#magnetic moon infrastructure

[themetaphorical]

Lunar Waste-to-Energy System and Magnetic Moon Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Plan

Year: 2079Location: Earth’s Orbital Gateway Terminal, Low Earth Orbit “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard the Eos Ascendant, the first passenger vessel bound for New Selene, humanity’s first self-sustaining lunar colony. I am Captain Elias Markov, and I’ll be your guide on this historic voyage. For many of you, this will be your first time experiencing interplanetary travel, and even for those…

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA's LEXI will provide X-ray vision of Earth's magnetosphere

A NASA X-ray imager is heading to the moon as part of NASA's Artemis campaign, where it will capture the first global images of the magnetic field that shields Earth from solar radiation.

The Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager, or LEXI, instrument is one of 10 payloads aboard the next lunar delivery through NASA's CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative, set to launch from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than mid-January, with Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Lander. The instrument will support NASA's goal to understand how our home planet responds to space weather, the conditions in space driven by the sun.

Once the dust clears from its lunar landing, LEXI will power on, warm up, and direct its focus back toward Earth. For six days, it will collect images of the X-rays emanating from the edges of our planet's vast magnetosphere. This comprehensive view could illustrate how this protective boundary responds to space weather and other cosmic forces, as well as how it can open to allow streams of charged solar particles in, creating aurora and potentially damaging infrastructure.

"We're trying to get this big picture of Earth's space environment," said Brian Walsh, a space physicist at Boston University and LEXI's principal investigator. "A lot of physics can be esoteric or difficult to follow without years of specific training, but this will be science that you can see."

What LEXI will see is the low-energy X-rays that form when a stream of particles from the sun, called the solar wind, slams into Earth's magnetic field. This happens at the edge of the magnetosphere, called the magnetopause. Researchers have recently been able to detect these X-rays in a patchwork of observations from other satellites and instruments. From the vantage point of the moon, however, the whole magnetopause will be in LEXI's field of view.

The team back on Earth will be working around the clock to track how the magnetosphere expands, contracts, and changes shape in response to the strength of the solar wind.

"We expect to see the magnetosphere breathing out and breathing in, for the first time," said Hyunju Connor, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the NASA lead for LEXI. "When the solar wind is very strong, the magnetosphere will shrink and push backward toward Earth, and then expand when the solar wind weakens."

The LEXI instrument will also be poised to capture magnetic reconnection, which is when the magnetosphere's field lines merge with those in the solar wind and release energetic particles that rain down on Earth's poles. This could help researchers answer lingering questions about these events, including whether they happen at multiple sites simultaneously, whether they occur steadily or in bursts, and more.

These solar particles streaming into Earth's atmosphere can cause brilliant auroras, but they can also damage satellites orbiting the planet or interfere with power grids on the ground.

"We want to understand how nature behaves," Connor said, "and by understanding this we can help protect our infrastructure in space."

The CLPS delivery won't be LEXI's first trip to space. A team at Goddard, including Walsh, built the instrument (then called STORM) to test technology to detect low-energy X-rays over a wide field of view. In 2012, STORM launched into space on a sounding rocket, collected X-ray images, and then fell back to Earth.

It ended up in a display case at Goddard, where it sat for a decade. When NASA put out a call for CLPS projects that could be done quickly and with a limited budget, Walsh thought of the instrument and the potential for what it could see from the lunar surface.

"We'd break the glass—not literally—but remove it, restore it, and refurbish it, and that would allow us to look back and get this global picture that we've never had before," he said. Some old optics and other components were replaced, but the instrument was overall in good shape and is now ready to fly again. "There's a lot of really rich science we can get from this."

Under the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial delivery services to the moon to enable industry growth and support long-term lunar exploration. As a primary customer for CLPS deliveries, NASA aims to be one of many customers on future flights. NASA Goddard is a lead science collaborator on LEXI. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the development of seven of the 10 CLPS payloads carried on Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander, including LEXI.

IMAGE: In this visualization, the LEXI instrument is shown onboard Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1, which will deliver 10 Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) payloads to the moon. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

[chetan-123456]

Top 10 Lesser-Known Facts About the Maha Kumbh Mela That Will Amaze You

Introduction

The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated as the largest religious gathering on Earth, drawing millions of devotees and tourists. While its grandeur is well-known, many fascinating details about this festival remain lesser-known. Let’s uncover 10 amazing facts about the Maha Kumbh Mela that highlight its unique spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.

1. The Maha Kumbh Mela Is Over 2,000 Years Old

Origins in ancient Indian scriptures like the Puranas.

Mentioned in historical records by Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang.

2. It Is Visible from Space

Satellite imagery capturing the massive gathering.

Recognition as the largest human congregation.

3. The World’s Largest Temporary City

The infrastructure created for the Maha Kumbh Mela rivals permanent cities.

Temporary roads, bridges, and accommodations.

4. A Gathering of Saints, Sadhus, and Mystics

Presence of Naga Sadhus, Urdhwavahurs, Parivajakas, and other ascetics.

Their unique lifestyles and spiritual practices.

5. The Astrological Connection

The festival’s timing is based on celestial alignments.

Importance of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon in determining dates.

6. The Story of the Churning of the Ocean

Mythological origins in the Samudra Manthan.

How drops of Amrit fell at the four sacred locations.

7. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Global recognition for its cultural and spiritual value.

Efforts to preserve its traditions.

8. Cleanliness and Sustainability Initiatives

Efforts to manage waste and maintain river cleanliness.

Use of eco-friendly practices during the festival.

9. Millions of Pilgrims in a Single Day

Record-breaking attendance figures.

The sheer scale of logistical planning.

10. A Magnet for Global Media and Tourists

Coverage by international media outlets.

Attracting spiritual seekers from around the world.

Backlink to Your Guide:

For more insights, visit kumbhguide.in to explore guides, tips, and fascinating details about the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Conclusion

The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a festival but a phenomenon that embodies India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual essence. These lesser-known facts add depth to its already fascinating story, making it a must-visit event for anyone seeking spiritual and cultural enrichment.

FAQs

What makes the Maha Kumbh Mela unique? Its scale, ancient origins, and spiritual significance make it unparalleled.

How old is the Maha Kumbh Mela? The festival dates back over 2,000 years, with references in ancient scriptures.

What is the role of astrology in the Maha Kumbh Mela? The dates are determined by celestial alignments involving Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon.

Can international tourists attend the Maha Kumbh Mela? Yes, it is open to everyone and attracts visitors from across the globe.

Where can I learn more about the Maha Kumbh Mela? Visit kumbhguide.in for comprehensive information and updates.

[ryegate-associates]

The Future of Solar Wind Energy: Tapping into the Sun's Hidden Power

As the demand for clean, renewable energy sources continues to rise, solar wind energy emerges as a compelling option that could revolutionize our approach to sustainable power. While we are familiar with harnessing solar energy through photovoltaic panels, the concept of using solar wind to generate electricity takes renewable energy to an entirely new frontier. The solar wind, the continuous stream of charged particles emitted by the sun, carries vast amounts of energy as it travels through space. Understanding the science behind solar wind energy and exploring the potential of this resource could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the energy sector.

What is Solar Wind, and Why Does It Matter?

The solar wind is a stream of charged particles, including electrons and protons, that flows out from the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. These particles travel at incredible speeds of up to 750 kilometers per second and interact with the magnetic fields of planets and moons across the solar system. Solar wind plays a crucial role in space weather, affecting everything from satellite communications to auroras on Earth. However, it also holds vast potential as a renewable energy resource.

Unlike the solar radiation that powers photovoltaic panels, solar wind is a dynamic flow of energy in the form of charged particles. As the sun continuously releases these particles, solar wind offers a stable and consistent energy source—something that makes it distinct from solar energy, which depends on sunlight and is intermittent. If harnessed, solar wind could provide a continuous flow of energy, potentially offering more reliable power compared to traditional renewable energy sources.

How Could Solar Wind Be Harnessed for Energy?

The process of capturing solar wind energy is still largely theoretical, but scientists have proposed several methods for converting the power of these charged particles into usable electricity. One of the most promising ideas involves using space-based solar wind collectors. These collectors would be placed in orbit around the Earth, where the solar wind is most abundant. These devices would capture the energy from the solar wind, convert it into electricity, and then transmit that energy back to Earth using microwave or laser beams.

Another potential solution is the use of magnetic sails—large structures designed to capture the kinetic energy of the charged particles in the solar wind. When these sails interact with the solar wind, they generate thrust, similar to how a sailboat uses wind to propel itself across the water. By harnessing this motion, scientists believe it could be possible to generate electricity, much in the same way that wind turbines do on Earth, but on a much larger scale and in space.

Challenges in Developing Solar Wind Energy

While the potential of solar wind energy is exciting, there are significant challenges that must be addressed before it can become a viable energy source. One of the primary obstacles is the low energy density of solar wind particles. The amount of energy carried by the solar wind is relatively small compared to other sources like sunlight or terrestrial wind. This means that in order to produce enough power to be helpful, large-scale infrastructure would need to be developed. Moreover, the efficiency of capturing solar wind particles and converting that energy into usable electricity remains a critical challenge.

Another critical issue is energy transmission. The energy captured in space would need to be transmitted back to Earth through methods such as microwave beams or lasers. However, the Earth’s atmosphere could interfere with these energy transmissions, reducing their efficiency and posing challenges in terms of safety. High-powered energy beams must be transmitted carefully to avoid unintended consequences for both the environment and human infrastructure.

The Cost and Feasibility of Solar Wind Energy

Developing the technology to capture and transmit solar wind energy is a costly and complex endeavor. Launching space-based collectors into orbit requires significant investment in infrastructure, research, and development. These collectors would also need to be designed to withstand harsh conditions in space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and debris from space objects. The maintenance and repair of such equipment in orbit would also add to the cost and complexity.

Additionally, the large-scale deployment of solar wind energy systems would require collaboration between governments, private sectors, and international organizations. The cost of setting up the necessary infrastructure, both in space and on Earth, would be substantial. However, solar wind energy could become a significant player in the future of renewable energy, providing a consistent and sustainable power source for space missions, satellites, and even terrestrial applications.

The Promise of Solar Wind Energy

Despite the challenges, the potential rewards of harnessing solar wind energy are enormous. If successfully captured and converted into usable electricity, solar wind could provide a virtually unlimited source of power. The essential advantage of solar wind over other forms of renewable energy is its constant availability. Unlike solar panels, which depend on daylight hours, or wind turbines, which require wind, solar wind flows continuously. This makes it a promising solution for providing reliable energy, especially for space exploration and satellite power, where traditional solar panels may not be as effective.

In addition to powering space-based technology, solar wind energy could also help meet the growing demand for renewable energy on Earth. As the world continues to transition away from fossil fuels, solar wind could serve as a complementary energy source to wind, solar, and other renewables. Over time, advancements in technology and efficiency could make solar wind a mainstream energy resource, helping to reduce global reliance on non-renewable energy.

