Well, the thing about a black hole – it’s main distinguishing feature – is it’s black. And the thing about space, the color of space, your basic space color – is it’s black. So how are you supposed to see them?
This reminds me of 1968. Pulsars had just been discovered and the existence of such superbly periodic signals caused more than one suggestion of LGMs (Little Green Men). But one I liked was that the Pulsars were in fact celestial “lighthouses” (operating at radio frequencies) marking hazards in space.
In a sense that is true, as the pulsars exist as the remnants of supernovae.
And now, NASA is looking at using pulsars as navigation aids for spacecraft. They would then not need to rely on signals from earth.
Actually, Doc, the lighthouse is a great idea. Since even light is pulled into a black hole, the light from the lighthouse shows us the way to the black hole, and what direction to avoid.
If it’s close enough for the light to pulled into the black hole, then wouldn’t the lighthouse itself be pulled in? And if it was that close to the event horizon, wouldn’t time dilation become an issue? The light mechanism in the light house would stop moving from our point of view.
I’m put in mind of Disney’s terrible Black Hole movie from the 1970s, which had two redeeming features – the stunning set design, and the last 30 seconds which nearly redeemed the whole thing retrospectively.
David_the_CAD over 2 years ago
Man, that sucks.
LawrenceS over 2 years ago
“Full speed ahead, Ensign. I don’t see anything in front of us!”
“Uh, Captain… The reason you—”
“You heard my order.”
David_the_CAD over 2 years ago
How can you miss seeing a black hole in space?
Well, the thing about a black hole – it’s main distinguishing feature – is it’s black. And the thing about space, the color of space, your basic space color – is it’s black. So how are you supposed to see them?
Doug K over 2 years ago
Even though this idea is ridiculous, if they’re going to do it – the lighthouse needs to be positioned farther away from the black hole.
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member over 2 years ago
This reminds me of 1968. Pulsars had just been discovered and the existence of such superbly periodic signals caused more than one suggestion of LGMs (Little Green Men). But one I liked was that the Pulsars were in fact celestial “lighthouses” (operating at radio frequencies) marking hazards in space.
In a sense that is true, as the pulsars exist as the remnants of supernovae.
And now, NASA is looking at using pulsars as navigation aids for spacecraft. They would then not need to rely on signals from earth.
Zykoic over 2 years ago
Position just right you could see the back of your head.
Sanspareil over 2 years ago
Looks like the black hole is advertising for haircuts!
Dr Mel is safe though!
Gent over 2 years ago
Black holes is just humongous amounts of mass in a teeny tiny span of space.
preacherman Premium Member over 2 years ago
Actually, Doc, the lighthouse is a great idea. Since even light is pulled into a black hole, the light from the lighthouse shows us the way to the black hole, and what direction to avoid.
P51Strega over 2 years ago
Beautifully illustrated.
blakerl over 2 years ago
A lighthouse should work as it would light the event horizon.
belgarathmth over 2 years ago
If it’s close enough for the light to pulled into the black hole, then wouldn’t the lighthouse itself be pulled in? And if it was that close to the event horizon, wouldn’t time dilation become an issue? The light mechanism in the light house would stop moving from our point of view.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member over 2 years ago
I’m put in mind of Disney’s terrible Black Hole movie from the 1970s, which had two redeeming features – the stunning set design, and the last 30 seconds which nearly redeemed the whole thing retrospectively.
Bilan over 2 years ago
Maybe they should be concerned that there’s a black hole so close by, since they are orbiting Earth.
old_geek over 2 years ago
Needs a Black Hole Bell too.
A Common 'tator over 2 years ago
I wonder whether anyone knows who’s family was responsible for designing and maintaining at least 12 lighthouses around the UK?
I wonder what Google will tell you if you ask it that question?
Another Take over 2 years ago
All the aliens who need a haircut are being killed!
norphos over 2 years ago
As long as the lighthouse avoids the Event Horizon.
Not the Smartest Man On the Planet -- Maybe Close Premium Member over 2 years ago
Clever.
YippiKiAyMofo over 2 years ago
How about Blacklight Lighthouse?