fc@spuxll.UUCP (fc) (10/21/85)
I have often wondered if it would be theoretically possible (never mind the engineering details) to send a large hydrogen bomb into the atmosphere of Jupiter, let it sink deep into the gases, and then set it off in a manner that would start sustained nuclear fusion? Anybody know?
okamoto@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (Doctor Who) (10/24/85)
In article <736@spuxll.UUCP> fc@spuxll.UUCP (fc) writes: >I have often wondered if it would be theoretically possible >(never mind the engineering details) to send a large hydrogen bomb into >the atmosphere of Jupiter, let it sink deep into the gases, and then >set it off in a manner that would start sustained nuclear fusion? >Anybody know? The movie 2010: Odyssey 2 explores the possibility of igniting Jupiter to provide heat for life on Europa. The problem with Jupiter becoming a star is that it is not massive enough by a factor of 11 or so. So to ignite Jupiter, one could either 1, change the gravitational constant, causing Jupiter to gravitationally collapse and begin ignition; 2, add about 10 extra Jupiter masses to Jupiter, again causing gravitational collapse; or 3, increase Jupiter's density. The third method is how the monolith ignites Jupiter. They scoop up the hydrogen in Jupiter's atmosphere, then convert it to more massive elements. When Jupiter reaches the critical density, it collapses and begins fusion. I have several qualms about this. One, this fusion would not be self- sustainable. There may not be enough gravity to overcome the immense outward radiation pressure formed from the fusion process. Two, the lifetime of Jupiter as a star would be very short, I should think. Far too short to allow intelligence to evolve. This point is highly debatable. The New Number Who, okamoto@BERKELEY.EDU Jeff Okamoto ..!ucbvax!okamoto Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfernspledenschlittcrasscrenbonfriedigger- dingledangledongleburesteinvonkanckerthrasherapplebangerhorowitzicol- ensicgranderknottspelltinklegrandlichgrumblemeyerspeltorwasserkurst- lichimmleeisenbahnwagengutenabendbitteeinneurnburgerbratwurstlegger- spurtenmitzweimacherluberhundsfutgumberabeshonenedankerkablsfleich- mittleraucher von Hauptkof ap Rabinski of Ulm.