[perfectly-princely-emo-nightmare]

1. Common answer is that the pyramids represent strength, but the reality is that whoever designed the bill probably just thought it looked cool

2. There are literally Antarctic excursions happening now.

3. The weather in Antarctica is incredibly hostile, there is very little visibility, there’s little to no infrastructure for an aircraft to communicate with in case of an emergency, the magnetic field fucks with the navigational tools, etc. etc.

4. Because those cameras are fucking jank compared to today’s technology? It was an accident dude. Shit happens.

5. The person who held the camera was Michael Collins, who flew the module around the Moon taking photos and video while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the surface. Collins was incredibly critical to the mission.

6. NASA ended the moon missions due to lack of funding and public support. However, we are actually going to be returning to the moon in a year or so via the Artemis program!

7. Species evolve based on habitat and ecosystem changes. Technically the monkeys we see now actually evolved from the same monkeys we evolved from.

8. “Junk” is just a misnomer for the part of DNA that is non-coding. It is not useless and in fact plays a huge role in regulating gene expression.

9. People can find absolutely incredible solutions to problems, no matter the time period. Just because they didn’t have modern technology doesn’t mean they were all complete idiots playing in the mud. Constructing buildings hasn’t actually changed all that much. Structures such as counterlevers, manually operated cranes, scaffolding, and lifts have existed for centuries, and the only requirement for making them is a basic understanding of physics.

10. A lot of ancient architecture is similar mostly because there are certain shapes that are more structurally stable than others. You’ll find that triangles appear a lot because in physics triangles have the best support against forces like stress and strain.

11. Drawing a round shape with wings isn’t rocket science dude. For all we know they could have been depicting kites or really fat birds.

12. A lot of the myths behind giants typically comes from ancient people finding bear skeletons and other species with similar bone structure to humans.

13. I don’t know how to tell you that mushrooms have existed for thousands of years.

14. I don’t know how to tell you that Ancient Egyptians STILL HAD JAWBONES

15. Common theory for that is ancient people finding dinosaur skeletons such as Pterodactyls and thinking they’re dragons. The actual lore of dragons comes from people telling each other stories and those stories getting handed down orally.

16. Because alternative music is popular? It’s a genre preference.

17. Have you ever had the urge to punch someone who was really annoying?

18. The Simpsons has over 20 seasons and hundreds of episodes. Of course it’s going to accidentally predict something from time to time.

19. This one doesn’t even make sense. Fire doesn’t melt a car to the ground. It scorches the metal and melts anything super flammable like fabric or plastics, but it doesn’t completely destroy the structure of the vehicle.

20. Other countries like China

21. Taxpayer money goes into a multitude of programs including military, education, NASA, etc. Debt is so bad because the US never actually pays any of it back like they’re supposed to and just keeps spending what they don’t have.

22. It’s not normal, it is considered poisoning, and literally every single school in the US hosts seminars about why they’re bad.

23. Same reason as sex and violence, it’s a thing people do.

24. They… don’t? It’s very formulaic yes, but they’re not saying the exact same things.

25. The rates are appearing to be higher because we are actually informed enough to be aware of the existence of these things and can identify it easier. People still had depression and autism 100 years ago, they just called it witchcraft or demons.

There, all of your dumb questions answered from the perspective of a very, very tired Aerospace Engineer who is very sick of conspiracy theories.

Questions To Ask Ourselves:

1. What is an Egyptian pyramid doing on a US dollar bill?

2. Why did 56 countries sign a treaty not to take risks and enter Antarctica?

3. Why do planes never fly over Antarctica?

4. How did NASA "lose" the photos of the moon landing, one of the most important moments for humanity?

5. If Neil Armstrong was the first to walk on the moon, who held the camera?

6. Why haven't we gone back to the moon?

7. If monkeys evolved into humans, why are there still monkeys?

8. Why does 95% of our DNA exist as "junk"? Who decided it was actually "garbage"?

9. How were huge, symmetrical, detailed, sacred, and geometrically regular structures such as cathedrals and parliamentary buildings created by people who lived in log cabins, rode horse-drawn carriages, and had no machines or lasers?

10. How is it that similar pre-Columbian architecture is found all over the world?

11. Why are there images in ancient Egyptian art that resemble "spaceships"?

12. Why were remains and images of giant people found? And why do different ancient scriptures from various cultures, including the Bible, talk about giants?

13. Why are there images of mushrooms in ancient Christian art? And why does the Pope dress up like a giant Amanita muscaria mushroom?

14. Why do ancient Egyptian artworks show jaws, and is it a coincidence that the pineal gland resembles jaws?

15. Why are there descriptions of dragons all over the world and in different cultures, thousands of years apart, and also mentioned in the Bible?

16. Why is there so much blatant satanic symbolism in the music and entertainment industry?

17. Why do most video games revolve around killing?

18. How is it possible that movies and cartoons like The Simpsons can predict certain cultural events so accurately?

19. How do forest fires melt cars but leave trees intact?

20. What is the national debt? If there is a borrower, there must also be a lender: who is it?

21. How is it that the so-called "national debt" has increased despite tax increases? Where does the taxpayer's money go?

22. Why is alcohol and tobacco poisoning considered "normal" and referred to simply as "drinking" and "smoking"?

23. Why are alcohol and tobacco shown in almost all shows and movies?

24. How do news presenters around the world and on various channels say and repeat the same script word for word?

25. If we are more progressive and informed than ever before, why do we have the highest rates of obesity, cancer, and heart disease, not to mention depression?

Questions you should have already been asking yourself and there are many more you should be asking. 🤔

[awerobotics]

