News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on 60 years later, is it time to update the Drake equation?. Parent comment

Re:60 years later, is it time to update the Drake equation? by LatteLazy on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @05:46PM (#27201655)
How do such small objects maintain their atmospheres?

Also, to remain in a stable orbit, wouldn't the spin force have to match the gravity of the star? So there would be no effective force left to provide gravity would there? (Similar to how people on the ISS are weightless despite still being within earth's gravity well).

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:60 years later, is it time to update the Drake equation? by pixl97 on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @05:54PM (#27201769)
The vast majority of devices in a theoretical dyson sphere are energy collectors. These would be mostly flat with no atmosphere or gravity. Much larger 'space stations' could be built throughout the swarm that would have induced gravity or internal atmosphere.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:60 years later, is it time to update the Drake equation? by ben_w on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @06:04PM (#27201881)
The problem with spin-gravity and stable orbit is specifically an issue for Niven Rings rather than all possible space habitats.
[ Parent | on HN ]