What do ships SOUND like?

[Arthur Denger]

Originally posted by Plankowner:

There IS sound in space. Sound is created by particles bouncing off of each other (basically). In space, there is about 1 particle per Cubic Centimeter. It is essentially a vacuum, but not EXACTLY a vacuum.

NASA had to build most of it's outer system probes to exceed the Speed of Sound in Space. In a true vacuum, there would be no sound, but space is not a true vacuum, so there would be sound.

Are these particles, as you call them, atoms or subatomic particles? I am aware of a proposed design for a ramscoop vessel which was to cull its hydrogen fuel from the gulfs between the stars. I am curious, then. In space, what would the sound be like to human ears (or a condenser mic): muffled, muted, distorted, no discernable difference from our atmosphere?

 

[Andrew Boulton]

The sound would be too quiet to hear.

 

[sgbrown]

Originally posted by Andrew Boulton:
The sound would be too quiet to hear.

And if I remember correctly the wavelengths are outside of the audible range as well - so even if it's loud enough human ears (or vargr ears for that matter) won't pick it up.

But you could still have space sonar!

 

[Arthur Denger]

Originally posted by SGB - Steve B:

But you could still have space sonar!

My lords and gentlemen: I am in your debt. Is there an instance where 'space sonar' would be preferable to other sensor modes? The sensor package on my ship is over 20 years old and is in need of upgrade.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

I don't think sonar is practical. Even if it worked, it would be too slow.

 

[Plankowner]

Agreed about not really be able to use Sonar. It would move at some velocity less than the speed of light, so it would not be as effective as EM sensors.

The particles in interplanetary (and interstellar) space are a mix of atomic, sub-atomic and molecular stuff all mixed (in a very general sense considering the density) together. Sorry there isn't an easy answer to that one. Interplanetary space would have a much more diverse sample of particles, due to the Solar Wind, than you would expect to find in Interstellar space, but of course, we haven't really had a chance to sample Interstellar space yet, so we only THINK we know the truth here. EIther way though, about 90% of the particles will be Hydrogen (H, H+) or diatomic Hydrogen (H2).

The idea of a Bussard Ramjet is to pull in the atomic hydrogen using a big magnetic field and have interstellar space provide the fuel for your drive.

 

[DaddyDragon]

Originally posted by Ganidiirsi O'Flynn:
Ok, briefly back to starship bumper stickers...

I did several years in the Army and the Good Ol'Boys have a large contingent therein. Now speaking as a guy from Washington State, I got sick to death of hearing all about how 'the South's gonna do it again' and other such nonsense from hillbillys who've never read history, other than that half not obsured by pigeon dung at their local park, and wouldn't know the ACW from the ACLU.

So I'm roaming the mall in Colorado Springs and I duck into a skate punk store (in my area they're called Zoomiez or Spencers) to get a tee-shirt and there right before my eyes was the greatest bumper-stick ever....

http://www.stickergiant.com/page/sg/PROD/br/j18

I wonder how that'd look with the Solomani Terra symbol...

If I may also stray off topic briefly, to add...

I know exactly of what you speak. But I was fortunate to have a company commander with an impressive understanding of history and men. His standing policy prohibited the Stars & Bars because, (paraphrasing his words) "I will not allow anyone soldier in my company to display the flag of a nation that lost its bid for independence. I don't intend to lose any battles, and I don't want my soldiers moving out thinking that losing wars is acceptable."

YMMV.

Regards,
Larry

P.S.

Love your CGI work, Jesse. Please sir, may I have some more?