Robotic Solutions for Mitigating Solar Flare Effects on Earth

The Sun is a powerful and dynamic star that influences every aspect of life on Earth. However, its energy can also have significant impacts on our planet, including the potent manifestation of solar flares. Solar flares are sudden, intense bursts of energy that occur on the Sun's surface and release a significant amount of radiation and particles that can have a range of effects on Earth, from damaging technology and infrastructure to posing potential health risks for astronauts. Given the potential risks posed by solar flares, it is crucial to develop effective solutions to mitigate their impact on Earth. Robotic technology offers a promising way to address this challenge through the use of Robotic Solutions for Mitigating Solar Flare Effects on Earth. In this article, we will explore proposed robotic solutions for mitigating the effects of solar flares on Earth. Overview of Solar Flares and Their Effects on Earth Solar flares can have a significant impact on Earth's technology, infrastructure, and even the environment. The radiation and particles released during a solar flare can disrupt communication and navigation systems, such as GPS and satellite communications, resulting in lost signals, miscommunication, and even system failures. This can have serious consequences, particularly for industries that rely on these technologies, such as aviation, shipping, and the military. Solar flares can also cause damage to critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication systems, which can result in widespread blackouts and other disruptions. In addition, high-energy particles released during a flare can pose a risk to spacecraft and astronauts, potentially causing damage to equipment and posing a risk to human health. Introducing Robotics as a Solution The potential risks posed by solar flares have led scientists and engineers to explore solutions for mitigating their impact on Earth. Robotic technology offers a promising way to address this challenge. Robots can be used to monitor solar activity and predict solar flares with improved accuracy and speed. They can also be used to protect critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication systems, from solar flare damage. Additionally, robots can be used to assist in protecting spacecraft and astronauts from the harmful effects of solar flares. In the following sections, we will explore in detail the proposed robotic solutions for mitigating the impact of solar flares on Earth. We will examine the use of robots for solar flare monitoring and prediction, protecting infrastructure, and assisting in spacecraft protection. By leveraging the power of robotics, we can help to protect our planet from the potential dangers of solar flares. Robotic Technology for Solar Flare Monitoring and Prediction Monitoring and predicting solar flares is critical for mitigating their impact on Earth. Robotic technology offers a range of solutions for improving the accuracy and speed of solar flare detection and prediction. In this section, we will explore the use of robotic telescopes and artificial intelligence for solar flare monitoring and prediction. Solar Flare Detection One of the primary ways that robots can be used to mitigate the impact of solar flares is through improved solar flare detection. Robotic telescopes can capture images of the sun and monitor changes in its magnetic field, providing an early warning sign for solar flares. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for solar flare detection: Robotic Telescopes for Solar Imaging Robotic telescopes can be deployed in various locations, including on Earth, in space, and on the Moon. By using a network of robotic telescopes, scientists can gather a vast amount of data on solar activity and improve their understanding of solar flares. This data can be used to develop more accurate models for predicting solar flares and their potential impacts on Earth. Robotic telescopes can be equipped with advanced sensors to capture images at different wavelengths, such as ultraviolet, visible, and X-ray wavelengths. Different wavelengths of light can provide different information about the sun, including changes in temperature, magnetic field, and particle density. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths, scientists can develop a more complete picture of solar activity and improve their predictions of solar flares. Magnetic Field Monitoring Changes in the sun's magnetic field can provide an early warning sign for solar flares. Robotic technology can be used to monitor these changes, helping scientists predict when a solar flare may occur. Magnetic field monitoring can be done using magnetometers, which can be deployed on satellites, spacecraft, or on the ground. Robotic magnetometers can continuously monitor changes in the sun's magnetic field and provide real-time data to scientists. This data can be used to develop more accurate models for predicting solar flares and their potential impacts on Earth. Automated Solar Flare Prediction In addition to improving solar flare detection, robotic technology can also be used to automate the prediction of solar flares. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can analyze data from telescopes and other sources to predict the likelihood and severity of solar flares. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for automated solar flare prediction: Machine Learning Algorithms One approach to using AI for solar flare prediction is to train machine learning algorithms on historical data. By analyzing past solar flare events, scientists can identify patterns and develop algorithms that can predict future events with greater accuracy. This approach has been used successfully to predict X-class solar flares, the most severe type of solar flare, with up to 80% accuracy. Machine learning algorithms can also be used to analyze data from robotic telescopes and other sources in real-time. This allows for rapid updates to solar flare predictions and gives scientists more time to prepare for potential impacts. Simulation Models Another approach to using AI for solar flare prediction is to develop models that can simulate solar activity. These models can take into account various factors, such as the sun's magnetic field, particle density, and temperature, to predict the likelihood of solar flares. By combining these models with real-time data from robotic telescopes, scientists can improve their predictions of solar flares and their potential impact on Earth. Simulation models can be used to simulate different scenarios, such as the impact of a solar flare on power grids or communication systems. This allows scientists to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of solar flares on critical infrastructure. Real-Time Data Analysis Robotic technology can be used to gather and analyze real-time data on solar activity. AI algorithms can then be used to analyze this data and make predictions about solar flares. For example, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), a NASA spacecraft, captures images of the sun in multiple wavelengths and transmits the data to Earth in real-time. AI algorithms can analyze this data and predict when a solar flare is likely to occur. Future Developments in Solar Flare Monitoring and Prediction As robotic technology continues to evolve, there are several areas where improvements can be made to solar flare monitoring and prediction. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the potential future developments for robotic technology in solar flare monitoring and prediction: Improved Sensing Capabilities Future robotic telescopes could be equipped with more advanced sensors, such as X-ray and gamma-ray detectors, to capture even more detailed information about solar activity. These sensors could provide additional insights into the processes that lead to solar flares and help scientists develop more accurate models for predicting solar flares. Enhanced AI Algorithms Improvements to AI algorithms could also lead to more accurate solar flare predictions. One area of research is developing algorithms that can detect and analyze subtle changes in solar activity that may precede solar flares. These algorithms could improve the speed and accuracy of solar flare prediction and give scientists more time to prepare for potential impacts. Collaborations and Partnerships The use of robotic technology for solar flare monitoring and prediction could be expanded to include collaborations with other countries and organizations. By sharing data and resources, scientists can improve their understanding of solar activity and develop more effective solutions for mitigating the impact of solar flares on Earth. Advances in Robotics Advances in robotics, such as improved autonomy and mobility, could also lead to new solutions for solar flare monitoring and prediction. For example, robotic spacecraft could be used to explore regions of the sun that are difficult to observe from Earth, providing new insights into solar activity. In conclusion, robotic technology offers a range of solutions for improving solar flare monitoring and prediction. By using robotic telescopes and AI algorithms, scientists can gather and analyze vast amounts of data on solar activity, improving their understanding of solar flares and their potential impact on Earth. As robotic technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in solar flare monitoring and prediction, helping to protect our planet from the potential dangers of solar flares. Robotic Solutions for Protecting Critical Infrastructure Solar flares can have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, including power grids, communication systems, and navigation systems. Robotic technology offers a range of solutions for protecting critical infrastructure from the effects of solar flares. In this section, we will explore the use of robotics for protecting critical infrastructure from solar flare damage. Power Grid Protection Solar flares can cause power outages by disrupting the flow of electricity through power grids. This can have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, including hospitals, emergency services, and water treatment facilities. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for power grid protection: Autonomous Grid Management Robotic technology can be used to develop autonomous grid management systems that can detect and respond to power grid disruptions caused by solar flares. These systems can be equipped with sensors that monitor the flow of electricity through the grid and detect disruptions caused by solar flares. Autonomous grid management systems can automatically reroute power to unaffected areas of the grid and isolate damaged areas to prevent further damage. This can help reduce the impact of power outages caused by solar flares on critical infrastructure. Grid Hardening Robotic technology can also be used to harden power grids against the effects of solar flares. This can involve reinforcing power lines, transformers, and other critical components of the grid to make them more resistant to solar flare damage. Robotic systems can be used to assess the vulnerability of power grid components to solar flare damage and prioritize the areas that need to be hardened. Robotic systems can also be used to perform the actual hardening work, reducing the risk of human injury during this dangerous and challenging task. Communication System Protection Solar flares can disrupt communication systems, including satellite communications and radio communications. This can have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, including emergency services and transportation systems. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for communication system protection: Robotic Satellite Maintenance Robotic technology can be used to maintain and repair communication satellites that are vulnerable to solar flare damage. Robotic spacecraft can be equipped with tools and equipment that can be used to repair damaged solar panels, antennas, and other components of communication satellites. By using robotic spacecraft to perform maintenance and repair tasks, the risk of human injury can be reduced, and the speed of repair work can be increased. This can help minimize the impact of solar flare damage on communication systems. Communication System Redundancy Robotic technology can also be used to develop redundant communication systems that can continue to operate during a solar flare event. This can involve developing alternative communication channels, such as backup satellites or ground-based communication systems, that can be used when primary communication systems are disrupted. Robotic systems can be used to deploy and maintain these redundant communication systems, reducing the need for human intervention and reducing the risk of injury during deployment. Navigation System Protection Solar flares can also disrupt navigation systems, including GPS and other satellite-based navigation systems. This can have a significant impact on critical infrastructure, including transportation systems and emergency services. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for navigation system protection: Backup Navigation Systems Robotic technology can be used to develop backup navigation systems that can be used when primary navigation systems are disrupted by solar flares. These backup systems can be based on ground-based radio navigation systems or other alternative technologies. Robotic systems can be used to deploy and maintain these backup navigation systems, reducing the need for human intervention and reducing the risk of injury during deployment. Navigation System Hardening Robotic technology can also be used to harden navigation systems against the effects of solar flares. This can involve developing more resilient satellite-based navigation systems that are less vulnerable to solar flare damage. Robotic systems can be used to assess the vulnerability of navigation system components to solar flare damage and prioritize the areas that need to be hardened. Robotic systems can also be used to perform the actual hardening work, reducing the risk of human injury during this dangerous and challenging task. Future Developments in Protecting Infrastructure As robotic technology continues to evolve, there are several areas where improvements can be made to protecting critical infrastructure from solar flare damage. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the potential future developments for robotic technology in protecting critical infrastructure: Enhanced Autonomy Robotic systems with enhanced autonomy could be used to perform more complex tasks, such as repairing damaged communication satellites or hardening power grids against solar flare damage. By reducing the need for human intervention, robotic systems with enhanced autonomy could reduce the risk of injury during critical infrastructure protection tasks. Collaborations and Partnerships Collaborations and partnerships between different organizations and countries could lead to more effective solutions for protecting critical infrastructure from solar flares. By sharing resources and expertise, scientists and engineers can develop more advanced robotic technology and more effective strategies for protecting critical infrastructure. Improved Sensing Capabilities Robotic systems with improved sensing capabilities, such as advanced sensors for detecting solar flare radiation, could improve the accuracy of solar flare detection and prediction. This could help improve the speed and accuracy of critical infrastructure protection measures, reducing the impact of solar flares on critical infrastructure. Advances in Robotics Advances in robotics, such as improved mobility and dexterity, could also lead to new solutions for protecting critical infrastructure from solar flares. For example, robots could be used to perform inspection and maintenance tasks on power grid components or communication satellites, reducing the risk of human injury during these dangerous tasks. In conclusion, robotic technology offers a range of solutions for protecting critical infrastructure from the effects of solar flares. By using robotic systems for power grid protection, communication system protection, and navigation system protection, we can reduce the impact of solar flares on critical infrastructure and ensure the continued operation of essential services during solar flare events. As robotic technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in critical infrastructure protection, helping to keep our infrastructure safe and secure. Robotic Solutions for Space Exploration Solar flares pose a significant threat to spacecraft and astronauts during space exploration missions. Robotic technology offers a range of solutions for protecting spacecraft and astronauts from the effects of solar flares. In this section, we will explore the use of robotics for space exploration and solar flare protection. Spacecraft Protection Solar flares can damage spacecraft and pose a risk to the health and safety of astronauts. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for spacecraft protection: Radiation Shielding Robotic technology can be used to develop radiation shielding materials that can protect spacecraft and astronauts from solar flare radiation. These materials can be designed to be lightweight and durable, making them ideal for use in space. Robotic systems can be used to manufacture and install radiation shielding materials on spacecraft, reducing the need for human intervention and reducing the risk of injury during installation. Solar Flare Detection and Prediction Robotic technology can also be used to detect and predict solar flares, giving astronauts and mission control time to prepare for potential solar flare events. Robotic telescopes and AI algorithms can be used to monitor solar activity and make predictions about solar flares. This information can be used to adjust mission schedules and take other measures to protect spacecraft and astronauts from the effects of solar flares. Astronaut Protection Solar flares can pose a risk to the health and safety of astronauts during space exploration missions. Here are some sub-subsections that detail the different ways robotic technology can be used for astronaut protection: Personal Radiation Shielding Robotic technology can be used to develop personal radiation shielding materials that can protect astronauts from solar flare radiation. These materials can be designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for use during space missions. Robotic systems can be used to manufacture and install personal radiation shielding materials on astronaut suits, reducing the need for human intervention and reducing the risk of injury during installation. Remote Medical Care Robotic technology can also be used to provide remote medical care to astronauts during solar flare events. Robotic systems can be used to monitor astronaut health and provide medical assistance when needed. This can help reduce the impact of solar flares on astronaut health and safety during space missions. Future Developments in Space Exploration Solutions As robotic technology continues to evolve, there are several areas where improvements can be made to protecting spacecraft and astronauts from solar flare damage. Read the full article

[oflgtfol]

yaim'la chapter three takes place on a moon very similar to one of jupiter's galilean moons but now im thinking. the surface gravity of a moon, like take io randomly for example, is like. roughly 1/9th that of earth's surface gravity. how do i deal with that

[merpthealmighty]

Was writing a connor fic, my bad this is late

Oogly Boogly, @outlandishscenarios !! I was your secret Santa all along mwuhahahah

Happy new year, haha (im very sorry)

Beforehand; they are separate. Oh, and you smuggled them in your home. 

Walmart was a wonderful place. Especially as the holidays were in full swing, and the formidable climb of high quality clothes, it was a haven of cheap thrills and a retreat for both the poor and the wealthy. A cultural center in the whole of America built on an infrastructure meant to appeal to the primitive brain, complete with just the right setup to convince us into purchasing more products- to the advertisements to persuade our subconscious minds. But all this had led to this one pivotal moment. 

You hadn't thought that much of Walmart before the moment you met eyes with the Sun and Moon themed pajamas. You were just going to be in and out that day- collecting some necessities and some not, but something glittery and yellow had caught your eye and something itched inside of you to walk over to it like a magnet. And oh, were you happy about it. 

You had bought the massively oversized pajamas with him specifically in mind. Bright yellow and orange in color- a fuzzy mess of sequins you knew would make an absolute mess of your washing machine; but it was far that worth it to watch him bounce from one leg to the other in surprise and elation at the gift. Just to hear the tinkling lilt of grateful happiness spilling from his voice box was a gift enough. You had known him long enough to know the differences in pitch he held in his voice- there was a clear change from real happiness, and the happiness he was programmed to portray.

“Oh, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Y/N!” His long arms cocooned around your midriff tightly, swinging you around in dizzying circles. You wished you could get out the few syllables needed to respond in affirmative- if food didn't threaten to chase your words. 

Moon was more moody, to keep it in one word. He enjoyed the things he was related to- the moon and stars and galaxy. He would idly chatter about how he admired the constellations that glittered in the sky, so firmly put in their respective spaces for generations on end, yet strung in one of the most empty and inhabitable places we know.

He enjoyed lounging in a pair of simple gray sweatpants, paired with an untucked and oversized black tee with painted splatters across it with soft airbrushing of cool toned colors to simulate the look of a pulsing galaxy. He didn't accept the gift with the same excitement as Sun did- but instead disappeared behind a corner quietly as Sun was given his comfy clothes, and in a haste put it on, stepping back into the conversation with the clothes situated neatly on his body like nothing happened at all. It was his own way of saying 'Thank you'. 

