(Edge-Localized Modes in plasmas look like solar flares.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3260985.stm
(We have learned how to prevent Edge-Localized Modes from flaring.)
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn9202&feedId=online-news_rss20
(ELM’s are distinctly like other cosmic plasma discharges, possibly even the sun.)
http://epsppd.epfl.ch/Tarragona/pdf/P1_132.pdf
So, what are the implications from a science and a philosophy point of view, if we are now in possession of the knowledge of how to control ELM’s (IE, solar flares)?
Would it be possible to build a series of devices (magnetic/electric field generators) such that they could be positioned in space to control or bleed off plasma from the sun in such a way as to a) prevent or reduce solar flare production b) produce usable power?
If it is possible to build such a series of devices, what the the implications for humanity IF we were able to control solar flares, either to eliminate them or produce them?
Please skim the articles first. Science types’ responses preferred. No one-liners, and preferrably an interestign line of reasoning.
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If we were able to negatively or positively control solar flares (to reduce or increase the size, intensity or even generation of solar flares), what are the implications? Woudl we be theoretically able to stabilize the sun to an even state? Would this (scary thought) be something that could be weaponized? What might the effect be on other bodies in the solar system, if solar flares and electric currents no longer, or much less frequently/powerfully flowed? Would this change the nature of things?
Is this thing on? No reponse from the science community? Perhaps I’m the only one that sees these as parallel things to draw comparisons between, and sees the perils of too much knowledge too quickly, and its misapplication?
Seriously, I’d like al ittle discussion amongst the educated folks? Philosophical implications? Technical implications? Ethical implications? Etc.
Though, I still prefer no one-liners or junk posts.
Good thoughts, InsaneMonkey…
I guess I was most interested in the implications of being able to stabilize solar flares or eradicate them altogether. I mean it would be a boon to our sattelites and other spacefaring technology not to be constantly bombarded by solar flares.
And what ifrather than eliminating solar flares, we learned to CREATE them and it became a weapons platform? Kind of scary. I mean, assuming we gain sufficient knowledge on how to create and/or destroy instabilities leading to CME’s and/or solar flares.
Or, even on a smaller scale, if we see that plasmas in the lab develop ELM’sin the same way the sun develops flares, is the phenomenon even related? IE, does it scale up to solar magnitudes?
If so, would we be able to control the sun’s instabilities using the same techniques. If so, should we? What ethical quandaries might we face?
C’mon! only 1 answer? This isn’t rocket surgery… =o\ Isn’t anyone willing to intelligently answer a TOUGH question? Easy questions I can answer on my own…
