Science!

Several interesting science news stories have appeared recently, some of them relating to physics and astronomy. Needless to say, these tend to give me ideas for new tangents to my stories-in-progress. Not that they are likely to have much  impact on the actual plots or on the 'science' have in place, if I am writing sequels to existing stories.

One idea that has intrigued me is that of 'primordial black holes.' The theory is that space is quite full of relatively tiny black holes, formed early in the life of the universe. Maybe in the big bang itself. These could be the source of the observed gravity that has led to the concept of dark matter. If they exist, it is likely they pass through our own solar system with some regularity. Perhaps once a decade (on average). Could such an object be somehow captured? Could it be used in any sort of propulsion system? Could it even be a path to faster-than-light travel? Lots to be explored there.

Another bit of news is the discovery of a smallish exo-planet orbiting the nearby red dwarf, Barnard's Star. Not at all habitable but a possible steppingstone outward from Earth, if mankind ever makes the jump beyond our system. Also a steppingstone for Jack McFee if he decides to visit Earth--an idea I've been considering for the sequel on which I am supposed to be working. If one has read the previous Jack Mack novels one will know jump-ships usually travel via hopping to the nearest star rather than risking long jumps. I guess I need to decide what direction Scotia is from Earth and whether Barnard's or one of the Alpha Centauri suns would be on the most direct route. Hmm, I have said the Sirius is more or less on the route so I need to figure out which direction that is, don't I?

There have been interesting stories on antimatter and dark energy and much more, and if there is anything I think might be of use, I tend to jot it down. For me, that's more efficient than bookmarking. That I'm liable to forget but if it's in my notes, I'll be reminded!