“It’s snowing pretty hard outside.” He remarked, reassuming his seat on the couch bordering the window of your living room, with the utmost casualty. Edgy boy. 

 It was a goal far beforehand- from the very first time you found out who the daycare attendants really were behind all the paint and glitter glue and angst, to bring as much light to their life as they would allow you. Seeing firsthand how deeply they could not only feel- but scar- made you want to shower them with as much love and compassion as you possibly could. 

Naturally, you smuggle two lanky animatronics out of their respective positions, and into your home. You had backup, of course. As long as you did not damage the animatronics or take them permanently, the software and repair manager, (who, frankly, might be some kind of drug dealer) gave you the green light. 

Much to your delight, you discovered each one of their interests one by one. 

Moon enjoyed scrapbooking. Just doing little things with his hands- gluing bits of paper together and the satisfying intricacies of stationary and ink. He enjoyed finding little pretty things, whether it be petite flowers pressed between the pages of a book for a long while- or the jumbled clippings of magazines he collected here and there. Oddly enough- you hadn't caught him accumulating most of the things he scrapbooked, they just… appeared. But the way his red eyes flickered thoughtfully as he placed pictures and film- slick with glue, carefully onto pages. Almost like he was a surgeon, he treated scrapbooking with frightening accuracy. 

Sun, on the other hand, liked plants and flowers. The daycare had no windows, so your little modest house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood was one of the best places he could have been taken. You had purchased a few brightly-colored perennials from the local market earlier on in the year, and helped him plant them in the backyard during the summer. 

Summer had since then come and gone, leaving nothing but blankets of snow and shorter days with a reliant chill. It was a wonderful season in terms of snuggling and warm drinks and anything related to affection and warmth, but snowstorms proved to be a great opponent in your quest to cater to your lanky robot boys. Just one nasty storm could knock down your dainty power grid, and ruin all your plans for the day. But Zeus be damned, you'd make the best out of any situation. 

Is what you said in your head, but when your light did dim out while your freshly brewed coffee that just began to trickle out of the espresso machine to come to an abrupt halt; you didn't have a damn of what to do. 

Zues probably heard you. 

A barrage of desperately muffled curses(in order to not trigger sun) jumped freely from your mouth as both the daycare animatronics looked inquisitively at all the lights and lamps now suddenly dark in your living room.

“Hm. But the lights were just all on? Do you also have to shut the lights off to conserve energy?” Sun questioned with a tilt to his head, as you were able to see the red glowing of Moon’s eyes behind him, partially closed and exhausted. He didn't bother to say much, just a low vibrato of a sigh, of irritation or just robot fatigue, you weren't sure. 

“Good God! I really can't have anything, can I? Ha, of course the fuckin-”

“Language, sunshine.”

“FREAKING!” Instantaneously, you corrected yourself. It had been so long dealing with these boys that things like Sundrop’s censorship was almost expected every time you let out a swear. 

“-Power would go out. How wonderful.” Blindly, you felt yourself tumble through your house to try and find the flashlight you knew you had in a drawer in your credenza, but doing anything frustrated will only turn out to be a hot mess with you. 

“Where IS that flashlight?!” Your fingers and arms spread stiffly in front of you to navigate your own house; but you felt a lurch in your stomach as you ankle caught the leg of a couch or a table or a chair- a fall so sudden no noise could escape you- just blown eyes wide in desperation to see and avoid any possible threat. But there was nothing. Just darkness. 

But Moon was oh, so familiar with the dark. 

He hugged the part of you that was closest to where he was seated, hand snaking around your waist and rib cage, much like the supportive arm a parent would thrust out in case of a sudden brake while driving. 

When you look behind you back to where his face is- the half-mast look in his eyes was no longer there. Red LEDs were wide and alert, this time around.

He sighed- but it sounded far more similar to a growl in his voice box “Be careful.” His faceplate was dipped slightly into the crook of your neck- as she had to pull your body towards his slightly heavier body to negate the force of the fall. “And slow down. Stop panicking.” You huffed a laugh, not really humorous at all, and clutched his hand that rested firmly on your stomach. 

“Thanks… ‘preciate it, Moonie.” 

He only replies with another grunt, Though this one a little softer. 

“Jus’ tell me where it's at. I'll get it.” 

You felt a tinge flustered, only able to watch his eyes wander down the hallway as you gave vague directions towards where you thought the nearest flashlight was, and when you finally did, his cool metal hand cupped the bottom of yours; his other hand placing the small bit of plastic in your hand. 

“M’ sitting back down.” His regards were sent through a slight wave of his hand as he wandered back towards the couch. If he wasn't so close, you'd have been beside yourself in embarrassment. 

“Robot boys and their subtle little acts of affection…” You stood and fiddled with the strap attached to the flashlight until the tingling heat subsided from your cheeks. 

You flicked the light into the on position, finally lighting ip your carpeted floor. A few ideas of the priorities rooted in your mind as you made your way to the kitchen once again. 

Sticking the flashlight in your teeth and rooting through overhead cabinets in your kitchen, you yanked out a coffee percolator from the very back of the shelving. It was heavy and old, something you probably pulled from a thrift or antique shop out of pure curiosity. Couldn't have cost much. Brushing away a mile of dust from it and blindly grabbing a bag of ground coffee- you prepared it as you could faintly remember. Coffee in the little basket-looking thing- water in the bigger container. 

Flicking a match to light and twisting the knob to your oven, you lit a front eye on fire. Placing the percolator over the oven, you finally spit the flashlight from in between your teeth out and waited for what seemed like an adequate amount of time for the coffee to accumulate. 

"Sunshine?" Slightly high-pitched and kindly, Sun's voice perked up behind you.

"What'cha doing?" Out of the corner of you eye, you dimly saw the outline of a hand rested on the countertop next to your hip. He was right behind you. 

"I'm making coffee on the stove since the powers out." You responded simply, placing the light back in your mouth. 

"Well, I can do that, sunshine." He tugged lightly at the dangling strap, looking at you with slightly less bright LED eyes as Moons, watching as it fell from your lips. 

"How sweet of you!" You traded him an equally soft smile, as his rays spun a little in recognition of the praise.

Your blind grab for mugs resulted in a few mis-matched ones, different in size and color but fine enough for your purposes. The dark and rich liquid spilled from the nozzle into each cup, and you fixed them how you thought they each would like it. Sun’s- milky and overly sweet, closer to creamer than actual coffee you’d assume. And moons, pitch black with only a tad of sugar. 

You felt a little bad that they couldn't drink any of it per se, but Sun explained how he liked the way the steam came out of the mug. Moon just enjoyed the feeling of being included. And with his help, you located your hoard of wool blankets in the linen closet to wrap you all in comfortably finding a few scented candles you had never bothered to use and lit them for the dim lighting.

You found a dimpled spot on your couch a little next to Moondrop, and spread the blanket over the length of your arm to cover you both. Sunny boy followed keenly behind, holding his own blanked and finding a nook at the other side of you to properly get comfortable in. All three of you were tied together mostly by one blanket, but with the knots of throws and piled if pillows, one couldn't really tell. 

You noticed moon was decently cool to the touch. Like the hand that had caressed you earlier, the metal connecting his limbs were smooth and cold. Not a wet cold that made you shiver, but beneath the heat of the blankets, all you wanted to do was lean closer to him. Like the cooler side of the pillow on a summer night. 

But Sundrop was a whole different animal. You thirsted after every drink of warmth he produced. Sun’s fans were like white noise, rested against his chest, a more sustained and softer version of rainfall. Of course he had silicone padding for the safety of the kids- but an extra warm body? Fans whirring inside of him like the gentlest of air conditioners? 

You had to fight the sand underneath your eyes to stay in the moment.

But you stayed sandwiched, peppering little kisses on their faceplate every so often, and drawing little reassuring shapes on whatever you could reach with the soft pads of your fingers. Goodness, with the candles and the warmth you were encased in, you weren't sure how long you were going to last. You might as well leave with something, you thought, before you conked out cold on both of them. 

Sundrops soft eyes with a graceful light spilling from them.

And Moon with his red, passionate half mast gaze.

"You're both so pretty." You tucked yourself further into the blanket, sleep fogging your brain intensely with the certainty of death. 

What was there ever really to worry about?

 You fell asleep without an answer.

Ew! I hate it. This is my first time writing fluff, actually haha. Horror and smut are more down my alley, but it was really interesting to try to write something new. Genuinely apologizing to @outlandishsenarios. Happy Christma-Hannu-Kwanza-nothingatall! 

Just now kinda realizing I focused on moon alot. Welp! Its here now

[script-a-world]

Google Submitted Ask:

What would happen to the tides on earth or anything that may result from having a fully inhabited moon? Would it make a difference whether it's creating an artificial environment or terraforming? Would population/construction make a difference? The moon itself isn't too important to my story, but just referred to.

Tex: You can boil a lot of this down to a “mass in, mass out” sort of equation - adding to the Moon’s population would increase its mass, as well as any imported materials to create physical infrastructures (i.e. paved roads to buildings). The more mass you add, the higher the tidal force (Wikipedia).

I’ve taken a dummy example using a calculator from Casio (link here). The original calculations for tidal mass give these results:

[ID: Two diagrams show the relative distance of the Sun and Moon from the Earth, the left for the Moon at apogee, the right for the Moon at perigee. Below is a series of adjustable inputs for the Moon’s mass in kilograms, the Moon’s distance in kilometers with corresponding input for its eccentricity. More inputs are available for equivalent measurements for the Sun, as well as inputs for the Earth’s mass in kilograms and radius in kilometers. Below is a table of resulting calculations for the Moon and Sun at perigee, average, and apogee distances for both bodies. The headers of the table are from left to right: planet, distance kilometers, Gravity N, ratio, tide force N, and ratio. All measurements for mass and distance are measured in scientific notation. End ID.]

When the Moon is at its original mass of 7.347673E22 kilograms, it has a tide force of 6.58E18 at its average distance from the Earth. However, when I adjust the mass to one whole unit up (from 7.34 to 8.34), the Moon’s tide force at average distance is 7.47262E18. I’ll attach a screenshot of these results below for visual interest - the only change is the mass of the Moon as previously described:

What this means is that there is a proportional increase in tide force as the Moon’s mass increases. As there is an increase in tide force, that would display as an increased pull from the Moon on the Earth’s tides. On Earth, the population would most likely see an increased height in waves and a change in when high and low tide occur.

While the distance remains the same in this mocked-up example, the Moon’s increased mass would eventually reduce its velocity, so if you wanted to maintain an equivalent effect on both Earth and Moon, then the Moon would benefit from a bit of increased distance from the Earth and a proportional rotational speed to compensate for the increase in mass from your artificial structures and increase in population.

