Theoretical space question

[JonathanW]

So with our current knowledge, it’s not possible for us to explore other galaxies or even solar systems. But theoretically if we could figure out how to travel at or near the speed of light we could reach a lot of them, although only a small fraction that exist without being able to travel way faster than the speed of light.

However I am thinking way before reaching the speed of light we would surpass our own ability to steer a ship to avoid planets and asteroids. But also near the speed of light would that make it not possible for even electronic guidance to work. I doubt we could design an electrical signal to be faster than light, and enough faster for then guidance manipulation/maneuvers to take place.

Or is the guidance possibility just another piece of the puzzle we are unable to conceive of yet?

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Even at light speed it’d take 4 years to get to the nearest star. Not happening in our lifetime. And assuming Einstein is correct, won’t happen.

 

[the nail at the foul line]

You are travelling at the speed of light and you turn on your headlights, do they do anything?

Stephen Wright

 

[HagginHall1999]

So with our current knowledge, it’s not possible for us to explore other galaxies or even solar systems. But theoretically if we could figure out how to travel at or near the speed of light we could reach a lot of them, although only a small fraction that exist without being able to travel way faster than the speed of light.

However I am thinking way before reaching the speed of light we would surpass our own ability to steer a ship to avoid planets and asteroids. But also near the speed of light would that make it not possible for even electronic guidance to work. I doubt we could design an electrical signal to be faster than light, and enough faster for then guidance manipulation/maneuvers to take place.

Or is the guidance possibility just another piece of the puzzle we are unable to conceive of yet?

Did you roll it, pack it or eat it?

 

[funKYcat75]

However I am thinking way before reaching the speed of light we would surpass our own ability to steer a ship to avoid planets and asteroids.

Most of Space is just that. Space. Notoriously empty blackness. If we are approaching the ability to travel anywhere close to light speed, we’d have to assume that navigation would have been figured out by then.

 

[KAB Cats]

If a ship did reach the speed of light and traveled to a nearby star or galaxy, we’d almost all be dead before it returned.

The nearest star is 4.6 light years away. Back and forth, that’d 9.2 years for the crew, but on earth that’d be about equivalent to about 65 earth years.

 

[Spica Orbit]

Other than the Magellanic Clouds (two small satellite galaxies of our own Milky Way) & a host of other small galaxies, the nearest galaxy as large or larger than the our home galaxy is M31 at 2.5 million light years. That's a long day's walk!

 

[KAB Cats]

Other than the Magellanic Clouds (two small satellite galaxies of our own Milky Way) & a host of other small galaxies, the nearest galaxy as large or larger than the our home galaxy is M31 at 2.5 million light years. That's a long day's walk!

Name definitely checks out.

 

[Spica Orbit]

M31 (Messier 31) is actually visible without optical aid in late Summer & Fall in the northeastern sky. You need to be in a rural area & away from lights, however.

 

[J_Dee]

Some good related articles:

Basics of Spaceflight -- NASA, Dave Doody

The Physics of Interstellar Travel -- Dr. Michio Kaku

Is Interstellar Travel Really Possible? -- Paul Sutter

 

[J_Dee]

You are travelling at the speed of light and you turn on your headlights, do they do anything?

Stephen Wright

What would happen if you drove your car close to the speed of light and turned on the headlights? -- Dr. Christopher S. Baird

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

Man, you’re gonna get yourself hurt doing that crap. You watch.