Mackey.PA@PARC-MAXC.ARPA@sri-unix.UUCP (08/10/83)
" 1) A sphere has the smallest ratio of surface area to volume, thus it is the best shape for building a large object with the minimum amount of material." But if they wanted to use the least material for the greatest effect (a large object), they should have made a huge 1 layer monolith. Of course they would have to orient it so it faced the planet or enemy ships they wished to impress. It would be embarassing to have someone see it edge-on, but it might have the advantage of seeming to disappear. ~Kevin