Further Reading

PDF - Leconte, J., Chabrier, G., Baraffe, I., & Levrard, B. (2010). Is tidal heating sufficient to explain bloated exoplanets? Consistent calculations accounting for finite initial eccentricity. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 516, A64.

PDF - Driscoll, P. E., & Barnes, R. (2015). Tidal heating of Earth-like exoplanets around M stars: thermal, magnetic, and orbital evolutions. Astrobiology, 15(9), 739-760.

PDF - Liu, J. Z. (2019). Destroying the Earth by Using Tidal Energy.

[starry-skies-116]

6:00 AM- Get back from nightly tasks, navigate way back to Freddy’s room, eat something and recharge/sleep

11:15 AM- Wake up, feed and play with the stray animals that have wandered into the Pizzaplex

11:30 AM- Perform equivalent to daily exercise- rock climbing, marksmanship training, obstacle course practice, self defense and martial training, agility and speed training, et cetera. (cheat code for my custom combat simulator module in Mazercise: ‘Flareblitz’)

12:00 PM- Lunch, afternoon nap

12:15 PM- Daycare with Sun and Moon, the possible activities are as follows:

1.) Naptime 2.) Arts & Crafts (sculpting figurines) 3.) Strategizing (reading, worldbuilding, catching up on the general state of affairs, comparing strategies, etc.) 4.) Drawing 5.) Attempting to play with the other children (I already shudder at the thought, respectfully)

3:15 PM- Leave, attempt to beat high scores on arcade game machines. Screw with the ticket machines via the crappy magnets earned from the prize counter- pack supplies for nightly tasks if supplies somehow run out.

3:20- Get started on filing through bills and paperwork. Most common include:

1.) Grocery and department store bills, courtesy of Vanessa and Luis 2.) Maintenance and repair materials bills 3.) Merchandise shipment and purchase bill 4.) Ventilation, sanitary and plumbing inspection bill and contract paperwork 5.) Security equipment paperwork 6.) Electricity and water bills ((more to be added to the list soon))

4:00 PM- Once done, have an afternoon snack- explore Pizzaplex, possibly eavesdrop, check server rooms, climb down elevator shafts and take the most convoluted paths possible just to kill time

5:15 PM- Examine collected evidence from the search parties of S.T.A.F.F bots sent- examine news footage, recently recorded security footage, collected classified documents, and other tidbits of collected evidence to discern a possible conclusion- refer to the board and tape/pin all existing evidence to said board for further reference. Use hacking+ audio and video editing software to search for hidden, possibly subliminal messages hiding between the lines!

5:30 PM- Reunite with Michael and the gang- try and ease your frayed nerves by relaxing with them.

6:00 PM- Charging station maintenance for all Glamrocks- use incoming reports to try and see which stations are faulty and which ones are not

7:00 PM- Dinner, nightly tasks start

7:30 PM- Prime and run usual tests on security systems before closing hours

8:00 PM- Try and entertain guests during the last hours?

10:00 PM- Nearing closing hours, begin navigating way to server rooms for inspection- use the vents if you must (parts and service will be going on for animatronics)

11:00 PM- Server room inspection: check for loose cables or software issues within the servers themselves. Clean database of any potential threats or vulnerabilities from which a breach can possibly occur, monitor and verify employee security clearance, reinforce firewalls and Zero Tolerance Infrastructure, record any possible issues with login or clearance, etc. Repeat until 6:00 AM for all server rooms. IT trainees/students enrolled in Fazbear Entertainment’s program may come to help.

[harrelltut]

My Interstellar QUANTUM [iQ] HARRELL TECH [iQHT] SPIRIT MILITARY.gov [iNWO] ILLUMINATI of Ancient LEMURIA [MU]… Mysteriously PILOT Our Highly Classified… U.S. Ancient [USA = PREHISTORIC] Ægyptian American [ATLANTEAN] UFO Pentagon Military MOTHERSHIP from Astronomical NIBIRU [MAN] on July 30, 2021 [V]… Using QHT's Highly Complex [ADVANCED] Ancient SUBTERRANEAN Earth Archipelago [SEA] CLOUD Coordinates that METALLURGICALLY ACCELERATE NANO [MAN] BIOTECHNOLOGICAL Human AVATAR [HA = HARRELL] OBJECTS HIGH UP IN DA’ SKY… within the Cloud Infrastructure of ABORIGINAL [CIA] Human Compu_TAH [PTAH] Logistic Configurations POWERING Computerized [PC] MOTHERBOARDS of SIRIUS Thermal Infrared Energy [HEAT] Human DYNAMICS & MOTIONS [BIOMECHANICS] Electromagnetically GENERATING… MOOR Rapid Oscillating Magnetic [ROM] Wave Fields [RADIATION] of Highly Complex [ADVANCED] Ancient Cosmic Algorithmic [CA] Computational [Compton] STAR Mathematics ENGINEERING [ME = U.S. Michael Harrell = TUT = JAH] SIRIUS Stoichiometric Chemical Equations from the Quantified [EQ] Multiplication of Associative & Commutative [MAC] PROPERTIES… Creating [PC] MAGNETIC FORCES of EXTRATERRESTRIAL Energy Life [FEEL] POWERS… Immaculately MATERIALIZING [I’M] from Inner Earth’s [HADES] OCCULTED [HIDDEN] Subatomic Oceanic Floor Particles of Archaean [PA] Earth Metals of Primordially ANCIENT [PA = SUPERNATURAL] Bioluminescence & Chemiluminescence Elements [BCE] Pressurized by Our Supernova Nucleosynthesis during the Sequential Hydrostatic Burning Processes of Thermonuclear Proton Energies Forming NANOSCOPIC Covalent Bonds of Highly Complex [ADVANCED] Cycloalkynes Isolated by the Organic Electron Field of Subatomic Earth SUN & MOON Energies [ME = U.S. Michael Harrell = TUT = JAH]… that Energetically TELEPORT [JET] ME [iTUT®] 2 the Back of Our OCCULTED [HIDDEN] MOON Universe [MU] of Astronomical NIBIRU [MAN]... Celestially Located DEEP IN:side My Intergalactic MAGNETOSPHERE [I'M] of SIRIUS B [BETELGEUSE] Constellation [B.C.] STARS... who IMPERIALLY Established Our Biblically Ancient [BABYLONIAN] Interplanetary Human GODS [EXTRATERRESTRIALS] from ORION’S 9th Human SOUL Dimension of Interstellar Luz ATLANTIS [iLA] 🛸🛸🛸 (at San Diego, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSiBnasJvQ7/?utm_medium=tumblr

[whumpster-fire]

It would’ve been absolutely hilarious and wonderful if Carnelian was kept for their adventures through the rest of the arc!! Also, I would’ve giggled if she just turned around and *BOOM* right behind her.

"WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST FUCKING SAY ABOUT ME, YOU LITTLE BITCH? I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW I GRADUATED TOP OF MY CLASS IN QUEEN RUBY'S ARMY, AND I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS SECRET RAIDS ON-" *BOOM*

Anyway, update as of Winter Turning:

Okay I know Winter had the genuinely angry about the mind reading thing reaction but Moon's POV got dropped before it happened and he also has all the complex grudge against Nightwings vs crush on Moon thing going on so I still want Carnelian fuckit. I think Icicle supporting Queen Scarlett would be sufficient motivation to make her go on the quest, even if grudgingly.

Also YKW I think the best way of traumatizing everyone involved would be if Carnelian still got hurt badly enough for it to be dicey and unclear if she was going to make it or not / she was kept in the infirmary overnight so Moon and Kinkajou could have their angst moment, and then be back but still in bad shape and in a horrible mood the next day.

I know having her there would be problematic for certain plot elements in Winter Turning, particularly the "trying to doxx Queen Scarlet from her Zoom background" thing would in theory be made easier by having a Skywing in the group but on the other hand it'd be comedy gold if everyone just expects her to know the mountain because she's a Skywing and she gets increasingly defensive about it. And also would probably HATE having to work with Pyrite and not trust her at all but I can just imagine Winter and Qibli being like "we're only having to do this because you couldn't find the mountain." And also I think what this group dynamic really needs is a second grouchy character so she and Winter can bond over it / make each other worse.

I've seen comments about the Meteorite of Mind Shielding being an annoyingly convenient way to defuse the effect of having a friend who can hear your thoughts, but I think it'd be pretty cool if Turtle didn't have enough chunks for the whole group to have one so there were arguments about who misses out. Like, Kinkajou would probably volunteer to not wear one and Moon might volunteer to just wear one and only take it off in emergencies and get vetoed because of the tactical advantage until everyone but just rotates days.

Also laughing so hard at Winter being like "I think I'm in love with Moon, and I think Qibli is too, but neither of our queens would ever allow it" and meanwhile one of the queens in question has canonically fucked a Nightwing. Winter I'm sorry buddy but I think it's just your queen who would have a problem.

So uhh that necklace of Pyritification is a pretty fucked up thing to do to someone. But also, I am 100% going to hell for this but the existence of an item like this has made me wonder if at any point some Animus Dragon has ever had some kind of "surrendering mental control" kink like age regression or hypnosis or something and made a magic item to make them forget about all their stressful responsibilities.

While I'm on the subject of Animus-Touched Objects, I find it hilarious that the various objects Icewing Animuses (Animi? Animodes?) have been required to create for the Animus Eugenics Program have included giant infrastructure projects like a city sized palace of unmelting ice, a giant wall and air defense system around the whole kingdom, an ice tree that can create an unlimited number of magic lighting devices, but also includes a glorified Employee Of the Month Whiteboard, and the Icewings take this very seriously and like it's on the level of all the other legendary artifacts they have. Some Animus Dragon was assigned to have their magnum opus, the culmination of their life's achievements and sacrificed a piece of their soul to create, be something you can buy at Office Depot. Congratulations it's a magnet board, you must be so proud. How can a tribe that has held a grudge for 2000 goddamn years because their Animus line was ended by some prince running away to marry a Nightwing not think of the wasted potential every time they look at that thing.

I know Kinkajou sadly doesn't get her own book, but please tell me she doesn't just get put in a coma and sidelined for the whole series.

Okay so I was just on a road trip and I decided to start listening to the Wings Of Fire series on audiobooks and after finishing the first sub-series I gotta say I'm loving it so far.

What I Expected: Warrior Cats but with dragons.

What I Got: Warrior Cats but with dragons meets Underland Chronicles (levels of Going This Hard with the dark themes and gore and fucked up stuff) meets A Series Of Unfortunate Events (general competence and trustworthiness of most of the adults in these poor kids' lives for most of the series). Like, not that Warrior Cats doesn't go hard with messed up stuff, but this series kind of gives me Underland Chronicles vibes in the way that it does it.

