The Constellations Over The Night Skies - For Beginners

 

Thank you, Bibi, for your interesting question and your interest in astronomy. Thank you for those kind words for me on my essays on Space Travels. I have not quite finished yet. There  are a few more parts to write. Bear with me. 

Thank you for being so appreciative - your kind words are an encouragement for me. They warm my heart deeply.  

Just like your good self,  people often ask me, what are the most famous constellations in the skies?  The concept of "fame" when it comes to constellations is subjective and can vary depending on cultural significance, historical importance, and visibility from Earth. However, some constellations are widely considered more well-known due to their prominence and the stories associated with them. Here are ten of the most famous constellations, in no particular order:

1. Orion - Known as "The Hunter," it is one of the most conspicuous and recognizable constellations in the night sky, visible across the world.

2. Ursa Major - Famous for containing the Big Dipper asterism, it's one of the largest and most recognizable constellations.

3. Ursa Minor - Known for the Little Dipper and Polaris, the North Star, it's crucial for navigation.

4. Cassiopeia - Easily recognizable due to its distinct W shape, it is associated with the mythological queen Cassiopeia.

5. Scorpius - Known for its shape resembling a scorpion and its bright red star, Antares.

6. Leo - Recognized for resembling a lion, it is most prominent in the northern hemisphere during spring.

7. Taurus - Known for the prominent star cluster Pleiades and the bright star Aldebaran.

8. Gemini - Represents the twins Castor and Pollux, with the stars Castor and Pollux marking their heads.

9. Cygnus - Known as the Swan, it contains the bright star Deneb and the asterism known as the Northern Cross.

10. Aquarius - Famous in astrology and mythology, it's recognized as the water-bearer.

These constellations are commonly studied in astronomy and have significant cultural and navigational importance across different societies.

But the 12 most famous constellations recognized over the Malaysian skies all-round the year starting from Orion beginning from November are:

1.      Orion

2.      Ursa Major

3.      Ursa Minor

4.      Cassiopeia

5.      Scorpius

6.      Sagittarius

7.      Leo

8.      Taurus

9.      Gemini

10. Virgo

11. Canis Major

12. Andromeda

Then  every 3 months thereafter when Orion has set, the other constellations will appear in the night skies.

In November Orion is prominent in the night sky. Other constellations in November are Taurus and Gemini if you face NW directions, Canis Major in the SW direction.

By February Orion begins to set earlier. The other constellations like Taurus (NW), Gemini (NW), Canis Major (SW), Leo (E) will appear.

Then in May, Orion is mostly gone from the evening sky. Other constellations -  Scorpius (S), Sagittarius (S), Libra (S) will appear.

By August, Orion has set and is not visible. Other constellations like Pegasus (E), Andromeda (E), Aquarius (E) will grace the skies.  

The directions to face for observing are the following:

Taurus: Face Northwest (NW)

Gemini: Face Northwest (NW)

Canis Major: Face Southwest (SW)

Leo: Face East (E)

Scorpius: Face South (S)

Sagittarius: Face South (S)

Libra: Face South (S)

Pegasus: Face East (E)

Andromeda: Face East (E)

Aquarius: Face East (E)

In order to help beginners to identify the constellations, I suggest they buy a planisphere which is a rotating star chart that displays the visible stars and constellations in the night sky for a specific time and location. It consists of two discs: the outer disc shows a map of the stars, while the inner disc has a cut-out window that reveals the stars visible at a given time when aligned with a specific date and time.

Here is how a planisphere works:

Date and Time Alignment -  To use a planisphere, they first set the date and time on the device. The outer disc is rotated until the current date aligns with the time indicator on the inner disc.

Place it against the sky for viewing the constellations. The cut-out window will show the portion of the sky that is visible at that time, including constellations and bright stars. By using the planisphere regularly, they can familiarize themselves with the constellations and their positions throughout the year.

While many planispheres are designed for the northern hemisphere, there are versions specifically made for the southern hemisphere. Near the equator like in Malaysia, a planisphere can still be useful, but it may not provide all the details for constellations that are specific to either hemisphere. Some constellations will be visible from both the northern and southern perspectives.

For Malaysian skies, they might want to look for a planisphere that covers both northern and southern hemisphere constellations. Here are some options for purchasing one:

Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or local e-commerce platforms (like Lazada or Shopee) often have a variety of planispheres.

