Re: OFF-QUESTION: How big is an Alderson point?

On Sep 30, 1997 at 3:05:16 PM, "Phillip E. Pournelle"
<pepourne@nps.navy.mil> 
wrote:

> I forwarded the question to Jerry but I can't guarrantee a response: 
> Here's my take on the subject 

Thanks, Phil!!

[my original question snipped]

> If I recall correctly, Alderson Points drift around an area based on
the 
> interaction of the two generating stars, their current illumination, 
> gravity waves and other perception distortions based on Relative
effect. 
> Thus while you can place a station out in the area, it won't be in a 
> stable orbit.  Additonally, you must have Alderson Survey equipment to

> keep track of the Alderson point as it fluctuates and then a
maneuvering 
> drive to stay on station.  Even then it does not guarrantee that you
will 
> have your crosshairs on the right place at the right time, plus the 
> Alderson confusion effect works both ways because if the target
doesn't 
> know where he is in relation to the universe (and the universe Vice 
> versa), neither does the aimer...  This is the hazard of introducing 
> instantaneous travel into an Einsteinien universe... 
>	My suggestion is to have a mobile defense.  Remember the
Alderson 
> point is maintained in reference to the two stars not their systems, 
> therefore you will not be in a stable orbit and stations will drift. 

Okay, that fits.  I also remember a comment from "Reflex" to the effect
that 
the captain of the _Definat_ really wished the HQ in New Chicago would
send 
out a survey ship so they could determine exactly where the point was. 
If the 
point has a tendency to wander around a bit, that would add to the
necessity 
of such a survey.  It might be needed anyway, of course, even if the
point 
didn't move; determine an exact point in space relative to the star
would be 
tough enough to do, and if the point DOEs move, getting it right to
within a 
couple of hundred kiloklicks -- or more -- might be considered 
extraordinairily lucky.

--Chris Weuve		[My opinion, not my employers.]
mailto:caw@ascend.com (wk/day)		mailto:caw@wizard.net (h)
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