The setting and premise: In A World Ruled By Dragons... that apparently used to have a human civilization that was destroyed by dragons in an apocalyptic event long go but that's not important right now, (humans are still around but almost completely irrelevant to the plot with one notable exception), the seven tribes (species) of dragons have been dragged into an utter clusterfuck of a war because one of the tribes had a civil war due to a succession crisis and have managed to drag nearly everyone else into it. An ancient quite recent prophecy made by some guy who is still very much around states that this completely pointless waste of life will be ended by five children born under a specific celestial alignment, who will have the power to decide the victor of the civil war. A cross-species secret society known as the Talons Of Peace with the noble goal of getting everyone else to stop doing WWI With Dragons decides that the best way to make the prophecy go smoothly is to raise the destined hatchlings themselves in secret and keep them safe from any of the parties with a vested interest in the war's outcome, until they are ready...

In other words a pretty bog standard "Chosen Ones" children's fantasy plot, but what I love is that from the very beginning of the first book, Wings Of Fire pulls absolutely no punches with the fact that the main characters are child soldiers, and the supposed "good guys" organization is not only pretty sketchy for acquiring five eggs under circumstances of varying legitimacy (read: definitely kidnapped at least two, one more supposedly abandoned, one sold by deadbeat parents, one supposedly donated for the cause but it's unclear) but also is just as guilty of trying to use them as pawns for their own political goals as everyone else, and are not even actually neutral in the war.

What I also love is that the DoD (Dragonets of Destiny) are the worst fucking child soldiers ever and this is largely because the Talons Of Peace are completely fucking incompetent and massively fucked up every step of the "grooming kidnapped hatchlings into child soldiers" process.

Failed at kidnapping eggs. Literally in the very first chapter one of the eggs supposedly predestined to save the world is killed. One of the main characters is the last-minute replacement and literally not even the right species that's supposedly specified by the prophecy (and has psychological issues because no one has let her forget it)

Assigned the very important task of raising the Chosen Ones and teaching them the skills they will need to save the world to three dragons who were utterly horrible with kids and didn't want the job. Left them to it with no oversight for years and years.

Decided to raise them isolated from the organization they're supposed to be loyal to, in a fucking cave, giving them literally zero real world experience with so many essential skills like, say, navigation, or flying in actual weather. The main characters literally had a "Puppy Mill Animals Seeing Grass For the First Time" experience.

Did not research / pay attention to the basic biology and culture of the species the kids belong to. One of them, Clay, spent his whole life being told he tried to murder his adoptive siblings when he hatched because the surrogate parents had no idea that for his species the first in a clutch to hatch instinctively helps break their siblings' eggshells for them. Another is from the aquatic dragon species which has their own sign / bioluminescence language they use to communicate underwater. She was not taught any of this despite one of the surrogate parents being the SAME FUCKING SPECIES AS HER. And also, y'know, the negative amount of effort put into every single parenting decision related to Glory.

Literally the only thing the Talons Of Peace actually succeeded at was making the kids bond to each other, but managed to instill less than zero loyalty to the organization they were supposed to obey due to being left to be raised in isolation by emotionally and physically abusive parental figures. Later, the guy who made the prophecy, after checking back in and discovering that one of the children was the wrong species, thought fixing this mistake by having her murdered and replacing her with another kidnapped child would in any way work. As a result the Talons Of Peace now have five Chosen Ones who have ditched them and wanted absolutely nothing to do with them and their plans. As of three books into the series they are still doubling down on the "kill and replace the more annoying members of the group" plan and still seem to think that the surviving members would somehow accept this.

I also think it's noteworthy that, like, most of the remotely competent and trustworthy allies the DoD have are other child soldiers that they have run into along the way. Like, at this point we have Peril (Skywing Queen's attempt at making her very own Azula), Anemone (magical prodigy small child on a leash), Deathbringer (Nightwing secret agent who Glory accidentally flirted with while in disguise within the first five minutes of attempting her own unrelated spy mission), Fatespeaker (one of the Talons of Peace's backup plan dragonets who they somehow put even less effort into than the main five). And, like, Clay's siblings who are also a bunch of kids fighting a war.

Also I don't know if this was Tui T. Sutherland's intent all along or if it was audiobook reader Shannon McManus's artistic license, but. Whoever decided to give the Nightwings - a tribe from an inhospitable island who act like they're smarter and more cultured than everyone else but are mostly a bunch of pompous idiots, who have a decrepit and useless royal family, notoriously inedible "cuisine," and a plot to colonize and genocide one of the other tribes for land and natural resources - British accidents is a goddamn genius.

[belorage]

Wes for the full clear on the OC asks? 😘😘😘

— OC QUESTIONS

BASICS

What’s their full name? Wesley Daniel Brooks

What does their name mean? Why were they named that? Wesley means “western meadow,” Daniel means “God is my judge,” and Brooks means “stream.” You can find my real world reasoning for choosing his name here. As for the canon reasoning, Wesley is a family name on his father’s side and Daniel is a good Christian name. 

Do they have any nicknames? Lots. Wes is the big one (Hwes if you’re Hurk Jr.), Rook, Dep (Deputy if you're as extra as John Seed), Bright Eyes (Raf only), Sundance (Nick only), Darling (Lyra, when she’s being cheeky), and probably a handful more that I’m forgetting.

How old are they? 28, almost 29 as of the start of FC5.

When’s their birthday? November 11, 1989

What’s their zodiac sign/element/birthstone/etc.? Do they believe that holds any significance? Scorpio sun, Aries moon, Aquarius rising. Year of the snake. Birthstones are topaz and citrine. He isn’t aware enough of any of this to believe in it.

What’s their species/subspecies? Do they have any special/magical abilities? He is a natural disaster in human form. His special ability is that he somehow manages to survive that for as long as he does.

What “class” do they belong to (for fantasy characters)? If none, what weapon do they favor? A revolver (Steel & Ivory), a sawed-off shotgun (Sin Eater), or basic hand-to-hand. Close combat is preferable to range. He also uses homemade C4 in his tireless crusade against cult infrastructure.

APPEARANCE

What do they look like? He’s 6′3″, has brown-ish hair (specifically, a warm golden bronze color) and hazel eyes with long eyelashes. Fit, moderate-to-lean build. Sharp features, angular jaw, a pronounced Cupid’s bow. He has the facial hair of a man who has forgotten to shave for two weeks, because he is—you guessed it—a man who has forgotten to shave for two weeks.

Do they have a face claim? Tomas Skoloudik

What’s their style like? Clothes, hair, makeup? Casual clothing—flannels (often tied around the waist), t-shirts, henleys, jeans, boots, jewelry (gold, leather), leather jacket, cargo jacket. His hair is messy and soft, just like he is, because he doesn’t overload it with hair products unlike some people. He’s got an ouroboros tattooed around the lower part of his right forearm and (universe-dependent) John and Lyra’s names on the inside of his wrists.

How do they carry themselves? What’s their default expression? He attempts to project swagger and indifference, but to anyone who knows him and is paying attention, he’s an open book. In a comfortable environment, he’s loose and casual. His default expression is fixated if he has something to occupy his mind and distant if he doesn’t.

Do they have any physical ailments or disabilities? No, but he’s got bruises and flesh wounds aplenty! He’s got bite marks and scratches galore! You want knife-slashing scars? He’s got twenty. But who cares? No big deal. Wes wants mooooore! 🎵

PERSONALITY

What’s their alignment? Chaotic Good/Chaotic Neutral

Which one of the 16 Personality Types do they fit into? ISFP

What are their hobbies and interests? Do they have any particular “favorites” (food, books, and so on)? I answered for his favorite films and TV here, and his favorite book is Watership Down. He likes the Beatles and bar snacks and black coffee. His favorite cultists are Lyra, John, and Shaggy—please don’t judge him.

What are they bad at? Dancing!

What kind of things do they dislike/hate? Hates being controlled, dislikes very sweet things.

Do they have any vices/addictions/mental illnesses? Impulsiveness, reactive behaviors. He smokes and drinks, although neither of those are done with a shocking amount of excess. Previously, harder drugs. 

What are their goals and motivations? Freedom and acceptance.

What are their manners like? Any habits? He’s not a jerk; he has passable manners when the situation calls for them, but Emily Post would like him not. His habits are covered in much more detail here, but the big one is that he tends to busy his hands and/or mouth with things wherever possible.

What are they most afraid of? Rejection, abandonment, enclosed spaces, death (specifically, the possibility of an afterlife). 

BACKGROUND

Where were they born? What was their childhood like? Born in Hope County. He was an only child and his home life was suspect, but made moderately more bearable by his best friend. Once he realized trying to please his father was a losing battle, he said hell yeah to a downward spiral of rebelliousness and troublemaking.

What’s their family like? His dad was a jerk of the sort that would never be satisfied. Big on toxic masculinity, short on acceptance. His mother loved him, but she fell in line more often than not.

What factions or organizations are they a part of? What ranks and titles do they hold? Hope County Sheriff’s Office (probationary sheriff’s deputy), Hope County Resistance (figurehead, pot stirrer, problem magnet). 

How do they fit into their “story”? Barely. Next question. I hate to use this word yet again, but it’s the only one that fits: his story is mostly about acceptance—self, fate, fault, sorrow, joy—because as much as he desired acceptance from others, he denied a lot of it for himself.

Where do they currently live? What’s their place like? He grew up in the Silver Lake trailer park, way up on the northeastern end of Holland Valley, near the Whitetails. For the duration of the game timeline, I picture him spending more time crashing where he can—with the Ryes, in the woods, wherever—but his own place would be sparse and fairly untidy, with clothes tossed everywhere. 

How do they eventually die? Wesley intends to live forever. How dare you insinuate—

RELATIONSHIPS

Do they have any friends? Would they consider anyone to be their best friend? Within the timeline of the game, he has quite a few. Raf is his best friend (and has been since they were kids), but Nick (and Kim) are both up there. He has a soft spot for Mary May; that seems to be reciprocal. He appreciates Grace because she doesn’t ask unnecessary questions. Sharky and Hurk offer unconditional friendship, which he appreciates and sorely needs. Adelaide is the vodka aunt who thirsts after his ex. She tries to rile him up sometimes (in a myriad of ways), but he likes her. And if you account for other universes, his friend count goes way up thanks to the various and sundry brat squad kids.

What’s their friend group like? What role do they play in it? When he was younger, he was the introvert-adopted-by-an-extrovert. He was a bit too withdrawn to have friends outside of that, though he wasn’t unfriendly. For a bulk of the current timeline, his friend group is “ragtag misfits” status and he basically gets ping-ponged between them as they try—with varying amounts of success—to fight a cult.  

What’s their love life like? (See also: ship question meme.) Do they have any kids? Depends on the universe. In canon, it’s messy but becomes significantly healthier later on. His previous relationship was promising and likely would have been ideal, except that they were young and unable (or unready) to deal with the realities of their situation. In AU, he is enemies-with-benefits but also grossly in love with the Judge of Eden’s Gate and her husband (who was a fun surprise, but it’s fine, because Wes got Lyra back by giving her a gracious two-for-one deal on children)!