Bookstores: Check local bookstores or specialty science shops that might stock astronomy-related products.

Astronomy Clubs: Reach out to local astronomy clubs in Malaysia, as they may have recommendations or even sell planispheres.

Make sure to check the specifications to ensure that it covers the relevant celestial bodies visible from your location!

Getting a planisphere will help amateur astronomers begin to study the  night skies for the first time. I think for me;  Orion is probably the most prominent and most famous among 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). But I have given only 12 most easily recognized ones for amateur astronomers who are keen in studying astronomy for the first time.

There are a lot of folklores and mythologies behind all these constellations. For example, in Greek mythology, Orion was a hunter. According to greekmythology.com, there are several stories about Orion's birth as well as his death. According to the oldest version, described on greekmythology.com Orion was the son of the god Poseidon and Euryale, daughter of King Minos of Crete.

Orion inherited the ability to walk on water from his father and made his way to the island of Chios. It was there that Orion drank too much and made sexual advances to Merope, the daughter of the local king. King Oenopion had Orion blinded and thrown off the island. Orion then made his way to the east where Helios — the sun god — restored his eyesight. Confident in his hunting abilities, Orion declared he would kill every animal in the world but Gaea — the goddess of the Earth — angered by Orion's claims, sent a scorpion to kill him. 

Upon Orion's demise, Zeus turned him into a constellation, along with the scorpion that killed him. According to a constellation website constellation-guide.com, the scorpion (constellation Scorpius) and Orion were placed on opposite sides of the sky so that when Scorpius rises in the sky, Orion flees and sets below the horizon. 

While the name Orion is steeped in Greek mythology, many cultures have been influenced by the story of this constellation. According to constellationguide.com, the three stars of Orion's Belt are known as Drie Konings (the three kings) or Drie Susters (the three sisters) in South Africa. In Spain and Latin America, the stars are called Las Tres Marías, or The Three Marys. Ancient Egyptians believed Orion's Belt was the resting place of the soul of the god Osiris, according to the Chandra X-ray Observatory. 

Whatever their mythologies each constellation is a region of the sky bordered by arcs of right ascension and declination, together covering the entire celestial sphere.

I hope this is interesting for beginners wanting only to learn simple astronomy and their stories behind.  

Once you are more knowledgeable, I shall tell you far more advanced aspect of astronomy – the scientific aspect of it, for example the various scientific theories in astrophysics, astrobiology, cosmology and some of the latest significant discoveries in astronomy such as that involves the detection of gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes. This event, observed by the LIGO and Virgo observatories, provided new insights into how black holes form and evolve. It also opened up a new field of multi-messenger astronomy, where observations are made using different types of signals, such as electromagnetic waves and gravitational waves.

Another exciting development is the ongoing study of exoplanets, particularly those in the habitable zone of their stars. The James Webb Space Telescope has been providing unprecedented data on the atmospheres of distant planets, potentially identifying signs of life or habitable conditions.

These discoveries are just a glimpse into the rapidly evolving field of astronomy, where new technologies and methods are constantly leading to groundbreaking findings.

But let you try to identify the constellations first

Here is a link what you can find in Orion

https://www.space.com/16659-constellation-orion.html

I hope this will excite you.

 

 

Space Travels to Other Worlds: Oxygen, Water & Food Problems (Part 4)

Let us today in Part 4 of our series of essays address this problem on how a space traveller on a very long journey in the confinement of a spaceship would be able to find air (oxygen) , water and food unless they are recycled. It is obviously not possible to grow food in the deep darkness of space as there is no light there for photosynthesis except starlight that is far from sufficient.

There is also no possibility of agriculture as this requires vast lands. There may be a possibility of recycling water, but how are we going to recycle excreta as food? This is revolting and psychologically unacceptable even if possible. Even then the recycled excreta as food would have less energy content after the original food eaten was already metabolized by the body for energy.

One way to solve the food crisis is to grow algae or the use of synthetic food. Again, this requires a lot of light and energy. Also how are we going to get a continuous supply of oxygen for breathing unless by electrolysis of water? But this will yield hydrogen as well. But if we burn the oxygen and hydrogen together, we get back water instead. So how and where are we going to  get a continuous supply of oxygen to sustain life unless the human body were placed in suspended animation where probably he need not breathe or requires very, very oxygen. In short, how are we going to solve this problem about food, water and oxygen?

