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What is the largest possible inhabitable world?

  • 24-06-2015 10:41pm
    #1
    _Tombstone_
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,006 ✭✭✭


    The question is of course ill-defined, since “largest”, “possible”, “inhabitable” and “world” are slippery terms. But let us aim at something with maximal surface area that can be inhabited by at least terrestrial-style organic life of human size and is allowed by the known laws of physics. This gives us plenty of leeway.

    http://aleph.se/andart2/megascale/what-is-the-largest-possible-inhabitable-world/


Comments

  • #2
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,552 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Two problems, first is escape velocity is greater for larger planets.

    Surface gravity of Saturn is only 1.06 but it would make an excellent prison colony as it's pretty much a one way trip to the surface. Colonies at the bottom of gravity wells aren't recommended.



    Second is that large hollow structures are fragile. O'Neill cylinders are fine. But planet sized ones , even ones the size of a small moon would require large amounts of unobtainium.


    Best way is to colonise asteroids and build swarms of relatively smaller station than trying to mod a planet.


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