Re: Long term nuclear waste disposal (was: The Year 2038 Problem)

From: Programmer Dude (Chris_at_Sonnack.com)
Date: 06/15/04

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    Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 09:47:57 -0500

    Thomas G. Marshall writes:

    > As a reader of scientific american wrote in, a mini black hole
    > could theoretically gobble up the earth in a matter of minutes.

    There is a problem with this. A mini-black hole has a certain
    size, and matter can only go through a hole that size at a
    certain rate. Also, infalling matter generates serious radiation
    and the pressure of that radiation tends to push infalling matter
    away.

    IOW, don't believe everything you read! (-:

    > I've often wondered:
    >
    > Is it possible that there are no black holes formed in nature?
    > That any that we postulate about (sort of "observe") are the
    > results of civilizations that have discovered how to accidentally
    > create one?

    Such could happen, but that doesn't mean natural ones don't also
    exist. However, I've long fancied the idea that some of the
    more spectacular and energetic events we see "out there".....

    Well, suppose, for e.g., that it's possible to tap into what's
    called "zero point" energy, which some theories hold to be very,
    very great. But suppose you need to tap into it just *exactly*
    right, "or else!" (-:

    (Remember, some very knowledgeable scientists were very afraid
    the first A-bomb tests would ignite the atmosphere....good thing
    they were wrong!) 

    -- 
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