These are fundamental challenges of long-duration space travel - food, water, and oxygen sustainability.  Let me give a detailed explanation addressing these concerns, exploring current technologies, possible future solutions, and the feasibility of suspended animation as an alternative.

 

Sustaining Life in Long-Duration Space Travel - Challenges and Solutions:

One of the greatest challenges for space travellers on a prolonged journey is food supply. Given that agriculture as we know it is impossible in the confined space of a spacecraft, alternative methods must be explored.

 

Recycling Organic Waste:

While recycling food from human waste is theoretically possible, it is not psychologically acceptable and is energetically inefficient. The human body metabolizes food for energy, leaving little behind that can be reused as nourishment.

 

Algae Cultivation:

Algae such as Spirulina and Chlorella can be cultivated in controlled environments with minimal resources. These organisms require light, carbon dioxide, and water, and they can provide essential proteins, vitamins, and fats. Artificial LED lighting could be used in place of sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis, though it would require an energy source.

 

Synthetic Food Production:

Advancements in biotechnology allow for the synthesis of food from bacteria and fungi, such as single-cell proteins (e.g., mycoproteins). These require minimal resources and can be grown in bioreactors. Future space missions might also include 3D-printed food using bioengineered nutrients.

 

Water Supply and water recycling:

Water is a critical resource, and recycling is essential to maintain a continuous supply.

NASA’s Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the International Space Station already recycles urine, sweat, and wastewater through a filtration and purification system. This technology will be crucial for extended space travel.

 

Extraction of Water from Asteroids:

Some asteroids contain water ice, which could be mined and purified for drinking and oxygen production.

 

Oxygen Supply:

A continuous supply of oxygen is essential for human survival in space. Several methods have been proposed:

 

Electrolysis of Water:

Splitting water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis is a viable way to produce breathable oxygen. The hydrogen can either be vented into space or recombined with oxygen to form water again.

 

Algae and Plant Oxygen Production:

Photosynthetic organisms, such as algae and plants, naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Closed-loop bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) could utilize this natural cycle.

 

Oxygen Harvesting from Lunar or Martian Regolith:

Research suggests that lunar and Martian soil contain oxygen in the form of metal oxides, which could be extracted through chemical reduction.

 

Suspended Animation as an Alternative:

If sustaining life for long journeys proves too difficult, an alternative could be placing astronauts in suspended animation (hibernation-like states). This would drastically reduce oxygen, food, and water requirements. Some proposed methods include therapeutic hypothermia - cooling the body to slow metabolic processes.

Another way is induced torpor by using pharmaceutical agents to reduce metabolic activity.

Conclusion

Sustaining human life in deep space requires a combination of advanced recycling technologies, alternative food production methods, and possibly even hibernation techniques. While significant challenges remain, ongoing research in space life-support systems offers promising solutions for the future of interstellar travel.

 

 

Space Travels to Other Worlds: Time Dilation & Wormholes (Part 3)

 In Part 1 & 2 on the fate of humanity due to over population I have hinted at the possibilities of colonizing other worlds.

 

We shall continue this fascinating topic at some challenges a space traveller will face by briefly outlining whatever that flows my mind.

 

We shall look at the scale of the problem -  why reaching even the nearest stars is a monumental challenge. First, we shall look at the fuel and propulsion problems. Conventional chemical rocket propulsion is inadequate  for interstellar distances.

 

The use of nuclear propulsion such as the idea of nuclear thermal and nuclear pulse propulsion (e.g., Project Orion, Project Daedalus) is an option, but nuclear power is too heavy, and risky.

 Exploring the feasibility of using solar energy and light pressure, ion propulsion and solar sails are better alternatives, although solar energy will diminish as we leave the Solar System. 

Theoretical energy sources, such as fusion and antimatter propulsion could power a star ship.

I think for fuel and propulsion there are breakthrough star shot and laser propulsion, concepts like using Earth-based lasers to push lightweight probes at near-light speeds.

