Re: [FT] FTL

> On the other hand, as I keep mentioning, there's this thing probably
> around most systems called an Oort (can't do umlats) Cloud, so, do you
> have to move outsystem 1/3 the distance to the closest star before you
can
> engage FTL? *shrug*

The gravitional effect of a hollow sphere, experienced anywhere 
inside the sphere is zero. Now, I can't remember off the top of my 
head whether the Oort cloud is a ring or a cloud but the same effect 
applies in either case. (If it is a ring then you'll start to feel a 
pull only if you leave the plane of the ring.)

Of course it's rather more likely that considering the density of the 
Oort cloud (low) and it's distance from the sun/earth (large) that it 
doesn't produce a large enough gravitational gradient to effect FTL 
jumps.

Some systems have an Oort cloud that is a lot further in, but these 
systems tend to also have brown dwarfs and no/few other planets and 
so are very unlikely to be sites for human colonies (but may be 
perfect Sa'vasku ship breeding grounds for all we know...)

	Steve

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Steve Pugh   <steve.pugh@dial.pipex.com>