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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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Flare star vs electrical grid

My planet is tidally locked, airless, and has no magnetosphere. It's located close to a flare star (5% solar mass, 11 Gyr old), and is in it's habitable zone. The strongest flare ever detected on E...

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

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How to make Space Habitats spin?

I have seen a variety of outer space megastructures across sci-fi and the minds of most astrologists, such as Bishop Rings, O'Neill Cylinders, Bernal Spheres, and much more. What most of these inte...

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

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Flying commercial airliners with ground power?

A thought occurred to me, and I wondered if it could be made practical... This video talks about the possibility of electrical battery powered planes, and in short, while it may be practical to bu...

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

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How fast can my humanoid run?

The fluff: I have a humanoid who's about to breach a door. He's got some upgrades to his body and can pump some stimulants through it to boost his strength, resiliance and speed to ridiculous prop...

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

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Biological creation of respirocytes and clottocytes?

Respirocytes are an artificial analogue of red blood cells. Tiny sapphire capsules that can absorb oxygen in the lungs and release it in the capillaries. From the capillaries to the lungs, they, in...

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

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How would dragons mate, according to science?

No, this is not not about courtship displays or dominance figths. (even thought I know that that is also part of mating) This is more of "What their genitalia would look like" and how they would "...

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

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How to determine surface temperatures at specific points

I have a planet around 11242 km in diameter. It is very similar to Mars, with most surface water trapped at the poles. For this, I want the polar temperature below 0 C, but the equatorial temperatu...

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

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How small and fast can a bullet go in atmosphere?

In many sci fi universes that don't have handheld energy weapons, they instead use solid projectiles that either go big (Warhammer 40k) or really small (Mass Effect). The former I have a pretty go...

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

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Intermediate Structures Along a Space Elevator

Assuming all the primary hurdles in building a space elevator are overcome, would it be structurally feasible to attach intermediate stops along the length of the tether (between the planet and GSO...

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

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I can't seem to find correct starbuilding equations that work together anywhere and am generally confused. Which ones do you use?

So far I've been using Artifexian's How To Build A Star YouTube video. The problem with this video is that it's quite old and thus outdated. The things I've noticed to be particularly weird are the...

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

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What would happen if the mass of air around earth doubled?

So the mass of air around the earth has doubled. How it doubled isn't part of the question, but for the curious let's say a space station floating around earth processed all the nitrogen, oxygen, c...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by chase leffers‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by chase leffers‭

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Could an animal evolve iridescent horns that appear metallic like chrysina resplendens' chitinous exoskeletons?

Sort of two questions here, but very related. One about whether a mammal-like animal could evolve to have a chitinous endoskeleton, I guess. Then a question of whether, if they grow horns, that ske...

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

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Shooting through the earth

Due to reasons of magic an alien god that is about to takeover the earth in one year and can only be stopped by being shot through the entire earth. Assuming modern day Earth (no magic other then ...

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

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Alternative evolution mechanisms using cell fusion

I am trying to understand if it would be possible for organisms to evolve by different means other than random mutations and natural selection. Eukaryotes were predicted to be formed by fusion with...

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

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What are the most likely effects of a human(oid) shape moving at Mach 50 to the surrounding environment?

For the purposes of my story, seen here someone who went through a similar procedure involving parallel dimensions (see here), becomes nearly indestructible , invulnerable to damage related to exce...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by ProjectApex‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by ProjectApex‭

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Producing hydrocarbons by electrolysis

When water is electrolysed with graphite electrodes some of the oxygen reacts immediately with the anode to produce carbon dioxide. Does a similar reaction ever occur at the cathode, producing meth...

0 answers  ·  posted 1y ago by chris-barry‭

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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See more colors?

Normally, the human retina contains four types of light-sensitive receptors: three types of cones and one type of rods. The receptor proteins contain the chromo "” iodopsin in the sticks, the rhodo...

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sanity Check : Utility Fog

Inspired by many questions that make use of utility fog. Utility fogs are not, as the name might suggest, fogs, but rather lattice solids. Cells of the foam are pollen-like micrometer-scale mach...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by James McLellan‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Canina‭

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Superhuman reaction speed (dodging bullets )?

My question is: I need to improve the muscle fibers and nervous system of my genetically modified human so that it has dexterity and physical responses 4 to 10 times faster than the average human.Â...

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

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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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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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Which of these changes to physics will have the least effect on Earth's biology?

The Solar System has entered a region of space where the laws of nature are slightly different. It will experience different physics for 3 years, then things will return to what we know now. Which...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Vogon Poet‭  ·  edited 4y ago by HDE 226868‭

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The moon will fall to earth in 100 years, how fast is the asteroid that knocked it down?

We have at most 100 years to abandon earth. The 10-km asteroid which killed the dinosaurs has hit the moon head-on instead. As a result, the moon has slowed down and it's orbit will decay by 400,00...

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