 

However, in order to manage vast distances and time, we may use warp drives and wormholes or Einstein-Rosen bridge (I shall shortly explain wormholes in detail) are theoretical concepts from physics, such as the Alcubierre drive and traversable wormholes that are short cut paths across immensely vast, vast distances that may possibly take an interstellar journey only a few seconds  instead of thousands, millions, billions or trillions of years to arrive. 

 

For the management of aging,  according to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, a space traveller moving at a speed close to the speed of light would experience time dilation. This means that time passes more slowly for the traveller compared to someone who is stationary on Earth. To put this in another way - the space traveller ages slower on the spaceship compared to someone on Earth.

 

When the spaceship is moving close to the speed of light, time dilation occurs, meaning that time for the traveller on the spaceship passes more slowly than time for someone who is stationary on Earth. So, if the traveller spends, say, 10 years on the spaceship, those 10 years would feel like much less time for the traveller due to time dilation. This phenomenon is directly related to the Lorentz factor: 

 

gamma (γ)   = 1 /√ (1 / v2 / c2)

 

where,

 

v = speed moving observer

 

c = speed of light in a vacuum

 

which mathematically describes how much time dilation occurs at a given velocity; essentially, the higher the speed, the greater the Lorentz factor, and the more time slows down for the moving object relative to a stationary observer. 

 

For someone on Earth, however, the passage of time would be normal, so they would age the typical amount. In fact, when the traveller returns to Earth, they would have aged less than the people who stayed behind. Let's have a look numerically here. 

 

 If we enter the values into the Lorentz factor (γ) of an object travelling at 2 % the speed of light

 

Given by the above equation:

 

gamma (γ)   = 1 /√ (1 / v2 / c2)

 

 the Lorentz factor is approximately

 

1.0002

 

Interpretation:

 

This means that, for an object traveling at 2% of the speed of light, relativistic effects such as time dilation are extremely small. The time experienced by a moving observer (the "moving clock") would be only slightly slower than the time experienced by a stationary observer (the "stationary clock").

 

For example, if 1 second passes for an observer at rest, only about 1.00021 seconds would pass for the moving observer. The difference is so small that it is practically negligible at this low speed.

 

In terms of time dilation: the time difference would be imperceptible at 2% of the speed of light, which is typical for everyday speeds. Relativistic time effects only become noticeable at speeds that are a significant fraction of the speed of light.

 

For example, if the traveller moves at 99 % the speed of light, what would be the Lorentz factor, and what does that mean to the traveller, compared to someone at rest?

 

Let's now re-calculate the Lorentz factor for an object traveling at 99% of the speed of light.

 

We’ll use the same formula for the Lorentz factor:

 

gamma (γ)   = 1 /√ (1 / v2 / c2)

 

If we calculate this out, this works out to be  ≈ 7.09

 

Interpretation:

 

The Lorentz factor is approximately 7.09 when the object is moving at 99% of the speed of light.

 

What does this mean? This means time for the traveller will slow down relative to someone at rest. Specifically, for every second that passes for someone at rest, only about 1 / 7.09  ≈ 00.141 seconds will pass for the traveller.

 

In terms of time dilation, the traveller’s clock would be moving about 7.09 times slower than the clock of an observer at rest. This means that time would appear to pass much more slowly for the traveller compared to someone who is stationary.

 

For example, if the traveller spends 7.09 seconds traveling at 99% the speed of light, someone at rest would observe that 1 second has passed for the traveller.

 

A practical example is, if the traveller moves at 99% the speed of light for 7.09 years, only 1 year would pass for an observer at rest.

 

This level of time dilation becomes significant at high speeds like 99% of the speed of light and shows just how much time is affected at relativistic velocities!

 

Let me put it another simpler term. For the traveller on the spaceship, they experience time more slowly while traveling near the speed of light, so they age slower. For someone on Earth, time passes at the normal rate, so they age faster in comparison to the traveller.

 

This is the core idea of the twin paradox. The traveling twin (the one on the spaceship) will be younger than the twin who stays on Earth after they reunite. This effect becomes more pronounced as the speed of the spaceship approaches the speed of light. At light speed, theoretically, time would stop completely for the traveller, but traveling at that speed is impossible because it would require infinite energy.

 

Therefore, if the traveller returns to Earth after their high-speed journey, they would have aged much less than those who stayed on Earth.

