Activity for vsz‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Question	—	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 weight, they can achieve speeds of up to 20% lightspeed even with technology currently available to us.... (more)	—	almost 5 years ago
Question	—	How long could a human survive completely without the immune system? If the immune system of a healthy human just shut down completely and instantly (magic, nanotechnology, whatever), and after a certain time period it went back to normal, how much time without the immune system would be survivable? There are real-world examples of people with severely damaged immune... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Question	—	Could a land predator naturally evolve active night-vision? By active night-vision I mean that it emits light in a wavelength other animals can't see, but it can perceive that wavelength, so it can see even in zero-light conditions. Being able to emit light already exists, some insects, and some deep-water fish can do it. Although it's still strange what in... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What would a steam locomotive look like if steam power became yet again the main type used in rail transportation? Assume in the very near future almost all rail transportation would return to steam-powered locomotives. To define it exactly, I mean solid fuel is burned inside the locomotive, which boils water, which is in turn used to drive the locomotive. Assume no economic or societal collapse, or at least not... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	What single change would have given the best chance for the Axis to win World War 2? A common topic in alternate history fiction works is the question what would have happened if a major war had been won by the other side. These usually focus on the events after the war, and the change itself is not depicted in a realistic way: it's either not discussed, or attributed to a superweapo... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Question	—	Could a 19th century space gun be of any use today in space exploration? In 1869 a giant space gun was built, with the intent of firing a projectile at the Moon, just to prove that they can do it. Of course, the ludicrous idea to put people inside it was never even taken into consideration, as the acceleration would kill them, and if not, the crash into the Moon, or the l... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Question	—	If we had easier access to antimatter, how could we use it? Antimatter annihilation is the best source of energy per weight. However, antimatter is not readily available anywhere within reachable distance, it's insanely difficult to produce and contain. However, if a society with our current level of technology (or just slightly more advanced) discovered a s... (more)	—	over 9 years ago