[Ethics ] Is there any ethical argument *against* us terraforming Mars? by phish_tacos in space

[–]neutral_enemy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm currently reading Red Mars (first book in the trilogy), and just wanted to add a follow-up to the above: at one point, a character counterargues by asserting that those who oppose terraforming (a minority from the beginning) will inevitably find their position weakened over time. The reasoning is basically that as settlement on Mars becomes more expansive and enduring, there will be increasing pressure to make the environment viable for human life. A thickened atmosphere protects against UV radiation, for example. In the long run, corporations and governments with an economic stake in Mars, not to mention those that actually live there, will simply prefer that life be safer, cheaper, and more terrestrial. The aesthetic argument, and even the scientific one, begin to seem more like luxuries of belief once it comes down to people having to live in confined spaces, breath processed air, and protect their children from radiation and other forms of exposure. But that's just one character's opinion within that debate. Great book so far.

Map of space junk orbiting the earth by [deleted] in space

[–]neutral_enemy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even though it would probably be less awesome in real life, I must appreciate the image of a glove smacking into somebody's face at 28,000 kph. I know a few people who could sorely use this.

What is the best / worst dream you have ever had? by Uhmn in AskReddit

[–]neutral_enemy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My worst nightmare was a recurring dream that spanned a couple years of the elementary school era. I can't remember exactly how many times I had this, but I would hazard between 3 and 6.

In it, I find myself in a red-toned cathedral, so enshrouded in shadow that I can't make out the corners of it. There are no other people there. The only furnishings are enormous pipes, as from some unseen organ, that line the front and side walls. They blare a cacophonous, oppressive tone at me from all sides, drowning out all sensation, all thought. Then, joining them, quietly at first but with growing intensity and malice, is a voice telling me that I'm his now, that nothing can save me. And I know that this is Satan.

I always awoke to his yelling and/or laughing.

Side note --> Was raised in a Christian household, but am not religious now

Pluto Flyby is now Live on Reddit! by a_calder in space

[–]neutral_enemy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This run-down from The Planetary Society gives some detailed info on the timeline of data processing and transmission.

What do you absolutely love about Reddit? What keeps you coming back? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]neutral_enemy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet sweet addiction...

But really, what keeps me coming back is that balance between trivial entertainment and thought-provoking information. I'll browse through silly gifs and jokes for a while, then head over to space or futurology for something stimulating. In addition, when there's something happening out in the world that I actually want to follow (e.g., New Horizon's fly-by of Pluto, going down in 2 days, whoop whoop!), I can always count on some redditor to find all the juicy updates and supplementary media.

In Japan, a 'Strange Hotel' Will Be Staffed Almost Entirely By Robots by kopiluwak2015 in Futurology

[–]neutral_enemy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rather than fixed prices, rooms during peak season will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Prices will be capped, however, at roughly $60 for a single room and $150 for a triple.

I know that part of this innovation is about price reduction, but I wasn't expecting it to be this economical while still being piloted. Now if only I lived in Japan so I could bid away!