and daylight s...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Nosajimiki - Reinstate Monica‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Nosajimiki - Reinstate Monica‭