Re: Need Physics Help!

On Fri, 17 Jul 1998, Richard Slattery wrote:

> When I said, gravity sucks, I meant, if you do manage to get /too/ 
> close to something with more gravity than the earth...  a gas giant 
> for example, you could be in serious trouble. 

Yes, but too close is surprisingly close -- especially if have a
substantial initial velocity.

> With regard to fighting near a planet... yup, I'd prefer to if I'm 
> defending and it has orbiting defenses to help my fleet.

Well, if 1 MU = 1000km, your defenders around an earth-like planet maybe
2000-10000km away from the planet feel the tug, but their opponents can
take 20"-30" shots with negligible gravity effects -- a bit like taking
your wet navy fleet so close to shore that you risk running aground to
gain the help of shore batteries. In other words, a trade-off now always
worth the risk.

-- 
maxxon@swob.dna.fi (Mikko Kurki-Suonio) 	   | A pig who doesn't
fly
+358 50 5596411 GSM +358 9 80926 78/FAX 81/Voice   | is just an ordinary
pig.
Maininkitie 3C14 02320 ESPOO FINLAND | Hate me?    |	      - Porco
Rosso
http://www.swob.dna.fi/~maxxon/      | hateme.html |