Who do they look up to? Who do they trust? Whitehorse is something of a father figure, though Wes would never say that out loud. For the record, neither would Whitehorse (at least not directly to Wes)—mostly for Wes’s benefit. He trusts Raf, Pastor Jerome, and the rest of his friends listed above.

Who do they hate? Do they have any enemies? Joseph, because Joseph is daddy issues incarnate. Jacob, because Jacob understands Wes well enough to yank him around like a dog on a leash. By the time the Collapse hits, everyone is his enemy to some extent (as evidenced by the adorable horns and pointy tails drawn all over his wanted posters). Notable exceptions are John, Sharky, Hurk, and Whitehorse; however, all but the first are functionally unknown to him.

Do they have any pets? Just Boomer, who is the best emotional support animal a disaster could ask for.

Are they good with kids? Animals? He’s naturally good with both children and animals, but he lacks practical experience, especially with the former (shout-out to the Ryes for finally adding that to his resume).

FUN FACTS

Which tropes do they fit? Which archetypes? Tropewise, he’s Troubled, but Cute and I can’t refute it; apart from the high school thing, it’s a full BINGO clear. He’s also Bruiser with a Soft Center, Inferiority Superiority Complex, Cosmic Plaything, Desperately Craves Affection, Hero with Bad Publicity, I Am Not My Father, and almost certainly a whole host of shameful others that I don’t dare brave the rest of TVTropes to find. Of the twelve classic archetypes, he’s some combination of The Hero and The Outlaw. Otherwise: fallen angel, antihero, byronic hero, prodigal son. 

Do they play any instruments? Sports? He can play guitar, but only at an intermediate level. He’s not big on sports, but he can ice skate and he likes to swim.

What are some items they always carry? Steel & Ivory and a lighter; later, Sin Eater. In New Dawn he carries John’s watch.

Do they collect anything? Bad decisions. Minicultists, apparently. Nothing in particular.

What position do they sleep in? His default position when he’s alone and in a comfortable place is on his belly. There are exceptions listed in greater detail here.

Which emoji would they use the most? Honestly, he’s not really the type to use emojis, but he will send his love interest pictures of things he likes or finds pretty with no context. Otherwise, his texts tend to be short, to-the-point, and lacking in punctuation or capitalization. Believe it or not, he’d much rather communicate in person. My most frequently used emojis for him are 🍰 and 🐍. (Awww, cake and snake... They rhyme. How precious!)

What languages do they speak? English. He knows a limited amount of Spanish, but he’s better at understanding it than he is at speaking it.

What’s their favorite expletive? Damn or fuck.

What’s their favorite candle scent? Pine.

What songs remind you of them? I have a playlist for him here, but it—much like him—is a bit of a mess. I also have a playlist based on his own taste in music here.

Which animal would you say represents them? Snakes, stags, swans, scorpions.

What stereotypical high school clique would they fit into? Loners or troublemakers, probably. Stoners on a technicality—he doesn’t fit the stereotype, but he does have a history. He has some of the soul of an art kid but, tragically, none of the talent.

What would their favorite ride at an amusement park be? At a real amusement park, probably the roller coasters. At something more lowkey like a carnival, he’d like the classic, aesthetically pleasing rides like the Ferris wheel or the carousel.

Do they believe in aliens? Ghosts? Reincarnation or something else? He’s not an “I Want to Believe” sort of guy, but he still can’t explain the Larry Parker debacle. He tries very hard not to believe (or at least not to think about) any sort of afterlife, because he fears it.

Do they follow any religions/gods? Do they celebrate holidays? His family was Catholic, but he endeavors not to be. He likely wouldn’t celebrate holidays as a bachelor overmuch, but he would take part in holiday activities with others.

Which Deadly Sin do they most correspond to? Which Heavenly Virtue? Pride and Fortitude.

If you had to choose one tarot card to represent them, which would it be? The Tower, The Devil, The Wheel of Fortune.

[codylabs]

Fire Nation

Inner Worlds

At distances much closer to the sun than 1 AU, greater sunlight causes photosynthesis among plants and solar power among machines to become exponentially more efficient. This means that both natural ecosystems and human colonies have greater access to energy and resource, and all the benefits that implies. However, the increased temperature and radiation also mean that any effort to survive will be met with great danger, hardship, and competition, and various methods must be employed to shield from it. Settlements on the Inner worlds must be either concealed underground, or beneath thick atmosphere, within magnetic fields, or in shadow. The proximity to the sun, and the competition and tenacity of native life to survive, have encouraged a firebending nature in the world’s human settlers; a control over the thermal, chemical, and electrical energies that drive all life and effort in the natural world. Firebenders have a strong will to live and to prosper, and the economy, infrastructure, and military of the Fire Nation are the strongest in the system. There aren’t many asteroids and moons in the Inner Worlds, meaning that most spacecraft must either be launched directly from planets, or assembled using imported materials. Firebending has allowed the Nation to master the technology required for fusion reactors, though such technology sees limited use on bases and settlements, owing to the lower expense of solar power. However, many of their ships use fusion pulse boosters for high-thrust maneuvers such as escaping from atmosphere. When efficiency is needed, their ships default to either solar thermal rockets [using solar energy to superheat compressed gases for ejection] or V.A.S.I.M.R. engines [using magnetic fields to accelerate ionized plasma], both of which can be enhanced by onboard firebenders.

Fire World

[Gravity: 1.02G, Pressure: 3.7ATM, Distance: 0.6AU, Replaces the Fire Nation Mainland]

A Venus-like planet, second-closest to the star, at a distance normally much too hot to support life. However, organic chemicals from a rich native ecosystem tend to gather in the upper reaches of the thick atmosphere, and serve to reflect and diffuse most of the incident sunlight. This results in days never quite hot enough to render the world uninhabitable, nights that are never quite dark, and brilliant fiery aurora borealis shining constantly in the radiation of the ionosphere. Near the Fire World’s surface, the air is too high in oxygen and temperature for humans to survive without support, though it can be perfectly comfortable with the appropriate filter mask and cooling jacket. The Fire World is the capital and mainland of the Fire Nation, and the two terms are used interchangeably. Recently in history, Fire Lord Sozin took advantage of a pulse in the sun’s solar cycle to gain immense firebending power, to lay waste to the Void Nomads, and to conquer much of the Earth belts. In the hundred years since, the war has simmered in a tense stalemate between the overextended Fire Nation, the isolated Water Tribes, and the desperate Earth Kingdom. To the royal family of Sozin’s heirs, this protracted war was not hardship but necessity, and it seemed apparent that the entirety of the system was theirs by right, and theirs for the taking. The next Sozin Pulse may make it so.

Crescent Moon

[Gravity: 0.06G, Pressure: 0ATM, Distance: 0.6AU, Replaces Crescent Island]

The smaller of the Fire World's two natural satellites, with far too little gravity to maintain an atmosphere or spherical shape. Generally uninhabitable, though it does contain a guarded temple to the Avatar. [I didn’t draw it because it looks pretty darn similar to the show. Just a crescent-shaped asteroid, you can imagine that, right?]

Ember Moon

[Gravity: 0.10G, Pressure: 0ATM, Distance: 0.6AU, Replaces Ember Island]

The larger of the Fire World's two natural satellites. Though it was originally nothing but a barren rock, large gold-foil-shielded habitation domes with breathable air and plentiful plant life have been constructed over its surface, and it is used by the Fire nation as a luxury getaway. Attendance has fallen steadily during the war, such that now most housing, and even entire domes, are unused and unpopulated.

Scorched World

[Gravity: 0.18G, Pressure: 0ATM, Distance: 0.3AU, Replaces the Ancient City of the Sun Warriors]

A Mercury-sized planet, closest to the star, and insurvivably hot. Only very few, exotic forms of life are able to exist so close to the sun; most notable among them are the spacefaring firebending dragons, which called this their homeworld. The only human settlement on Scorched World is the ruins of an ancient colony, which had originally belonged to the ancient Sun Warriors; it was protected from the sun within a crater basin near the North pole, such that only the tops of its ceremonial towers were ever exposed to the light. It was in this colony, long ago, that dragons first taught men the art of firebending. And the base’s solar concentrator power core contains the Eternal Flame; which has never been extinguished since ancient days.

[singularityhacker]

7 Power Laws of the Technological Singularity

When people talk about the technological singularity they usually do so exclusively in the context of Moore’s Law. But there are several Moore’s Law-like laws at work in the world and each of them is equally baffling. I’m referring to this list of trends as “power laws” because of the nature of their incredible rate of growth and because they independently work as pistons driving the engine of the singularity. A few things to note about these power laws. Firstly they are just observations. There are no, known, deeper physical principles in the universe that would lead us to believe that they must hold true. Secondly, we’ve observed these trends long enough to warren their recognition as power laws and there is no evidence or signs of their stagnating. We’ll start with the most famous and well-known power law and work our way through the others.

1. Moore’s Law

Moore’s Law states that transistors on a chip double about every two years and that the cost of that doubling halves. This is a double-edged sword. It means that the next model computer will be way faster than the previous but it also means that the value of your existing computer is dropping rapidly. The end of Moore’s Law has been proclaimed for a long time but there seems to be no end to its progression.

As we reach the physical limits of transistor sizes, entirely new hardware architectures are developed that sustain the progression. Things like 3D chips, specialized chips, and non-silicon based chips like photonics, spintronics, and neuromorphic chips are being developed and will ensure that this law continues.

“Regular boosts to computing performance that used to come from Moore’s Law will continue, and will instead stem from changes to how chips are designed.” — Mike Muller, CTO at ARM

What this does not mean is that a user’s experience of computer speed will increase. We tend to be more sloppy with application development when it’s cheap to make up for it with hardware horsepower. There is a standing joke that the same amount of computing resources that were used to send astronauts to the moon in the ’60s is now accidentally used by a sluggish browser tab.

2. Kryder’s Law

The second law driving our propulsion into the technological singularity is Kryder’s Law. It states, loosely, that digital storage doubles every year. It specifically has to do with magnetic storage but the principle is applicable to all digital storage as you will see. While you may not see this law exactly played out in the price of external drives in your local Best Buy, you can see it if you consider the price of cloud storage services.

Let’s look at the current top cloud storage providers. Apple offers two terabytes of cloud storage for about $10 a month. Google offers the same space for the same price as well as 10 terabytes for about $100 a month. After that, users can get 20 terabytes for $200 a month, 30 terabytes for $300 a month, and so on. Dropbox offers yet a similar package but with extras like full-text search for $20 a month. Lastly and most competitive is Amazon offering an incredible $0.004 per gigabyte per month through its Glacier storage service. When you take these cloud providers into account and consider that they will only grow via economies of scale, you see that Kryder’s law is in full effect.

