Tim Daughters
asked
Neil deGrasse Tyson:
I've been reading "Project Hail Mary." OK, it's science fiction, but there was a part when a character didn't know anything about relativity and was surprised that he had extra fuel at the end of his relativistic travels. That doesn't seem right. OK, there is time dilation, so the trip doesn't take as long as he thought, but doesn't his mass get bigger as he goes faster--needing more fuel to accelerate his ship?
Neil deGrasse Tyson
He will find that as he approaches the speed of light his fuel needs will grow exponentially -- we interpret that as a relativistic increase in his mass.
About the extra fuel, I'd have to do the math on this one. It may be that he wouldn't have that extra fuel for those reasons, in spite of the time dilation shortening his trip.
I've friends with Andy Weir, I'll check with him on this, to make sure he did his homework properly.
About the extra fuel, I'd have to do the math on this one. It may be that he wouldn't have that extra fuel for those reasons, in spite of the time dilation shortening his trip.
I've friends with Andy Weir, I'll check with him on this, to make sure he did his homework properly.
More Answered Questions
José Carvalho
asked
Neil deGrasse Tyson:
Many breakthroughs in science were due to luck. After discovery of a new drug, comes a process of trial and error that consumes a lot of time and resources. If we had a quantum computer, the trial and error could be all simulated saving time and money? Instead of finding a new drug, maybe we can start designing new drugs due to quantum mechanics? Like turning on the light, see what we're doing and doing it better?
V.A. Menon
asked
Neil deGrasse Tyson:
I read two of your books COSMIC QUERIES and STARRY MESSENGER. Both are very thought provoking. Despite the amazing progress made in the field of science and technology a vast majority of the population especially in developing countries are still immersed in superstitious beliefs. Scientific knowledge and scientific thinking do not come down to common man. what could be a solution to this?
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