Micro-probes could be propelled by Earth-based 100 gigawatt laser acting on "sails" to reach alpha Centauri in flight time of 20 years:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronom ... es-really/
Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Moderators: joe, Guy Fennimore, Brian
Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Brian
52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
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52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
254mm LX90 on Superwedge, WO ZS66SD, Helios 102mm f5 on EQ1, Hunter 11x80, Pentax 10x50
ASI120MC Toucam Pros 740k/840k/900nc mono, Pentax K110D
Ro-Ro roof shed
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Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
They reckon 20% speed of light in minutes, yesterdays papers, and same laser propelling them will receive back photos.
Will it work?
Probably not.
Regards,
David
Will it work?
Probably not.
Regards,
David
Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Interesting thought that our galaxy might be buzzing with micro-probes launched by other civilisations, calling home by laser. Maybe that's why SETI has found nothing on the broader wavelengths 

Brian
52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
254mm LX90 on Superwedge, WO ZS66SD, Helios 102mm f5 on EQ1, Hunter 11x80, Pentax 10x50
ASI120MC Toucam Pros 740k/840k/900nc mono, Pentax K110D
Ro-Ro roof shed
52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
254mm LX90 on Superwedge, WO ZS66SD, Helios 102mm f5 on EQ1, Hunter 11x80, Pentax 10x50
ASI120MC Toucam Pros 740k/840k/900nc mono, Pentax K110D
Ro-Ro roof shed
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Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
That must be what is buzzing in my ears.
Regards,
David

Regards,
David
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Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
So that's why there's a shortage of bumblebees, they've gone back to the Alpha Centauri system.
Seriously though, why at this point in time does Stephen Hawking regard interstellar travel as an urgent matter? Surely, along with other prominent people in the scientific community, he should be urging an end to the fouling of the nest. The first priority is to treat our planet with respect.
Seriously though, why at this point in time does Stephen Hawking regard interstellar travel as an urgent matter? Surely, along with other prominent people in the scientific community, he should be urging an end to the fouling of the nest. The first priority is to treat our planet with respect.
brian
Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Point taken, Brian
Still, it is likely any such technology will take 200 years to get up and running, not 20. This assumes that mankind has that long (see your comment above). Perhaps it is time to start thinking about it on paper anyway?
regards,

Still, it is likely any such technology will take 200 years to get up and running, not 20. This assumes that mankind has that long (see your comment above). Perhaps it is time to start thinking about it on paper anyway?
regards,
Brian
52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
254mm LX90 on Superwedge, WO ZS66SD, Helios 102mm f5 on EQ1, Hunter 11x80, Pentax 10x50
ASI120MC Toucam Pros 740k/840k/900nc mono, Pentax K110D
Ro-Ro roof shed
52.3N 0.6W
Wellingborough UK.
254mm LX90 on Superwedge, WO ZS66SD, Helios 102mm f5 on EQ1, Hunter 11x80, Pentax 10x50
ASI120MC Toucam Pros 740k/840k/900nc mono, Pentax K110D
Ro-Ro roof shed
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Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Agreed. Interstellar travel is a long way away and needn't concern us. Surely, an effective way to explore stellar systems close up in our times would be to have more and bigger space telescopes. Used in combination with advances in imaging techniques, they might show details on the surfaces of exoplanets, including signs of extraterrestrial life such as: "Eat At Joe's". 

brian
Re: Fast micro-probes to alpha Centauri ?
Maybe he thinks that the latter is impossible?Seriously though, why at this point in time does Stephen Hawking regard interstellar travel as an urgent matter? Surely, along with other prominent people in the scientific community, he should be urging an end to the fouling of the nest. The first priority is to treat our planet with respect.