Note that this also doesn’t even take into consideration innovations like Filecoin that actually distribute Kryder’s Law by allowing anyone with storage capacity to rent that space out. You could look at it like Uber or Airbnb for digital storage. This highlights the idea that this digital power law, like the others, should not be strictly tied to a hardware implementation. Similar to how Moore’s Law continues but not strictly through cramming more transistors on a chip but through new engineering architectures. The same principle applies.

3. Nielsen’s Law

Thirdly, we have Nielsen’s Law. If the previous laws could be summarized as computation and storage, this one is summarized as throughput. It states that bandwidth grows by 50% a year. More precisely, it states that the bandwidth of high-end users grows by 50% a year. That’s just 10% less annual growth than Moore’s Law.

In practice, we don’t see this linear growth and there are three reasons for it. One, Telecom companies are conservative. It cost billions of dollars to update their sprawling hardware. Two. The immediate impact of the end-user is not a guaranteed faster experience if they do upgrade their infrastructure. You can have the fastest hardware in the world on your street but that doesn’t automatically make the rest of the countries hardware faster. That slow loading web page may only be imperceptible faster after your area’s hardware is upgraded. Lastly, as new people get online, it’s more likely they are using older slower devices so the average expected speed is kept pressed down by these newcomers.

Since 1G was introduced in the 1980s, new wireless technology has been released every ten years. The advent of 1G introduced mobile telephony. Than 2G in the ’90s brought about global roaming and SMS. The 200’s saw 3G and smartphones with data. 2010 introduced 4G and mobile broadband. The year 2020 will be the year of 5G and the realization of the fully ubiquitous cloud. To put this in perspective, let’s say you wanted to download the newest episode of your favorite television show. At 800MB it would have taken 8 hours hrs to download in 1998, 5 hrs in 2001, 45 minutes in 2009, and 1 second with the new wireless protocol.

The impact and roll out of 5G will be enormous. With current networks, it takes about 100 milliseconds for information to travel across a network. With 5G, that latency will be reduced to 1 millisecond. We are talking about downloading full-length 5k movies in less than a second, surgeons controlling surgical robots in real-time from across the country, smart cities, and smart car-to-car communications.

4. Koomey’s Law

Koomey’s law has to do with the efficient use of energy and states that the number of computations per joule of energy dissipated has been doubling approximately every 1.57 years. This trend has been stable since the 1950s and has been faster than Moore’s law. Jonathan Koomey reframed the trend as follows: “at a fixed computing load, the amount of battery you need will fall by a factor of two every year and a half”. You can see the effect of this law in today’s newest generation CPU’s (Apple’s M1 chip) that are pumping out incredible amounts of processing power at significantly reduced levels of energy consumption.

5. Metcalfe’s Law

This power law with its closely associated cousin, the network effect, asserts that the value of a network is proportional to how many users are a part of it and that the addition of a new member adds value to all the existing members. A good example of this power law at work are social media sites like Facebook and YouTube. These sites had no revenue model in the beginning and were very expensive to run but grew to have so many users that the value grew directly from the value of the size of the network itself. Not too many years ago, software products had to packaged on physical media and shipped through the mail to users. Now, the same products can be built and deployed to one of any number of app stores and have a global audience with little to no overhead.

6. Hendy’s Law

Next, consider Hendy’s Law. Hendy’s Law states that the number of pixels per dollar in a digital camera doubles every two years. We can generalize this trend to encompass the idea that our ability to capture images and video of the world is exponentially improving year over year. This improvement opens the door to such high-fidelity VR and lifelogging that our human senses begin to find synthetic media and real-life indistinguishable. This already exists in the form of gigapixel photography where images are used instead of real specimens in biological study where we can’t tell the difference even under a microscope. Imagine being able to photograph a group of people and then zoom in so close later that you can identify properties of their cellular biology.

7. Bell’s Law

Last on our list is Bell’s Law. It says a new class of smaller, cheaper computers comes along about every decade. With each new class, the volume shrinks by two orders of magnitude, and the number of systems per person increases. The law has held from 1960s’ mainframes through the ‘80s’ personal computers, the ‘90s’ notebooks, and the new millennium’s smart phones. This is likely manifesting in the realm of wearable right now with the wild success of smart watched and wireless intelligent earbuds.

To wrap this up and summarize, while there may be temporary or geographically isolated stalls in the progression of these laws, they are still holding steady. You might compare them to walking up a set of stairs. At various points in your travel up the stairs, you rise up very high and then drop low. You do not move at a constant linearly increasing height. You go up and down but the trend is a clear move upwards. Through that up and down, you are converging on a net increase. The same is true of these digital laws. The overarching result is that software is eating the world and eating itself, recursively accelerating the process even further. One doesn’t need to theorize about potential advances in machine intelligence to see that we are accelerating into an unimaginable future. A clear technological singularity.

If none of the above convinces I will leave you with this chart illustrating the grown of the global economy. Assuming the continuation of these power laws, where are we 50–100 years from now?

[yuexuan]

Fiction recommendation 19

Halloween’s here! As per past tradition, here’s another round of fic recs! The theme is still horror/supernatural/apocalyptic-oriented (because that’s my jam~). 

My previous Halloween fic recs can be found here and here

1.  小蘑菇 (Little mushroom)

Author: 一十四洲 (Xiao Shi Si Zhou)

Future, apocalypse, sci-fi

Summary:

He who brings Judgement is judged...by none other than a small mushroom. 

An Zhe was a simple mushroom and his only goal in life was to ensure the survival of his spore. One day, he lost his spore. He searched high and far, even risking his life to infiltrate a human base where he suspected the spore was taken to. The problem was that the human base was guarded by the Judge, a human with an inexplicably acute sense of distinguishing infected mutants from normal human. 

Too bad that he could only distinguish animal and plant-based mutants, and An Zhe was a fungi, eh?

Comments: 

Set in the future where Earth had finally lost its magnetic fields, inducing changes far beyond what anyone might anticipate. I particularly liked the world-building, from creating mannequins to commemorate the dead as a job, to the different ways they detect mutants, or the facilities that humans built to counter incoming attacks. Definitely worth a read!

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Audio drama

2.  不死者 (Undead)

Author: 淮上 (Huai Shang)

Future, apocalypse, sci-fi, ABO, zombie

Summary:

2019, the year when the Pandora Virus raged across the globe. Infrastructures  were destroyed, basic services halted, nuclear plants experienced meltdown, and cities were sunken into despair. In a place without God, humanity's hope rests in the hands of a few. 

Unit 118 was responsible for bringing back the antidote, in the form of an omega who had developed resistance to the Pandora Virus. The problem was that the omega wasn’t entirely cooperative. Also, he was more-than-capable of taking down zombies and alphas alike.

Comments:

This is an ABO x zombie fic, so if you like both settings and appreciate a power couple, you’re gonna enjoy this!

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Audio drama

3.  民调局异闻录 (Bureau of paranormal investigation)

Author: 耳东水寿 (Er Dong Shui Shou)

Supernatural, mystery, modern

Summary: 

During a stakeout, Shen La and crew were tricked into a cave filled with the Undead. In the course of escaping, he reopened his Heaven’s Eye that enabled him to see ghosts and other paranormal beings. As a result, he was approached and recruited by the ‘census bureau’, a secret government agency tasked with dealing with paranormal activities.

**Note that this is not a danmei

Comment:

If you like Daomu, you’re going to enjoy this novel because the writing style, characterization etc. are heavily inspired from Daomu. The entire novel consisted of short stories where the main cast deals with different paranormal events. It is situated within a larger universe, including prequels and sequels such as 勉传、暗夜将至���绝处逢生、民调局异闻录后传. I’m currently reading 勉传 , but it’s nowhere as exciting and entertaining as the main book lol. 

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Donghua

4.  寒武再临 (The return of Cambrian Period)

Author:  水千丞 (Shui Qian Cheng)

Sci-fi, future, apocalypse, special abilities

Summary:

A sudden earthquake caused the rapid evolution of all living things on earth. Suddenly humankind found itself no longer at the top of the food chain and their hope rests in the hands of those who evolved special features to protect them. 

Chong Xia came by an old jade holding the secrets to advancing others’ evolution, possibly giving humankind a second chance at survival. 

Comments:

Another apocalypse fic with very expansive world-building. I really enjoyed the first part of the story - it’s refreshing to see a smart characters that make wise use of scientific knowledge. Somehow this dwindled later in the story, and Chong Xia became just any typical nice-hero, which was kinda disappointing but hey, the world-building more than makes up for it! Also, I heard that there is a new donghua coming out based on this.

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Audio drama

5.  图灵测试 (Turing test)

Author:  唇亡齒寒0 (Chun Wang Chi Han 0)

Sci-fi

Summary:

The 28th test: failure. Once again Yu ShaoQing correctly identified the AI in the virtual reality test, much to the frustrations of the AI’s creators. But what if...the AI was losing on purpose? 

"Is this reality?" Yu ShaoQing awoke again from the virtual world, but he was supposed to be dead.

Comments:

Interesting take on the Turing Test, which is a method of testing whether an AI is capable of thinking like a human. It’s a relatively short fic for a good read :)

Novel 

6.  复生门徒 (Revived disciples)

Author:  四十九盞燈 (Si Shi Jiu Zhan Deng)

Apocalypse, sci-fi, mutants/special abilities

Summary:

‘A species is never extinct. Instead, their DNA is just sleeping. When the conditions are right, these DNA will reawaken.” - <Summary of the Solar Plan>

2017, the Solar Plan went askew, resulting in the reawakening of ancient species and the destruction of society. Majority of humankind fell into the bottom rung of the food chain. At the same time, the ancient DNAs resting within some humans were slowly coming back to life......

The killer ‘Red Eye’ and mercenary ‘Ghost Wolf’ were accidentally embroiled into part of the Solar Plan. Amidst the chaos, they paved a bloody pathway for humankind.

Comments:

If you like a power couple, this fic will be to your liking. It is fast-paced, with a lot of plot twists and interesting takes on power mutation/evolution. 

Novel 

7. 灵笼: Incarnation

Apocalypse, sci-fi

Summary (taken from myanimelist)

In the not-too-distant future, the human world has long been overpopulated. Humanity marched to the stars in search of a new home, and just as this was going on, the moon's alignment caused massive earthquakes to ripple across the world, lasting several decades. Humanity was demolished. When the land finally recovered, humanity reemerged to face this strange yet familiar world. Will we, who once lorded over this domain, still remain the masters of this world?

Comments:

This is not a fiction but a 3D donghua that really deserves more views due to its engaging plot and high-quality production. Honestly I felt like people didn’t talk about it just because it’s not BL/GL, but I strongly recommend the donghua. It is available for free on Bilibili’s official youtube site.