Editing 975: Occulting Telescope
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | [[Cueball]] takes the useful practice of {{w|occulting}} stars beyond its intended purpose. Occulting is used | + | [[Cueball]] takes the useful practice of {{w|occulting}} stars beyond its intended purpose. Occulting is used to block the light from a star under observation so that adjacent dim objects, such as any {{w|extrasolar planets|surrounding planets}}, might be more easily detected and examined. Instead of blocking the light of a single star for the purposes of observation, Cueball proposes blocking the light from all stars, for the purpose of making him feel comfortable with the night sky. Cueball feels, some might say irrationally, that "there are too many stars, and it's been ''freaking [him] out''". |
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− | Instead of blocking the light of a single star for the purposes of observation, Cueball proposes blocking the light from all stars, for the purpose of making him feel comfortable with the night sky. Cueball feels, some might say irrationally, that "there are too many stars | ||
The title text refers to both a {{w|Kardashev scale|Type II Kardashev civilization}} and a {{w|Dyson sphere}}. | The title text refers to both a {{w|Kardashev scale|Type II Kardashev civilization}} and a {{w|Dyson sphere}}. | ||
− | A Dyson sphere is a theoretical construction consisting of a network of satellites that orbit and completely surround a star. The purpose | + | A Dyson sphere is a theoretical construction consisting of a network of satellites that orbit and completely surround a star. The purpose to capture and transmit all of the available solar energy back to a planet. |
− | A Type II Kardashev civilization is a theoretical civilization that has advanced to the point where it has harnessed | + | A Type II Kardashev civilization is a theoretical civilization that has advanced to the point where it has harnessed the energy radiated by its own star (for example, the stage of successful construction of a Dyson sphere). |
For comparison purposes: | For comparison purposes: | ||
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*We are currently less than I. | *We are currently less than I. | ||
− | The title text reveals that Type II Kardashev civilizations construct Dyson spheres not for the purposes of capturing all solar energy, but merely to block the view of all that hideous space | + | The title text reveals that Type II Kardashev civilizations construct Dyson spheres not for the purposes of capturing all solar energy, but merely to block the view of all that hideous space. |
− | The concept of an occulting space telescope was visited again in [[1730: Starshade | + | The concept of an occulting space telescope was visited again in [[1730: Starshade]]. |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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[[Category:Exoplanets]] | [[Category:Exoplanets]] | ||
[[Category:Public speaking]] | [[Category:Public speaking]] | ||
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