 

The relativistic time dilation may solve the limits of human lifespans in high speeds travels in space.

 

According to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, time dilation occurs when an object moves at speeds approaching the speed of light. For a space traveller moving at such velocities, time in their frame of reference slows down relative to an observer on Earth. As a result, if the traveller embarks on an extended journey at relativistic speeds and subsequently returns to Earth, significantly less time would have elapsed for them compared to those who remained on the planet. 

Depending on the duration and velocity of the journey, centuries may have passed on Earth, leading to the demise of multiple generations, while the traveller themselves would have aged only by a fraction of that time. This effect is a direct consequence of the Lorentz factor, which mathematically describes how time dilates as velocity approaches the speed of light.

If this explanation is difficult to understand, let me rewrite it in  a simpler way

When a space traveller moves at speeds close to the speed of light, time for them slows down relative to an observer on Earth. This is a direct consequence of Einstein’s theory of relativity, specifically time dilation. If the traveller embarks on a journey at near-light speed and later returns to Earth, they would have aged only a little, whereas much more time would have passed on Earth—potentially centuries. As a result, the traveller may find that entire generations have passed away while they themselves have barely aged.

One theoretical way to short cut long, long journeys is to use worm holes passages. A wormhole, as theorized in Einstein’s general relativity, is a hypothetical tunnel-like structure that connects two separate points in spacetime, potentially allowing for instantaneous travel between them. 

A useful analogy involves imagining space as a two-dimensional sheet of paper. If we mark two points, A and B, on this sheet, a conventional journey between them requires traveling along the surface, much like drawing a line between the points. The longer the line, the more time it takes.

However, if we bend or fold the paper so that points A and B touch, we effectively reduce the spatial separation to zero. By then piercing a hole through these touching points with a needle, we create a shortcut - analogous to a wormhole, that allows for near-instantaneous traversal between the two locations. In the context of general relativity, such a wormhole would be a solution to Einstein’s field equations, often modelled by the Einstein-Rosen bridge, though its stability remains a theoretical challenge.

Besides the problem of horrendously vast distances,   staggering amount of energy is needed for high-speed interstellar travel already briefly written, there is also the problem with cosmic hazards such as space debris, radiation, and other dangers of traveling at relativistic speeds.

 

There are also communication delays with the challenge of maintaining contact with Earth over light-years of distance.

 

Besides that, we also have another problem with human adaptation to biological and psychological effects of long-duration space travel.

 

What are the potential solutions to overcome challenges then? One solution is to use generation ships. This means  sending multi-generational crews to settle distant star systems.

 

Another method is cryogenic sleep and biostasis, the idea of hibernating travellers for long journeys. We also need Artificial Intelligence and robotics by sending autonomous probes before human explorers. If safe, AI need to accompany us in the journey. We shall go into these areas of discussions in Part 4 

 

The future of humanity among the stars also depends on ethical and philosophical implications of interstellar colonization.

 

In one of my many technical forum discussions at the University of Oxford when I did my postdoctoral there, I proposed, we need to  search for the nearest habitable exoplanets, where we might go first instead of going to the stars, much, much further away. We shall briefly go into our search of exoplanets in Part 4 of this series of essays. How interstellar travel might change human civilization I am not sure. 

What about extra-terrestrial intelligence should we encounter alien beings halfway through our journey or when we landed in another world? I am unsure how to answer that! It can be very frightening especially when you are alone in isolation out there in the darkness and void of deep outer space with only a few crew members, and I dare not discuss this here.

 

Meantime, we need to explore the importance of continued scientific advancements in making it a future possibility. 

The potential and obstacles of interstellar travel remains one of the greatest challenges of human exploration.

 

As I have suggested, we can search for habitable exoplanets, where might we go first? We shall try to explore some newly discovered exoplanets (planets that lie outside our Solar System) if life exists there and how we can get there in the future – food for thought. 

