h a l f b a k e r yAssume a hemispherical cow.
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This idea relies on large-scale space travel through the
entire solar system, and insanely powerful electro-
magnetic devices, so I know it is currently impossible,
unless humanity reaches a technological singularity
tomorrow, and then decides "Hey, let's melt a planet!"
Basically, an electro-magnetic
system designed to create
and direct a solar flare out of the Sun for the purposes of
destroying or irradiating an astronomical object.
The most unlikely version of this would be single space
station capable of generating a massive, specifically
structured EM field to draw and control the flare.
A more likely version would be a series of smaller,
disposable relay stations spaced between the sun and the
target. The smaller stations would activate in sequence
to steer the flare toward the target, similar to how the
payload is drawn forward in a railgun system.
Ammo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_flares
[notmarkflynn, Sep 09 2007]
Close, but too small, and no EM forces.
http://www.solardeathray.com/
[notmarkflynn, Sep 09 2007]
[link]
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Seems a bit more magical. How did they fire the solar flares? |
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Niven's _Ringworld_ (1970) had weaponized solar (extra-solar?) flares. Or perhaps this was in the 1980 sequel. |
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Anyway, the ringworld is not especially tolerant of punctures and so has an asteroid defense system based on inducing flares and using them as gas lasers. The flare induction is through a grid of superconductors inside the ring material. Niven usually worked out the physics but this idea may have been less than fully baked. |
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I am certain I saw this on one of the latter Star Treks. Voyager, I think. The good guys triggered a solar flare which engulfed and destroyed a Borg vessel following them. I looked for an episode guide, but the terms I chose found too much stuff. |
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Well in Star Trek all you would have to do is reverse the polarity of the transporter array, possibly tie in the sensor grid, and feed it directly with the impulse engines. Not too many problems you CAN'T solve that way. |
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Well, even though this is baked, at least mine is baked in a different way. Sorta. |
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<nemesis>Again, notmarkflynn, you have proved yourself so inane that even I almost feel pity at your inexhaustible urge to design your own death.</nemesis> |
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