We shall write on this later, but before that, we shall try to solve one of our greatest problems and requirements of all - how are we going get air, water and food out there in the darkness and void of outer space? We shall answer in dilemma in Part 4  

 

Space Travels to Other Worlds: Micrometeoroids & Energy of Impact (Part 2)

by:  

jb lim 

BSc, MD, Postgrad Dip Nutrition, MSc, PhD (Med), FRSPH, FRSM, Postdoctoral Astronomy (Oxford), Postdoctoral Evolution (Cambridge), Post Doctoral Forensic Science: Toxicology (Cambridge) 

 

 Remember, in Part 1 of this series of essays on space travels,  we were talking about the possibility of interstellar travel. We talked about the problem of food and water supplies and the energy needed to fuel the spaceship on such a long unimaginable journey. We assume once in the vacuum of space, our spaceship will travel on, and on without any more need of fuel once it is in motion (or will it?). Unfortunately, this is not to be. There will be resistance to our spaceship for it to travel far without some kind of propulsion.  Let’s see the reasons and how we can overcome this problem.

Isacc Newton 1^st Law of Motion states that:

“Any body (example a spaceship),  will remain at rest, or continue to move in a straight line, unless acted on by an external force”  

Let’s see what this means, shall we?

 Even in between the vast intergalactic space, it is not completely a vacuum; while it is extremely empty,  it still contains at least one if not very few atoms per cubic metre of space. 

In truth there are thousands of micrometeoroids per cubic meter out there, making interstellar space the closest approximation to a perfect vacuum, yet not entirely devoid of matter.

On this argument even if a spaceship on such a long interstellar journey to another stellar system it will meet with resistance. They will be acted upon by an external force to force the spaceship to gradually slow down to a final stop. 

This said, our spaceship as it travels will continue to collide with untold numbers of micrometeorites in deep space, not just between the stars, but even as ‘empty’ as between the galaxies (intergalactic spaces). 

Consider this, even Earth in motion around the Sun has been bombarded by an estimated 30,000 tons of these micrometeoroids each year.

A spaceship on such a long interstellar journey to another stellar system such as to the nearest star – Proxima Centauri, will still collide with untold numbers of micrometeorites.

 No doubt the Earth surface is far larger than that of a spaceship, still, “little drops of water make a mighty ocean”, so the saying goes. This goes for our spaceship, though much smaller than the Earth, its encounter with such “tiny drops of micrometeoroids”, or even just a few atoms may seem insignificant, but  over very, very long distance and time these ‘small drops of water’ make a mighty oceanic collision. Let us calculate this out with an example.

Let us say, each cubic metre of space contains only 10 micrometeoroids, each micrometeoroid weighing only between 10^-3 and 10^-6 grams (0.001 to 0.000,001) gm.  Let’s put 10 x 5^- 7 kg (0.0,000,005) kg as the average mass of each micrometeoroid

Let’s now assume for the sake of calculation, we have a spaceship whose front surface area is 100 sq. metre. This means, for every metre the spaceship moves forward, it will cover 100 cubic metres of space.

The distance to the nearest star to our Sun is Proxima Centauri is 4.246 light years or 4.018 ^ 13 km (4.018 ^ 16 m) away since 1 light year = 9.461^12 km = 9.461^15 m. This means the total space the spaceship it would scoop up from Earth to Proxima Centauri is 4.018^18 cubic meters containing a total of: 4.018^18 cubic metre x 10 micrometeoroids strike per cubic metre x 5^-7 kg for each micrometeoroid. This works out to be 2 ^ 13  (20 trillion) kg of micrometeoroids it would have encountered.

 Since the spaceship was moving at a speed of, let’s say,  only 2 % the speed of light (6,000,000 m / s), this means the kinetic energy of impact with 2^13 (2 x 10 ¹³) kg or  20 trillion kg of micrometeoroids would be: ½ mv^2

= 3.6^26  (3.6 x 10 ²⁶) Joules or 360,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Joules 

This is a staggering 360 trillion, trillion Joules of energy from micrometeoroids smashing onto the spaceship slowly, slowly bringing our spaceship to a grinding halt before it could even reach anywhere near the nearest star 

Each impact by just one micrometeoroid would deliver a stunning punch of 9000,000 Joules.   

It just merely obeys the First Law of Motion of Isaac Newton, also known as the law of inertia. 

What does this mean for interstellar travel? It is quite reasonable to conclude that without a continuous means of propulsion, a spacecraft could indeed experience significant drag effects from interstellar dust and micrometeoroids over long distances. Even though space is an extreme vacuum, the few atoms and particles present over millions of years of travel could exert enough resistance to halt a ship.

However, does this mean interstellar travel is impossible? Not necessarily! Let’s have a look at how we can overcome this problem.

1. Shielding & Deflection: Advanced spacecraft designs could employ electromagnetic fields or physical shielding to deflect micrometeoroids and interstellar dust. Magnetic or plasma shields could reduce the impact of high-velocity particles.
2. Continuous Propulsion: Concepts like nuclear fusion propulsion, ion drives, or even laser sails could maintain velocity over long periods, compensating for any momentum loss from micrometeoroid collisions.
3. Alternative Methods: Warp drive theories (like Alcubierre’s concept) or gravitational assists from massive objects might offer future possibilities for circumventing interstellar drag.

My final thoughts are,  we made an excellent case that conventional ballistic travel (coasting without propulsion) is impractical due to the accumulated effects of micrometeoroid collisions. However, if we develop means of continuous propulsion and shielding, interstellar travel may still be feasible.

Our problem here is to find a continuous source of propulsion energy to coast along vast, vast distances against the resistance of micrometeoroids.  Another challenge of interstellar travel is not just about propulsion but also sustaining life, dealing with radiation, shielding against interstellar debris, and generating energy for long-term survival. Let's first explore the propulsion issue further.

Even electromagnetic shields require constant electrical energy, nuclear fusion reactors may be an option, probably too heavy and risky to carry along, ion drives (obtained from deep space?) is an option. Interstellar space is far too dark to get any energy for sure. Would humanity exist long enough to develop all these outer space technologies when we can't even take care of our own home earth with so much energy and other resources?

Potential Propulsion Systems for Interstellar Travel:

What about nuclear fusion propulsion? This is one of the most promising options, but as I like to point out, it's currently beyond our engineering capabilities for space travel.
A fusion-powered spaceship would require large magnetic confinement systems (like tokamaks or stellarators) or inertial confinement, both of which are massive and complex. However, if perfected, it could provide high thrust and efficiency, using isotopes like deuterium and tritium, or even helium-3 if we could mine it from the Moon or gas giant stars. Maybe we can also use Diamond Battery – see link here:

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/12/an-endless-energy-from-diamond-battery.html

What about antimatter propulsion?  This is extremely efficient, converting mass directly into energy via 

E = mc². 

The challenge is that antimatter is exceedingly difficult and expensive to produce and store. A few milligrams could power a spacecraft but producing even that amount is currently impractical. Storage is also a problem since antimatter annihilates upon contact with normal matter.

 

What about  ion drives & plasma propulsion? These work by accelerating ions using electricity (often from solar panels or nuclear power). Ion drives provide continuous, low thrust, meaning they can slowly build up high speeds over time.

NASA’s Dawn spacecraft used ion propulsion to explore asteroids, but interstellar distances require a much more powerful variant. Ion drives provide continuous, low thrust, meaning they can slowly build up high speeds over time.

NASA’s Dawn spacecraft used ion propulsion to explore asteroids, but interstellar distances require a much more powerful variant.

Laser Sails (or Light Sails). 

These involve using high-power lasers or focused sunlight to push a reflective sail attached to a spacecraft.

1. The concept relies on the momentum of photons (light particles) transferring energy to the sail.
2. The Breakthrough Starshot project proposes using Earth-based laser beams to accelerate a tiny, gram-scale probe to 20% the speed of light.
3. This is great for small probes but may not work for large, crewed ships unless we develop space-based laser stations.

The concept relies on the momentum of photons (light particles) transferring energy to the sail. The Breakthrough Starshot project proposes using Earth-based laser beams to accelerate a tiny, gram-scale probe to 20% the speed of light. This is great for small probes but may not work for large, crewed ships unless we develop space-based laser stations.

1. Ramjet Concepts (Bussard Ramjet) –

This idea involves collecting interstellar hydrogen using a massive magnetic field and using it as fuel for a fusion reactor.

2. However, interstellar hydrogen is sparse, and achieving sufficient collection efficiency might be impossible.
3. Exotic Speculative Ideas –

Warp drives (Alcubierre drive) – Theoretically, spacetime itself could be warped to allow faster-than-light travel, but this requires exotic matter with negative energy density.

4. Wormholes – Hypothetical shortcuts through spacetime, but their stability and feasibility are unknown.
5. Would Humanity Exist Long Enough to Develop These?

 

This is a great philosophical and practical question. Despite our technological advancements, humanity struggles with sustainability, resource depletion, and geopolitical issues.

 

As I pointed out, if we cannot properly manage Earth, what hope do we have of sustaining ourselves in deep space? We would need a civilization with long-term planning, stability, and cooperation to develop and deploy such advanced technologies.

 

Even if these technologies become feasible, would humanity prioritize space colonization when there are more pressing concerns (climate change, resource depletion, overpopulation, social instability)?

 

For now, I agree humanity is nowhere near interstellar capability, even for an unmanned probe, let alone a crewed mission. Theoretical physics and engineering concepts exist, but practical application is far off. Sustainable planetary management should come first, space travel should complement, not replace, efforts to take care of Earth.

 

Focusing on building a sustainable civilization is more urgent than dreaming of interstellar travel? Or do we think humanity should still push for space exploration at all costs?

 

Currently, I think it is far more practical for us to find 'easier' ways to deal with our environmental problems than to challenge deep space hostile environments - no air, no water, no food, no companion - left alone with just a few crew members in the darkness and isolation of interstellar space - no matter how fast we travel, no matter how far we accelerate we can never reach there - even to the nearest star - there may be a fight on board from an altered mind due to isolation. We only think of the physics of travel without considering the biological aspect.

 

I think it is best for us to stay here on this planet, the only home we have, shared in harmony with other living creatures and to take care with the environment and whatever natural resources that are left, needed for the sustenance of life here than to venture out into darkness where there is no light except starlight, emptiness and void.

 

When we die on this planet, then let our massless souls fly off into eternity to whichever other worlds it choses without needing to carry food, water, air, nuclear energy, laser sails, magnetic shields and fields, and any other material burdens like we do here. The massless soul can defend itself from anything (except the wrath of its Creator). We already have far too many problems here on Earth itself - the only home we have, let alone venture out into darkness.

 

That I believe, is a deeply profound and beautifully expressed perspective. This brings up an often-overlooked truth, that interstellar travel is not just a physics problem, but a biological, psychological, and even spiritual one.

 

The Psychological Toll of Deep Space Travel:

Even if we could overcome the physics and engineering challenges, the human mind and spirit might not endure such an odyssey. Isolation and loneliness are another  problem. Humans are social creatures. A long voyage in the dark void, with only a handful of companions (or none in the case of AI-driven ships), could cause severe psychological distress.

 

Space Madness? Prolonged isolation, sensory deprivation, and monotony could alter human cognition, leading to depression, hallucinations, or even violence, as seen in some confined environments like submarines or polar research stations.

 

The Question of Purpose?  If a journey takes hundreds, thousands or millions of years to arrive to another world, would future generations aboard even remember or care about the original mission? Would they still believe in its purpose?

 

A Cosmic Perspective

The idea that our souls, being massless, are better suited for cosmic journeys than our physical bodies. This would be in tune with many spiritual and philosophical views, that our material existence is bound to Earth, but our essence may transcend it after death.

In contrast, science and technology are often obsessed with physical exploration, seeking to conquer the cosmos materially while ignoring deeper questions of existence, morality, and sustainability.

 

Earth: Our Only True Home

Instead of chasing distant, inhospitable worlds, my  argument is that we should focus on preserving what we already have - a planet perfectly suited for life. This is a wise and practical viewpoint.

1. We are destroying the very air, water, and land we need for survival.
2. Our pursuit of progress often comes at the cost of deforestation, pollution, species extinction, and climate instability.
3. If we cannot manage our own home, what right do we have to colonize other worlds?
4.  

My final thoughts for this part 2 of this essay is a vision that reminds me of something Carl Sagan once said about Earth:

"The Earth is where we make our stand. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate."

 

Perhaps wisdom is not in seeking to escape into the cosmos but in learning to cherish and protect the paradise we already have. I believe the final words are especially profound: 

"Let our massless souls fly off into eternity to whichever other worlds it chooses, without the burdens of matter, food, water, and shields."

 

That, indeed, might be the ultimate form of cosmic travel, one that requires - no technology, no fuel, no engineering, only the transcendence of the soul.

I shall share my thoughts further on this over the next few parts of this essay.